Seventeen-Arch Bridge, also known as Shuanglong Bridge, is a bridge with 17 arches and 3 pavilions. It is located 2.5 km away from
Jianshui Ancient City. It crosses above the injunction of Lu River and Tachong River which looks like two Chinese dragons, hence the name Shuanglong Bridge. It is a famous historic interest in Jianshui County, which had record in the history of Chinese bridges.
History of Seventeen-Arch Bridge
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge was originally built in the ruling period of Qinglong Emperor of Qing Dynasty. It was just 3 arches at that time. Along with the floods of Lu River and Tachong River, the bed of the river became wider and wider. The three-arch bridge could not connect the banks. In 1939, local officers and people built other 14 arches connect with the tree arches bridge and it became the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. The bridge was 9 meter high. The width of the first three arches is 5 meters, and the newly built 14 ones is 3 meter wide. The whole bridge is 148 m long. And they also built 3 pavilions on the bridge. But later, the pavilions were ruined in the war. In 1898, the pavilions were renovated and more grand then they used to be.
Structures of Seventeen-Arch Bridge
The bridge is 148 m long and 3 to 8 meter wide, and was considered as the largest multiple arch bridges with the highest artistic value in Yunnan Province. There are 3 upturned-eave pavilions. The grand pavilions and bridge are precious artwork in the history of Chinese bridge. The largest pavilion is the one in the middle which was reputed as “Grand View Pavilion in South Yunnan”. In 1965, famous bridge experts, Liang Yishen, came here and listed it as one of the lager ancient bridge in China.
Looking from distance, the bridge crossing the river bed at the plain area just likes a rainbow. Reflecting on the water, connecting with the water and sky, around by green field, the bridge just looks like a huge ship. Walking close to the bridge, you will see the pavilion with layers, the upturned exquisite eaves. Walking on the bridge, just feel like walking in the sky. The water runs from the two rivers rapidly and conjunct with each other and flows down vigorously. The pavilion’s design is unique, exquisite, and reasonable. The largest pavilion is the main one with 3 layers. Climb up the pavilion, you can also have a look of the ornamental perforated window, screen door, engraved flowers, plants, animals, dragons and statues of gods or Buddhas.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge is the largest ancient multiple arch bridge with the highest artistic value. It adopted the main character of Chinese bridges and perfectly combined the technique with formative arts. It embodies the superb skill and wisdom of local people living in south Yunnan. As an excellent work of Chinese ancient bridge, it has an important position in Chinese ancient bridge history.
Ask a Question
