Legend says that Chengdu’s history of bridge building began long ago. According to historic documents, it was started by Li Bing. He constructed seven bridges across the Jin River.
Today we are standing before what may be one of Chengdu’s most beautiful bridges, the \u4e09\u6d1e\u53e4\u6865. The original bridges have disappeared into history. But their significance and legacy spans the ages. After these first structures were built, numerous bridges were erected throughout Chengdu. They were made from stone, iron, wood and bamboo.
Around the time of the late Qing Dynasty 1644-1911 and early Republic of China 1911-1949, the city had 192 bridges. Each one witnessed the flow of lives, stories and history. Locals liked to name a road after the bridge it connected with. That is why the city has 40 to 50 roads with the same name as bridges.
Over time simple stone, wooden and iron bridges could not meet the needs of modern society. They were superseded by modern flyovers and other large concrete structures spanning Chengdu’s waters. But no matter how much the city changes, the old bridges still witness the city’s rhythms and flows. They have always done this.
One bridge in Chengdu is the Anshun Covered Bridge. This bridge made a deep impression on Venetian merchant Marco Polo. He traveled around China during the Yuan Dynasty 1271-1368. In the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the bridge was ruined by floods. It was later restored and given its present-day name Anshun. Anshun literally means safe and smooth in Chinese.
Perhaps blessed by this auspicious name, the bridge remained safe for nearly 300 years. Then it was damaged by a deluge in the late 1990s. Early this century, local government rebuilt it, recreating its original appearance. Measuring 81 meters long and 6 meters wide, the bridge is almost entirely enclosed by structures. These are characterized by bluestone carved handrails, painted beams and upturned eaves.
Another bridge is the Dujiangyan South Bridge. The Dujiangyan Dam is considered a marvel of ancient irrigation technology. The dam in Sichuan Province was built in 256 BC during the Warring States Period 476-221 BC. It is still in use today. It helps prevent floods and ensures crops over a 5,300-square-kilometer area receive adequate water. The dam was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2000. It works in conjunction with Yuzui Levee, Feisha Weir and Baoping Channel.
Dujiangyan is also a famous tourist attraction with picturesque scenery. There are places of interest like Anlan Bridge, Lingyan Temple and Cuiyue Lake. Dujiangyan South Bridge spans the Min River near the irrigation infrastructure. It is also a covered bridge. It is adorned with fresco, folk drawings and calligraphy. The bridge has had its ups and downs since its completion in 1878. It has contended with flood, war and sabotage. But it still exists today thanks to restoration efforts. The devastating Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 almost destroyed the bridge. However, local government spent months strengthening, restoring and saving this historic structure.
The name of Wanfu Bridge is attached with blessing. Wanfu means thousands of good fortune in Chinese. The original ancient Wanfu Bridge was destroyed by floods in 1947. It was replaced by the current concrete structure. The old Wanfu Bridge may have gone, but many stories attached to it still survive. According to tradition, anyone who walked across the bridge during the Spring Festival would enjoy good luck. Locals would flock to the bridge with devout wishes during the first couple of days of Chinese New Year. Although the old bridge is gone, the custom still continues. Today, on the original site of Wanfu Bridge sits the Renmin Road North Bridge. When some Chengdu natives get married, they stop by the bridge in the hope that some of the auspicious bridge’s good luck rubs off on them. Good food as well as good luck is associated with the bridge. Local time-honored brand Chen Mapo tofu opened its first food stall on Wanfu Bridge many years ago. The company’s headquarters are still located beside the present-day bridge.
Jiuyan Bridge means nine eyes in Chinese. This vividly reflects the bridge’s nine arch eyes. In the 1950s, the bridge was a rendezvous for poor people who earned a living in the timber trade. They traveled from Chengdu to Chongqing on the waterways. A booming trade saw businesses spring up around the bridge. Old photographs show that shops ranging from groceries and food stalls to barbershops were dotted along nearby streets. The bridge was paved with thousands of slabs, including one with an imprint of a human foot. Locals said it was left by Tieguai Li. He is an immortal who descends to Earth in the form of a beggar. He uses his power to fight for the oppressed and needy.