Across the flowing waters of the Grand Canal stands Yongtong Bridge. It’s also known as Bali Bridge. This isn’t just any bridge. It’s a 600-year-old testament to history, recently resurrected to its former glory. Yongtong Bridge has witnessed centuries of life flow past, from the Ming Dynasty to the modern day. Imagine the merchants’ boats laden with silk and spices, the imperial barges gliding through the water, and the ordinary people crossing its sturdy stones.
Yongtong Bridge was built in 1446. It’s the best-preserved stone bridge on the Beijing section of the Grand Canal. It’s a remarkable feat of engineering, stretching 66 meters long and 16 meters wide. For years, the bridge was hidden under asphalt, a necessary measure to accommodate modern traffic. But this modernization took its toll. The heavy vehicles caused cracks and dislocations, threatening the bridge’s integrity.
In 2018, a new concrete bridge was built nearby. This allowed Yongtong Bridge to retire from its heavy-duty role and begin its much-needed restoration. The restoration process, which started in 2021, was painstaking. Workers discovered missing and dislocated stones after removing the asphalt. They consulted ancient texts, sought expert guidance, and carefully sourced matching stones to fill the gaps.
The team didn’t just restore the bridge. They also enhanced its surroundings. A stele now stands south of the bridge, narrating its rich history. You can even scan QR codes on the bridge to access a digital record of the restoration, complete with before-and-after photos. Yongtong Bridge is more than just a bridge. It’s a living museum. It’s a connection to the past, painstakingly preserved for future generations. Its reopening marks not just the bridge’s rejuvenation, but also the 10th anniversary of the Grand Canal’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and resilience of Yongtong Bridge. Let its stones whisper stories of the past as you cross this historic passage.