Giddy Arch Bridge

Across the Jin River stretches the Giddy Arch Bridge, a landmark steeped in Chengdu’s rich history. The bridge whispers tales of a vibrant past, echoing the footsteps of traders and travelers who once crossed its predecessor centuries ago. The current Giddy Arch Bridge isn’t the original structure. It’s a modern reincarnation, built in 2003, yet it carries the spirit of its ancestors. One of these ancestors, also called Anshun Bridge, even caught the eye of the world-renowned explorer Marco Polo during his 13th-century travels. He documented this architectural marvel among several other significant bridges in China. The bridge’s name, Anshun Bridge, translates to “Bridge of the Peaceful and Fluent”. This earlier iteration saw many transformations, renovations in 1677 and reconstructions after floods in 1744 and 1746. This older Anshun Bridge was a two-tiered wooden structure, with deities residing on the upper level, watching over the bustling commerce and pedestrian traffic below. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the bridge underwent further changes. Rebuilt in 1949, it later collapsed during a flood in 1981. A new, vehicle-accessible “New Anshun Bridge” was constructed, but the historic bridge was not forgotten. As part of a river restoration project in the late 1990s, the old bridge was painstakingly recreated. The Giddy Arch Bridge we see today is a three-arch replica, designed to evoke the charm of its historical counterpart while also serving the city’s modern needs. Now, the Giddy Arch Bridge is more than just a crossing. It’s a thriving hub, home to a popular restaurant where you can savor delicious food while taking in the picturesque views of the Jin River. The bridge stands as a testament to Chengdu’s enduring spirit, blending the echoes of the past with the dynamism of the present.