China Travel Guide

Baodai Bridge, located 7.5km southeast of Suzhou, spans on the Daidai River. The Baodai Bridge earns the reputation of “the First Bridge in Suzhou”. Precious Belt Bridge, one of the most famous and grandiose adornments of the Grand Canal, is located 7.5km southeast of Suzhou. It spans on the Daidai River, at the intersection of the Grand Canal and Lake Tantai. Precious Belt Bridge enjoys the reputation of “the First Bridge in Suzhou”. In the Yuanhe period of the Tang Dynasty, Wang Zhongshu, an official of Suzhou sold his precious belt in order to collect money to build the bridge. The local rich men were moved by his action and contributed sufficient money for building the bridge. To commemorate Wang Zhongshu, the bridge was given the name “Precious Belt”. The present bridge was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). There used to be two stone lions at each side of the bridge. The two stone lions at the south side sank into the river while the two standing at the north still stood firmly.

Name: Suzhou Precious Belt Bridge (Baodai Qiao)
City: Suzhou