Picture this. You stand on Yongxing Bridge a three-hole stone arch bridge in Shenzhen. Its history whispers secrets. This is the only ancient bridge of its kind left in Shenzhen.
Yongxing Bridge is more than just a passage. It’s a living testament to Shenzhen’s past. Built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi between 1662 and 1722 it boasts over 300 years of history. Its name means long-lasting prosperity. The bridge is fifty meters long and 3.4 meters wide.
The bridge’s construction is remarkable. It’s made entirely of granite blocks. Intricate carvings adorn the bridge. Small stone frogs perch on the bridge’s balustrades. Two playful dragons and a pair of phoenixes facing the sun are etched onto a central stone tablet.
Yongxing Bridge played a vital role in Shenzhen’s development. Qingping Market and Guang’an Pawnshop now Xinqiao Granary were built nearby. These buildings still stand today. A historical text the Qing Dynasty’s Xin’an County Records details the bridge’s importance for trade and transport.
In 1785 the bridge deteriorated. Local residents raised funds for its restoration. The bridge was declared a cultural relic in 1984. Further renovations followed. Today Yongxing Bridge is a popular tourist attraction. It’s a captivating blend of history and beauty. A reminder of Shenzhen’s rich past. A symbol of its enduring strength.
From Yongxing Bridge you can gaze upon Qingping Ancient Market. Imagine the bustling market days of old. Merchants bartering. People hurrying by. Now it’s a place where history and modernity coexist. A beautiful view only possible from the enduring Yongxing Bridge.