Yongquan Bridge
Along Jingting Port, the north-south main waterway of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, unfolds a picturesque Jiangnan scene of riverside houses and stone bridges connecting the two banks. Three ancient stone bridges span this clear city river from east to west, forming the famous “Three Bridges on Dragon River. These three bridges—Yongquan Bridge (North Bridge), Zhonglong Bridge (Middle Bridge), and Yong’an Bridge (South Bridge)—all cross Jingting Port and connect Dongjing Street with Xijing Street in an east-west orientation.
Jingting Port meanders toward the broad bay near Fangsheng Bridge, resembling a dragon playing with a pearl. According to legend, an emperor of the Qing dynasty once visited this area and crossed these bridges, giving rise to the name “Dragon River.” Locals call Jingting Port Longhe, where Yongquan Bridge forms the dragon’s tail, Zhonglong Bridge its belly, and Yong’an Bridge its head—together creating the shape of a dragon, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.
Yongquan Bridge was built in the mid-to-late Qing dynasty as a single-span beam bridge constructed of granite. It measures 15 meters in total length, approximately 2 meters wide at the abutments, and 1.5 meters across the bridge deck. The arch has a 4-meter span and rises 3 meters high. The railings are 60 cm tall, providing a perfect spot to sit and cool off. Each corner features drum-shaped posts in the form of ancient ingots (yuanbao), adding distinctive character. Both ends of the bridge have 14 stone steps, with anti-slip patterns carved into each tread. The main bridge deck consists of two long side slabs with 16 smaller central slabs joined together. On the outer side, the name “Yongquan Bridge” is inscribed in regular script, and another stone tablet inside the eastern arch bears the same name—likely added during a later restoration as a commemorative marker.
With its elegant design and practical function, Yongquan Bridge not only facilitates access between the two banks but also serves as the first beautiful landmark welcoming visitors to Zhujiajiao, offering the most striking first impression of the ancient town.
