Water Bridge at No. 139 Xijing Street
In front of No. 139 Xijing Street stands a black granite monument inscribed with “Qingpu District Cultural Relic Protection Site”, established in February 2017. Here lies the Water Bridge, which faces north and is constructed in an outwardly convex, single-sided style. It features exquisitely carved patterns on the bridge surface—an truly special sight in the ancient town.
The main platform of the Water Bridge consists of four fitted stone slabs with a central embedded stone. The design features a “square exterior with a circular interior” motif, symbolizing the ancient Chinese cosmology of “heaven as round and earth as square.” At the four corners are ruyi motifs, while the outer circle of the central design is decorated with continuous hui (回) patterns, enclosing a central “longevity medallion” (团寿纹). This intricate design is rich in symbolism: eternal life, blessings of longevity, and prosperity for future generations. It reflects the Chinese aesthetic philosophy that “every image carries meaning, and every meaning brings auspiciousness.”
The bridge surface measures 125 cm in width, with the central stone 74 cm wide and its inner circle 57 cm in diameter. To the west are five stone steps, each 35 cm deep and 20 cm high, making the total length 180 cm. The carved patterns resemble a stone “carpet,” blessing all who step on it—whether boarding or departing from a boat—with enduring good fortune for generations.
