新九眼桥

Could a bridge be more than just a bridge? Here in Chengdu, the Jiuyan Bridge is more than just a crossing over the Jinjiang River. It’s a living timeline, a vibrant blend of history and modernity. The Jiuyan Bridge you see today, a sleek structure of steel and cement, isn’t the original. That honor belonged to the Old Jiuyan Bridge, a grand dame built during the Ming Dynasty, boasting a history of over 400 years. Imagine, if you will, a time when Chengdu rivaled even Chongqing in its bustling water transport. The Old Jiuyan Bridge, then known as Hongji Bridge, was a linchpin in this network, connecting the city to the vibrant waterways of the Jinjiang, Jinhe, and Fuhe rivers. Even when the old bridge was decommissioned, it didn’t fade away. It transformed into a lively marketplace, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Chengdu’s residents. Although the Old Jiuyan Bridge was demolished in 1992, her legacy lives on. It echoes in the names of surrounding streets like Hongji Road, a constant reminder of the bridge’s enduring presence. Today, the Jiuyan Bridge, while geographically rooted in its historical location, encompasses a much larger area. It stretches across a vast expanse of commercial and residential zones on both sides of the Jinjiang River, reaching as far as the Sichuan University’s Wangjiang Campus and Zhimin Road. So, as you stand before the modern Jiuyan Bridge, remember that you’re standing on the grounds of a rich and layered past.