Ping’an Bridge
Welcome, dear visitors! In the Qing dynasty, Wang Xiyi, an instructor in Qingpu County, wrote a poem titled “Anchoring at Ping’an Bridge under the Moonlight”:
"Red railings and emerald balustrades embrace the winding stream,
A waning moon like a hook illuminates the traveler’s boat.
Sparse chimes echo from the ancient temple’s courtyard,
Sending travelers north and south, their hearts heavy with parting sorrow."
The “red-railed ancient bridge” described in the poem is the very Ping’an Bridge before you today. Standing here, one might still hear the midnight bell of Yuanjin Zen Temple, reminiscent of Tang poet Zhang Ji’s famous verse about mooring his boat at Hanshan Temple centuries ago.
Ping’an Bridge is located on the northern section of Daxin Street in Zhujiajiao, northwest of Tongtianhe Pharmacy. It spans the Huqiu Port of Zhujiajiao’s city river in an east-west direction, connecting to Caohe Street on the opposite bank. Locals also call it “Qijia Bridge,” and there’s an intriguing story behind this alternate name.
Constructed as a three-span flat beam bridge from granite, Ping’an Bridge measures 24 meters in length and 1.8 meters in width. The south approach has 12 stone steps; the north, 14. Both bridge abutments are built of large stone blocks, and the deck is paved with long stone slabs.
The entire bridge is a mix of brick, stone, and wood. In ancient times, this area was known as Ping’anli (“Place of Peace”), hence the name Ping’an Bridge. The bridge body and base are made of granite strips, while the side railings are built of blue bricks. The center railings consist of two unadorned wooden poles, giving the bridge a natural and rustic appearance.
But why is Ping’an Bridge also called Qijia Bridge? Legend wrote that the bridge was built during the Ming dynasty by Qi Jiguang, the famed general who led campaigns against Japanese pirates. As his troops passed through, they constructed the bridge using locally available materials. The resulting brick-wood-stone hybrid structure was designed for speed and utility, not refinement. This explains the uneven bridge stones; as pedestrians cross, the slabs emit distinctive “clacking” sounds. Yet the bridge has endured, strong and intact, standing as a tribute to General Qi’s army and their contributions to the people.
Today, Ping’an Bridge remains remarkably well preserved. In February 2017, it was designated a protected cultural relic of Qingpu District. Standing on the bridge, you can appreicate the unique charm of water-town houses along both riverbanks.
In Zhujiajiao, there’s a local saying: “If not a virtuous minister, then a skilled doctor.” Many scholars here pursued positions in government after years of study, while others turned to medicine, healing the sick. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the town became a bustling center for traditional herbal medicine trading, with numerous pharmacies established along its streets. Let’s continue and explore one such century-old pharmacy to uncover its fascinating past and present.
