Wanyuan Bridge, a national treasure in Huzhou | Shuanglin Town, Huzhou (2878)
| Shuanglin Town, Huzhou (2878). Wanyuan Bridge is the largest and oldest stone arch bridge among the three bridges in Shuanglin, Huzhou, carrying a profound historical and cultural heritage and exquisite ancient bridge-building craftsmanship.
The initial construction date of Wanyuan Bridge is unknown, but records indicate it was destroyed by Japanese pirates during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1522–1566). It was rebuilt as a wooden bridge during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1662–1722) and named "Fucheng Bridge." In the eighth year of the Yongzheng period (1730), it was changed to a stone bridge and renamed "Wanyuan Bridge." The existing bridge was rebuilt by local gentry Chen Wenyong, who raised funds for the project in the fourteenth year of the Daoguang period (1834). The reconstruction took seven years and was completed in the twentieth year of the Daoguang period (1840).
The name "Wanyuan" implies "eternal prosperity," embodying the ancient people's wishes for peace and prosperity.
The bridge is 51m long, 3.5m wide, and 7m high, with a central span of 13.6m. There are 44 stone steps on each abutment. The arch ring is constructed using a longitudinally connected and segmented parallel laying method, reinforced with five long tie beams, ensuring a stable structure.
There are 10 pairs of stone lions with various postures on both sides of the top railing, vividly carved and possessing both artistic and symbolic significance.
The bridge railings feature granite-carved armrests, ending with drum-shaped stones, combining practicality and decoration.
A separate stone slab walkway is provided next to the bridge for easy cart passage, reflecting the practical considerations of the ancient bridge.
Having survived destruction by Japanese pirates and transitions between wood and stone, Wanyuan Bridge, preserved in its stone form, epitomizes the history of transportation, commerce, and defense in the Jiangnan water towns during the Ming and Qing dynasties.