Zongma Bridge at the South Gate of Changshu Ancient City

South Gate Altar Changshu·Suzhou Every ancient city has a unique memory of the South Gate. The South Gate of Suzhou is an irreplicable picture of the prosperity of Gusu, the South Gate of Wuxi is the "South Gate Head" with cultural convergence beside the ancient canal and Nanzen Temple, and the South Gate of Changshu City, this place called "South Gate Altar", not only has ancient houses and buildings, small bridges and flowing water, but also full of life. Changshu is a small town in the south of the Yangtze River. The South Gate in history was an important water and land transportation gateway in Changshu. It is located north of the city river, south of the China Merchants City, west of Shang Lake, south of Hengjing Hall, and the top of the bridge that spans the city river is Zongma Bridge. There are many ancient bridges and streets hidden in the bustling city. Especially near the Zongma Bridge at the South Gate, there are countless deep alleys and simple stone bridges. This "Fengle Bridge" hidden in dense green leaves is located in the south of Zongma Bridge, spanning Yuanhe Pond, and has a long history. The stone steps on the east and west sides have been changed into ramps. Fengle Bridge was originally a square hole stone bridge. According to the records of the Ming Dynasty county annals: it was built during the Xuande period, rebuilt during the Zhengtong period, and rebuilt during the Chenghua period, and it was first built with stone. During the Republic of China, the bridge surface was rebuilt, and the three characters of "Fengle Bridge" were engraved, but now they are blurred and can't be seen clearly. The iron railings set on both sides are also relics of the Republic of China, and many places are now rusted and damaged. The Yuanhe Pond under the bridge is an ancient historical river, originally named Changshu Pond, because Changshu was a state in ancient times, so it was once named Zhou Pond. The river is alive, flowing through the wide and narrow river. This is an important drainage and navigation river in the Yangcheng River Network. It starts from Qimen in Suzhou in the south and ends at the South Gate of Changshu in the north. The entire journey passes through Pingjiang District, Xiangcheng District of Suzhou City and Changshu City. The clear river is as calm as a mirror, flowing slowly. The loquat branches stretching out are full of golden fruits. The old houses and slanted trees are reflected on the clear lake, dyeing a fresh and elegant watercolor painting. Standing on Fengle Bridge, staring at the distance in a trance, thoughts are flying. The exquisite beauty of the misty south of the Yangtze River is beautiful in the hazy water, beautiful in the distant mountains like light ink, thin mist like light yarn, which will take people into a poetic and picturesque mood, let people indulge...