Did you know that Chengdu once boasted 192 bridges during the late Qing Dynasty? Each one stood as a silent observer to the ebb and flow of life in the city. Today we stand before one of them: Gao Sheng Bridge.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the history that courses through this city. The story of Chengdu’s bridges begins long ago. It starts around 256 BC when Li Bing, a legendary engineer, built the Dujiangyan Dam. Historic documents suggest Li Bing also initiated Chengdu’s bridge-building era by constructing seven bridges across the Jin River.
Though those original bridges are gone, their legacy lives on. After those first bridges, Chengdu saw a surge of bridge construction. People used materials like stone, iron, wood, and bamboo. By the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China eras, the city had 192 bridges. Each bore witness to countless lives, stories, and historical moments.
Interestingly, locals often named roads after the bridges they connected. That is why Chengdu has many roads sharing names with bridges.
But as time passed, simple stone, wooden, and iron bridges couldn’t handle modern needs. Modern flyovers and concrete structures took their place. Yet, these old bridges, including Gao Sheng Bridge, remain. They stand as timeless witnesses to Chengdu’s changing rhythms.
Consider the Anshun Bridge. It is one of four bridges that deeply impressed Marco Polo during his travels in China. Anshun Bridge, originally named Changhong Bridge, underwent renovation in 1677. It connected Da’an Street to Wannianqiao Street. It stretched over the Jinjiang River with a two-level wooden design. The upper level held deity statues. The lower level served pedestrians and goods transporters.
Like many bridges in Chengdu, Anshun Bridge faced destruction from floods and was rebuilt several times. The spirit of rebuilding and preserving these historical structures shows Chengdu’s commitment to its heritage.
Or take Wanfu Bridge. Its name carries a blessing. “Wanfu” means “thousands of good fortune” in Chinese. While the original Wanfu Bridge was destroyed by floods in 1947, its stories live on. People believed that walking across it during the Spring Festival brought good luck. Even with the old bridge gone, people continue this custom at the Renmin Road North Bridge.
These bridges aren’t just crossings. They are integral to Chengdu’s story. They carry the weight of history and the hopes of the future. As we stand here at Gao Sheng Bridge, let us reflect on the countless journeys it has facilitated. The memories it has silently guarded. This bridge is a reminder of Chengdu’s enduring spirit.