Baodai Bridge

Stretching for more than 300 metres beside the Grand Canal, Baodai Bridge (宝带桥) is one of Suzhou's most remarkable historic structures. Its 53 stone arches extend across the eastern outlet of Tantai Lake, forming China's longest surviving ancient multi-arch stone bridge.

The first bridge was built here during the Tang dynasty, from 816 to 819, as part of the Grand Canal transport system. Boats were traditionally pulled along the canal by towmen walking beside the water, and the bridge allowed the towpath to cross the lake without constructing a solid embankment that would obstruct the flow of water. The bridge has subsequently been rebuilt and repaired numerous times during its roughly 1,200-year history.

Its name means “Precious Belt Bridge.” According to tradition, Suzhou governor Wang Zhongshu donated a valuable belt to help finance its construction. Another explanation is simply that the long, narrow bridge resembles a belt stretched across the water.

53 Moons at Mid-Autumn
Baodai Bridge has a special connection with Suzhou's Mid-Autumn Festival. Tradition holds that on the night of the full moon, its reflection appears through the bridge's 53 arches, creating the impression of 53 moons strung together across the water.

Known as Baodai Chuan Yue (宝带串月) — “Baodai Bridge Strings the Moons” — the sight has long made the bridge a traditional place for Mid-Autumn moon viewing in Suzhou.

Baodai Bridge is also a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit and an important heritage component of the UNESCO-listed Grand Canal.

Suzhou Scene Tip
For the best view, don't just walk onto the bridge. Step back and view it from the side, where you can appreciate the full sequence of arches. Calm water can create particularly impressive reflections.