This Ancient Bridge in Guangdong, Once Praised by Bridge Expert Ma Yishēng, is Little Known
Chaotian, a historic and cultural city in Guangdong Province, is known locally as the origin of Chaozhou culture. The most famous attractions are located in the east of Chaotian City, on the (tāo tāo bù jué) Han River, with Penshan () to the east, the bustling East Gate to the west, Phoenix Island to the south, and the towering Jinjiangshan () to the north, with the magnificent Guangji Bridge as the centerpiece.
Guangji Bridge, built in 1171 during the Southern Song Dynasty, is considered one of China’s Four Ancient Bridges. The other three – the well-known Zhaozhou Bridge, the ‘borrowed’ Lugou Bridge, and the rebuilt Luoyang Bridge – are familiar from history textbooks. Its location in the Han River's middle reaches is not only Guangdong's eastern transportation hub but also faces Jiangxi and Fujian across the river, making it a vital transit point. At its construction, the then magistrate, Wang, mobilized dozens of large ships to erect floating bridges, connecting both sides of the Han River, which was the prototype of Guangji Bridge. Over the following centuries, due to wars, it was repeatedly rebuilt and destroyed, repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, enduring the ravages of time. The complete renovation and opening to tourists were finally completed on September 20, 2007.
Guangji Bridge boasts a staggering length of 518 meters at the time, representing a significant engineering feat, combining stone piers on both sides and 18 floating bridges. To provide shelter from the wind and rain for travelers, 24 bridge piers each had 24 pavilions, which could be used as shops and businesses during its heyday, giving rise to the legend of “One-mile Bridge, One-mile Market.” From a distance, it is truly distinctive and unforgettable, due to the enormous engineering scale and the years it took to complete.
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of Guangji Bridge is the floating bridge in the center of the river, which can be opened and closed. When other boats simply need to pass, the floating bridge disconnects, allowing passage, and when pedestrians need to cross, it reconnects. This bridge design is considered a ‘unique case in Chinese bridge history’, reflecting ancient features.
Let's talk about the structure. What are the features of Guangji Bridge? Guangji Bridge integrates floating bridges and arch bridges. This bridge is a magical bridge, with each pier having hundreds of years of history, a testament to the ingenuity of the people of that time. As noted by renowned bridge expert Ma Yishēng, it “pioneered the world’s first operable bridge.”
It’s now more than just a simple bridge; it witnesses the 300-year development history of Chaotian City and is a symbol of the city, standing firm. Later, with economic development, the Chaotian City government built a modern Hanjiang Bridge downstream, creating a natural contrast with Guangji Bridge, establishing it as a new transportation hub, thus ending the history of Guangji Bridge.
