Introduction to famous ancient bridges

1 China's four major ancient bridges

Luoyang Bridge in Quanzhou, Fujian

Luoyang Bridge was formerly known as Wan'an Bridge. On the Luoyang River in the eastern suburbs of Quanzhou, Fujian Province, there is the earliest existing cross-sea beam-type large stone bridge in my country. Cai Xiang, the prefect of Quanzhou in the Song Dynasty, presided over the bridge construction project. It took seven years from the fourth year of Huangyou (AD 1053) to the fourth year of Jiayou (AD 1059) in the Northern Song Dynasty and cost 14 million taels of silver. This large stone bridge spans the river and the sea. The bridge is entirely made of granite stone. When it was first built, the bridge was 360 feet long and 1.5 feet wide. There were warrior statues on both sides. The scale of the bridge construction project is huge, the craftsmanship is superb, and it is famous all over the world. Since the bridge was built more than 900 years ago, it has been repaired 17 times. The current bridge is 731.29 meters long, 4.5 meters wide and 7.3 meters high. It has 44 boat-shaped piers, 645 handrails, 104 stone lions, 1 stone pavilion and 7 stone towers. There are many inscriptions from past dynasties near the pavilion in the bridge, including "Eternal Anlan" and other Song Dynasty rock carvings; in the north of the bridge are the ruins of Zhaohui Temple and Zhenshen Temple; in the south of the bridge is Cai Xiang Temple, the famous "Wan'an Bridge" written by Cai Xiang in the Song Dynasty. The stele, erected in the temple, is known as the "three wonders" of calligraphy, writing, and sculpture. Luoyang Bridge is the beginning of the raft-shaped bridge foundation in the world and is a national key cultural relic protection unit.

Hebei Zhaozhou Bridge

Zhaozhou Bridge, also known as Anji Bridge, is located on the Mihe River five miles south of Zhao County, Hebei Province . Zhao County was called Zhaozhou in ancient times, hence the name. Zhaozhou Bridge was designed and built by Li Chun, a mason from the Sui Dynasty. It has been around 1,400 years ago and is the oldest and most majestic stone arch bridge in the world. The Zhaozhou Bridge only uses a single-hole stone arch to cross the Mihe River. The span of the stone arch is 37.7 meters. It connects the north and south bridges (both ends of the bridge are close to the flat ground), and the total length is 50.82 meters. Taking such a huge span was an unprecedented initiative at the time. What is even more extraordinary is that two small stone arches are built on each shoulder of the large stone arch, thus changing the traditional architectural style of filling the large arch with sand and stone in the past and creating the world's first "open shoulder arch". "New bridge type. This is an amazing scientific invention. An ancient large open-shoulder stone arch bridge like Zhaozhou Bridge. Unique in the world for quite some time. In Europe, in the 14th century AD, a similar shoulder-shaped Serret Bridge appeared on the Teck River in France, more than 700 years later than the Zhaozhou Bridge, and the bridge was destroyed as early as 1809. The outstanding contribution of Li Chun, a famous stonemason in the Sui Dynasty, will shine forever in the history of bridge construction in the world.

Beijing Marco Polo Bridge

Marco Polo Bridge is located on the Yongding River in the southwest suburbs of Beijing. It is a stone bridge with two arches. The bridge was built in the 29th year of Dading in the Jin Dynasty (1189 AD) and completed in the 3rd year of Mingchang (1192 AD). It was repaired in the Yuan and Ming dynasties and rebuilt in the 37th year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1698). The bridge is 212.2 meters long and has 11 holes. The net span and sagittal height of each hole are not equal, the side holes are small and the middle hole gradually increases. The whole bridge has ten piers, with widths ranging from 5.3 meters to 7.25 meters. There are stone railings built on both sides of the bridge, and the pillars are 1.40 meters high. There are stone lions carved on each pillar, some squatting, some lying down, some big caressing the small, some small holding the big, there are 485 in total. There are stone railings inlaid between the stone pillars, 85 centimeters high. There are Chinese watches, imperial stele pavilions, stele carvings, etc. at both ends of the bridge. There is also a square white marble stele pavilion built at both ends of the bridge. Each pavilion pillar is carved with a coiled dragon pattern. Extremely detailed. Marco Polo Bridge is world-renowned for its exquisite stone carving art. Lugou Bridge has long been famous at home and abroad. The Italian Marco Polo's book "The Travels of Marco Polo" contains detailed records of this bridge. The July 7th Incident occurred here in 1937, which was the beginning of Japanese imperialism's invasion of mainland China. Therefore, Lugou Bridge became a monumental building with historical significance.

Guangji Bridge in Chaozhou, Guangdong

Guangji Bridge, also known as Xiangzi Bridge, is located in the east of Chaozhou Town, Chaoan County, Guangdong Province, across Han Jiang. It was first built in the sixth year of Qiandao in the Southern Song Dynasty (1170). Zeng Wang, the governor of Chaozhou, presided over the construction of the west bridge pier, which was completed in the second year of Baoqing (1226). In the first year of Shaoxing (1194), Shen Chongyu, who knew the military state affairs, took charge of the east bridge pier, and it was completed in the second year of Kaixi (1206).

The whole bridge took 57 years to complete, with a total length of 515 meters. It is divided into two sections, east and west, with 18 piers. The middle section is about 100 meters wide. Due to the rapid water flow, the bridge could not be built and only boats were used to ferry it across. It was called Jeju Bridge at the time. In the 10th year of Xuande in the Ming Dynasty (1435), it was rebuilt and five piers were added, which was called Guangji Bridge. During the Zhengde period, another pier was built, totaling 24 piers. The piers are made of granite blocks, and 18 shuttle boats are used in the middle section to form a pontoon bridge, which can be opened and closed. When large ships and rafts pass by, the pontoon boats in the pontoon can be untied to allow ships and rafts to pass. Then return the pontoon to its original position. It is the earliest switchable large stone bridge in China and the world. The observation tower on Guangji Bridge is the only one seen in the history of bridges in my country. Guangji Bridge, Zhaozhou Bridge, Luoyang Bridge and Lugou Bridge are also known as the four famous bridges in ancient China. They are nationally protected cultural relics and a valuable heritage in Chinese bridge architecture.

2 Other famous ancient bridges

Anping Bridge in Quanzhou, Fujian

Anping Bridge is the longest existing ancient bridge in my country The stone bridge enjoys the reputation of "there is no bridge as long as this in the world". It is located on the bay between Anhai Town, Jinjiang, Quanzhou, and Shuitou Town, Nan'an, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China. Because Anhai Town was called Anping Road in ancient times, it got its name; and because the bridge is about 5 miles long, it is commonly known as Wuli Bridge. Anping Bridge is an ancient Chinese connecting-beam stone slab bridge. It was first built in the eighth year of Shaoxing in the Southern Song Dynasty (1138). It took 13 years to complete and was repaired in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The current total length of the bridge is 2070 meters, and the bridge deck is 3 to 3.6 meters wide. It is paved with giant stone slabs and has railings on both sides. The bridge piers are built with long strips of stone and square stones stacked horizontally and vertically, and come in three forms: square, unilateral boat-shaped, and double-sided boat shape. There are 331 piers in existence, shaped like a rainbow. On both sides of the long bridge, there are stone towers and stone Buddha statues. The pillars of the railings are carved with male and female stone lions and stone statues of the generals who protect the bridge. There are five pavilions in the east, west and middle parts of the entire bridge for people to rest and are equipped with Bodhisattva statues. There are four symmetrical square stone pagodas and a circular Cui Du Po pagoda built in the water on both sides. The body of the pagoda is carved with Buddha, with a plump and charitable face. There are two bridge-protecting generals in the middle pavilion. They are 1.59 to 1.68 meters tall. They wear helmets and armor and hold swords. They are the essence of stone carving art in the Song Dynasty. The bridge is the longest beam-type stone bridge in the world in the medieval times and the longest existing large stone seaport bridge in my country. In 1961, Anping Bridge became one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units announced by the country.

Borneroqiao, Luzhou, Sichuan

Bornaoqiao, Luzhou, Sichuan

Bornaoqiao is located on the Jiuqu River in Longhua Village, Datian Township, Luxian County, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province. It was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1398). Pingqiao, running east-west, is 54 meters long, 1.9 meters wide, 5.3 meters high, with 14 piers and 13 holes. The layout is unique and majestic. The eight bridge piers in the middle are each carved from huge stones into auspicious animals, including four dragons, two unicorns, one elephant and one lion. The carved dragon has a unique shape and holds a "babe" in its mouth. It is completely hollow and can be moved by hand. When the wind blows, the dragon's nose makes a sound. The elephant's trunk is curled, its tusks are stretched upward, its fat body is drooping, and its expression is calm, giving people a sense of peace and tranquility. The lion and unicorn are lifelike and have their own characteristics. The bridge is a flat bridge with stone piers and beams. It is neither connected with mortise and tenon joints nor filled with adhesives. It relies entirely on the mutual support of each component. It has high value in construction technology and is a rare bridge in ancient my country. It is a national key cultural relic protection unit.

Dongguan Bridge, Yongchun, Quanzhou, Fujian

Dongguan Bridge, also known as "Tongxian Bridge", is located in Yongchun, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province Huyang Creek in Dongmei Village, Dongguan Town, County, has always been a transportation hub and a must-pass for people traveling between central and southern Fujian. Dongguan Bridge was built in the 15th year of Shaoxing in the Southern Song Dynasty (AD 1145). It is the only long corridor roof beam bridge in southern Fujian. It is 85 meters long, 5 meters wide, with six piers and five holes. The bridge base adopts " The upper part of the boat-shaped bridge pier is made of wood. The craftsmanship is exquisite and the structure is unique and rare. It is now a provincial key cultural relic protection unit and has been included in the "Dictionary of Chinese Scenic Spots".

Sixi East Bridge, Taishun, Wenzhou, Zhejiang

Sixi East Bridge is located in Sixi Town, Taishun, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Xiaqiao Village is a stacked-beam wooden arcade bridge. It was first built in the fourth year of Longqing's reign in the Ming Dynasty (1570).

It was rebuilt in the tenth year of Qianlong's reign (1745) and the seventh year of Daoguang's reign (1827) in the Qing Dynasty. The bridge is 41.7 meters long, 4.86 meters wide, has a clear span of 25.7 meters and is 9.5 meters above the water. Xidong Bridge, which is in the Feng Shui mode of "general playing with lions", "rainbow energy comes to the void, shadows shake the waves and the moon". There are 15 corridor houses built on the bridge arch, several of which are elevated into pavilions. The eaves and corners of the roof are flying, and the green dragon on the roof is circling around the ridge, which has the potential to swallow clouds and spit out mist. This bridge has no piers and is made of thick wood into a figure-eight-shaped outrigger wooden arch, which is quite rare. In the early days, Dongxi used anchor steps to cross the water, but there were many obstacles in the waterway. Lin Zhengxu advocated the construction of the Centipede Bridge (i.e. Xidong Bridge). Lin Zhengxu's life was upright and upright, and he was good at doing righteous deeds. In the Guihai year of Qianlong (1743), Zhang Kao, the Marquis of Yi, wrote a plaque "Dazun has two" as a gift to him. The builder of this bridge was the apprentice of the man who built Beijian Bridge, so some people also call these two bridges "Master-Apprentice Bridge". Therefore, the bridge has a beautiful appearance and is known as "the most beautiful covered bridge".

Rainbow Bridge in Wuyuan, Jiangxi

There is a unique bridge in Wuyuan - covered bridge. The so-called covered bridge is a kind of covered bridge. This kind of bridge is not only beautiful in shape, but most importantly, it can provide a place for pedestrians to rest on rainy days.

The Rainbow Bridge, an ancient bridge built in the Song Dynasty, is the representative work of Wuyuan covered bridges. The bridge is named after the Tang Dynasty poem "Two waters hold a bright mirror, a twin bridge falls over a rainbow". The bridge is 140 meters long, with a deck width of more than 3 meters, 4 piers and 5 holes. It is composed of 11 pavilions with stone tables and benches. The scenery around the Rainbow Bridge is beautiful, with green mountains and clear water. Sitting here to take a rest and browse the surrounding scenery will make people deeply experience the beauty of Wuyuan.

Wuting Bridge in Yangzhou, Jiangsu

Wuting Bridge is located on the bank of Slender West Lake in Yangzhou. The entire building has a unique shape, appropriate proportions and prudent control. Generousness and exquisiteness are cleverly combined. The bridge contains five pavilions, one in the middle and one on each wing. The pavilions are connected by corridors. The middle pavilion has double eaves with four pointed corners, and the wing pavilion has a single eaves with a treasured roof and four upturned corners. The ceiling inside the pavilion has exquisite patterns. The bridge foundation is composed of twelve large bluestones built into piers of different sizes, with fifteen holes in total and a total length of fifty-five meters. The bridge holes are connected to each other. Looking from outside the bridge, there is a different scene outside each hole. Whenever the moon is full on a clear night, each cave holds a month, which is uniquely poetic.

Chengyang Bridge in Sanjiang, Guangxi

Chengyang Bridge, also known as Yongji Bridge, Chengyang Fengyu Bridge, etc., is located in the north of Guangxi and connects Hunan and Guizhou. It was built in 1912 and lasted for 12 years. The entire bridge is 77.6 meters long, 3.75 meters wide, and 20 meters high. The lower part of the bridge is made of two platforms and three piers made of green stone. The piers are six-sided cylinders, both upstream and downstream are pointed, and the water intake angle is 68 degrees; The middle part of the bridge is a dense wooden deck with cantilevered columns and beams, and a total of 19 bridge corridors; the upper part of the bridge is made of wooden beams and columns chiselled with mortises and tenons to form double eaves and tilted angles. There are railings on both sides of the bridge. There are five pagoda-style bridge pavilions. The cornices are so high that they resemble outstretched wings; the pilasters, tile eaves, and carvings on the bridge are magnificent. The entire bridge does not require a single nail or rivet. Large and small pieces of wood are chiseled together and connected with tenons. The entire structure is diagonally pierced and straight, criss-crossed, but flawless. There are also benches on both sides of the bridge for people to rest. Chengyang Bridge is the representative work of Dong Village Wind and Rain Bridge. It is currently the best preserved and largest Wind and Rain Bridge, and is also an artistic treasure of Chinese wooden architecture. It is now a national key cultural relic protection unit.

Excerpted from Baidu netizen, thank you.