Is it possible that a bridge could lend its name to an entire village? Here we are at Xinhuancun Bridge in Shenzhen. This bridge has a fascinating story to tell.
Let’s start our journey back in time. We will go to the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. Villagers wanted a bridge. They needed a way to cross the river. They wanted to make travel easier.
It was during Kangxi’s reign that Yongxing Bridge was first built west of the village. This simple act would forever change the village’s identity. Later, Yongxing Bridge was rebuilt during the Qianlong period. The villagers then renamed the settlement Xinhuancun. The name translates to New Bridge Village.
Xinhuancun was originally near the sea. The bay in front of it was called Dongwan. People lived here long before the Tang Dynasty. Salt farms were established here during the early Ming Dynasty.
According to historical records the Zeng clan sought refuge here. During the Southern Song Dynasty, the Jin army invaded. They caused destruction. Residents fled. Two brothers named Zeng, Zeng Shixing and Zeng Shigui, were among them. They eventually settled here and became the始祖 or founding ancestors of Xinhuancun.
Interestingly, Kangxi once visited the area. He bestowed honors upon Zeng Zijuan. Zeng Zijuan was a descendent of Zeng Zi. As a result, Zeng Zijuan became a监生. This is a student at the Imperial Academy.
To express his gratitude, Zeng Zijuan built a bridge. This provided convenience for his fellow villagers. Because the盐课司 or salt revenue office of the 归德盐场, Guidie Salt Yard, already had a龙津桥, Longjin Bridge, from the Southern Song Dynasty, people called this bridge New Bridge. The village became known as Xinhuancun from that moment on.
The original bridge eventually collapsed. Several young men decided to rebuild it during the Qianlong era. They were Zeng Daxiong, Jinzeng Yulin, Zeng Liankui, Zeng Tengguang and Zeng Yingzhong. Perhaps it was during this rebuild that it was named Yongxing Bridge, meaning eternal prosperity.
The Yongxing Bridge that stands today is a stone arch bridge. It stretches fifty meters. Its three archways reach a height of five meters. This design allowed boats laden with reeds to pass beneath. The bridge is made of granite. Stone lions decorate the columns.
Look closely at the center of the bridge. Shallow carvings depict two dragons playing with a pearl. You can also see phoenixes facing the sun. In 1984, the Yongxing Bridge became a key protected cultural relic in Shenzhen.
The river below wasn’t always so calm. It used to rush toward the sea. Its waves crashed against the bridge. This river is known as the Xinhuan River. The river flows into the Yongxing Bridge. From there, it joins the Maozhou and Bisha rivers. It empties into the 合澜海湾 Helan Bay.
Xinhuancun was a transportation hub. It connected to other areas. This included Huangsonggang, Wushiyan, Yunlin and Shajing. The bridge made travel convenient. A market town developed east of the bridge. It was called Xinhuan Market. The Zeng clan of Xinhuancun founded it.
Shops were built along the road leading to Xinhuan village. This created a bustling 清平街, Qingping Street. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Japanese occupied Xinhuan. Qingping Street declined. Today, an old pawnshop remains in the village.
Originally, a five-story pagoda stood east of the bridge. It was called 文塔, Wen Tower. Built in 1762, it was dedicated to魁星 Kuixing. This deity controlled the fate of scholars. Sadly, the tower was destroyed in the 1960s.
So, as we stand here on Xinhuancun Bridge, remember its rich history. The name New Bridge carries centuries of stories. It represents the dreams and perseverance of generations past.