What are some of the most beautiful ancient bridges in China? Which ones have you visited? Do you think those are beautiful? Let’s all vote
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Since ancient times, our country has been the birthplace of bridges. In modern times, China’s bridges include not only the world’s longest cross-sea bridge in terms of span, but also many of the tallest bridges in the world. Although these bridges are world-famous, many people don’t know that our country also had many bridges in ancient times that achieved remarkable feats in the history of world bridges. Which of these famous bridges have you, dear readers, visited? Let’s all vote
The Zhaozhou Bridge is located over the Xiao River in Zhao County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province; it is also known as the Anji Bridge. With a history of over 1,400 years, it embodies the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancient working people. Designed and built by the famous artisan Li Chun at that time, it is the earliest and best-preserved ancient single-arch stone bridge still existing in the world today. It was not until around 1397 (with some sources suggesting around 700) that similar stone arch bridges were built in Europe.
The Lugou Bridge is located over the Yongding River in Fengtai District, Beijing; it is also known as Lugu Bridge. Built in 1189, it was destroyed by floods during the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty, suffering severe damage and becoming unusable. Many ancient relics were lost in those floods. It was rebuilt in 1698, and Emperor Kangxi ordered a stele to be erected at the western end of the bridge to record the reconstruction of the Lugou Bridge. The Lugou Bridge is an eleven-arch bridge, with the arches gradually widening from both banks toward the center of the bridge. The length of the bridge over the river is 213.15 meters, and including the approach bridges at each end, the total length is 266.5 meters.
The Guangji Bridge in Chaozhou was first built in 1171; initially it was a floating bridge connected by boats. In 1228, 23 piers were constructed, and in 1435 it was renovated with 12 pavilions on the bridge and 126 rooms. It was continuously built over time, resulting in the Guangji Bridge we see today. The bridge is 520 meters long. There is a folk song that goes: Xiangqiao in Chaozhou is truly charming; there are eighteen boats and twenty-four provinces, twenty-four pavilions, each of a different style, along with two water buffaloes and one boat.
Wuting Bridge is located in the Slender West Lake in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province; it is also known as the Lotus Bridge. Built in 1757, its architectural style combines the elegance of the South with the grandeur of the North. With five pavilions on top and four wings below, there are a total of fifteen arches on the front and sides of the bridge; one can experience the wonderful scene described as \"clear waves reflecting the moonlight in every direction, empty spaces through which clouds and boats pass, and the sound of a musician’s flute heard at night.\" The renowned bridge expert Mao Yisheng commented as follows: China’s oldest bridge is the Zhaozhou Bridge, its most magnificent bridge is the Lugou Bridge, and the bridge with the greatest artistic beauty is the Wuting Bridge in Yangzhou.
The Cross Bridge is located in front of the main building, the Hall of the Virgin Mother, within the Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. It was built in 1102; the bridge has a cross-shaped design, resembling the outstretched wings of a giant bird. According to local legend, it was constructed by Lu Ban. The entire bridge is supported by 34 iron-gray octagonal stones; at the top of these columns there are cypress brackets that connect the vertical and horizontal beams. A cross-shaped deck covers the bridge, along with flying beams in the style of Uo-no-Ue-bashi. The bridge is equipped with marble railings and a floor paved with square bricks. Visitors coming from the south or north, or heading east or west, can all use this bridge
The Luoyang Bridge is located over the Luoyang River in the eastern suburbs of Quanzhou City, Fujian Province; it is also known as the Wan’an Bridge. It is the oldest existing stone bridge of its kind that spans a river in China, having been built in 1053. The bridge is 834 meters long and 7 meters wide. There are currently 2 pavilions on the bridge, 2 stone generals, and 5 stone pagodas. The construction of the Luoyang Bridge represents a significant contribution to the science of bridges worldwide. Its \"raft foundation\" and \"oyster cultivation method for stabilizing the foundation\" are innovations in bridge-building technology, both in China and around the world. Although this bridge is called the Luoyang Bridge, it is actually located in Quanzhou, Fujian. It has a history of nearly a thousand years; its construction took seven years, during which time it was built as an impressive structure that spanned the river and connected to the sea. It’s hard to imagine that craftsmen from that era were able to construct a bridge that was 834 meters long across the river.
Anping Bridge is located in the bay between Anhai Town in Jinjiang City and Shuitou Town in Nan’an City, Fujian Province. It is the longest existing ancient stone bridge in China, as well as the longest stone bridge spanning a harbor in the country. It enjoys the reputation of being \"the longest bridge in the world\". Built in 1138, it took 14 years to complete; it is 2,070 meters long and has 361 piers in total. There are 5 pavilions built on the bridge; the one at the eastern end is called Shuixin Pavilion, the one at the western end is Haichao An, and the central pavilion is the largest, with a width of 10 meters.
Guangxi Wind and Rain Bridge. Built in 1916, it is a representative example of bridges in ethnic style, reflecting the Dong people’s architectural culture and ethnic traditions. It has a wooden and stone structure, with five stone piers; the bridge deck is made of wooden planks. It is 64.4 meters long and 3.4 meters wide. There is a tower-shaped pavilion in the middle of the bridge, and it is adorned with numerous carvings, appearing very magnificent. Moreover, it does not use any nails or rivets, but is joined together using mortise and tenon joints. It is the essence of the Dong culture.
Walking while listening to songs along the way; ancient bridges still inspire admiration among people today
Luding Iron Chain Bridge. Built in 1706, the bridge’s name was inscribed by Emperor Kangxi himself. It is 103 meters long and 3 meters wide, composed of 13 chains with a total of 12,164 iron links, and weighs 40 tons. The bridgehead is an ancient wooden building. It is an important passage into Tibet and a **fortress.