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| Zhaozhou Bridge (Zhaozhou qiao) |
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Spanning across the Jiao River (Jiao he), in Zhaocheng County some
45km from Shijiazhuang, is a bridge whose architectural genius has
stood the test of time. The bridge is most famously known as Zhaozhou
Bridge (Zhaozhou qiao), although it is also known as Safe Crossing
Bridge (Anji qiao), and is popularly, and simply, called the Great
Stone Bridge (Dashi qiao). This marvel is another example of the ancient
proficiency of Chinese engineering, along with such sights as the
Karez Canal in Turpan and Datong's impressive Hanging Monastery.
The bridge is 1,400 years old, 64.4 meters in length, 9.6 meters
in width, and with a span of 36 meters. It was designed, and probably
built by the mason, Li Chun, although legend has it that the master
architect, Lu Ban, built the bridge in one night. Legend also tells
a story of two immortals who challenged Lu Ban's efforts by both
crossing the bridge at the same time, one in a cart and the other
on a donkey. The bridge is said to have groaned and shaken under
the strain, whence Lu Ban, with usual pragmatism, waded into the
river to stabilise the structure.
If the legend does not leave you impressed, the trials of history
have more than vouched for the strength of this ancient structure.
This is the oldest bridge in the world of its type, designed not
of the usual arch bridges that marked previous dynasties, but more
flattened, ideal for traversing troops and racing chariots. The
bridge remains in good condition, with carefully supported stone
structures beneath, and elegantly carved balusters, crowned with
stone guardians, above, making this a highly valued piece for modern
architects, engineers and lovers of art. The Chinese also like to
mention another nearby bridge, the Forever Traversable Bridge (Yongtong
qiao), that crosses the Qingshui River (Qingshui he). This is possibly
only useful for those who are really interested in water crossings. |
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