Wenheng Bridge Traditional Cache

Wenheng Bridge by the side of the Biji Lane was established in the 27th year during the Jiajing Emperor’s Reign in Qing Dynasty (AD 1548) and rebuilt in the 33rd year of the Qianlong Emperor’s Reign in Qing Dynasty (AD1768). In ancient times, it was an important bridge for traffic here. The Wenheng Bridge is the 3-arched stone bridge, arranged in opposition and constructed with bluestones. A big square stone with lotus embossment is placed in the right center on the surface and the stone rails and columns with cloud embossments on the top are erected on both sides in the east and west. The modeling of the ancient bridge appears forceful. Three arch bridge openings reflect to the water surface forming three round rings. In the autumn night, the bright moon can be seen through the three opining rings. It is a famous scene named as “Wenheng through Moon”. In the ancient times, the emperors should pass this bridge on their Southern China Inspection Tours.

In 1987 when the ancient canal was widened, the position of the bridge crossing the old Grand Canal in South-North direction has been changed in present status – over an small stream by the side of Biji Lane.