Content area
Full Text
Baodai Bridge (precious belt bridge) is the longest stone bridge over the Beijing- Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world's longest ancient canal. Located 7.5 kilometers southeast of Suzhou City, this multi-arch stone bridge was first built between 816 and 819 AD during the Tang Dynasty. The Yangtze River Delta, where Suzhou is located, is an area abundant in rice and water resources and since ancient times, it has been a major place to produce grains and fiscal revenues for the country. In 610 AD, Sui Dynasty emperor Yang Guang decided to dig the Grand Canal to facilitate the transportation of grains and treasures from the Yangtze River Delta to the empire's capital.
During the Tang Dynasty, Suzhou Governor Wang Zhongshu organized the construction of a stone bridge over the section between Suzhou and Jiaxing so as to facilitate grains transportation through the Grand Canal. He even donated his jade belt to mobilize enough funds. When it was completed, the bridge was named "Precious Belt Bridge". It is 316.8 meters long, with...