Pingpo Stone Arch Bridge in Yangbi County, Dali
Overview
The Pingpo Stone Arch Bridge (平坡石拱桥) is located at K3200+481 along the Dian-Burma Road (滇缅公路, 昆畹线). This bridge spans a narrow and turbulent stretch of river and marks the starting point where the old route of the Dian-Burma Road (320国道) transitions into the new Kunming-Xin Road (昆新线). Completed in 1973 by the Yunnan Provincial Highway Engineering Corps (云南省公路工程总队), the bridge is a single-span stone arch structure, measuring 95.2 meters in length, 7 meters in width, and 25.5 meters in height, with a clear span of 50 meters.
Historical Reconstruction
On April 4, 1980, the Yunnan Provincial Highway Engineering Office No. 2 (云南省公路工程二处) undertook reconstruction of the Kunming-Wantian Road (昆畹公路) segment from Yangpingpo (漾平坡) to Yongping Meihuapu (永平梅花铺). This project spanned 14 years, resulting in a total length of 75.94 kilometers, including 2.46 kilometers of additional lines. Following the realignment of the road, the Pingpo Stone Arch Bridge was reinforced, and in 2009, a new route was established 17.71 kilometers from the bridge.
Due to the increased traffic load following the realignment, the bridge operated under excessive load for ten years. By 1982, cracks began to appear at the vertical joints of the abutments, which progressively widened. In 1990, a new bridge was constructed downstream at K3200+410, designated as Bridge No. 1450. This new structure is a T-beam, single-column gravity-type bridge with an asphalt concrete deck. The new Pingpo Highway Bridge measures 98 meters long, 9.6 meters wide, and 7.5 meters for the roadway, with a clear height of 12.1 meters. It was designed for a load classification of Level 11, accommodating vehicles up to a weight of 100 tons.
Historical Background of Pingpo Stone Arch Bridge
To understand the history of the Pingpo Stone Arch Bridge, it is essential to consider its predecessor, the Pingpo Vine Bridge (平坡藤桥), which exemplified the transformation of the rugged terrain into a passageway. The lower reaches of the Yangbi River (漾濞江) feature steep cliffs and deep valleys, with turbulent waters roaring through narrow gorges.
Historically, while several ancient postal roads wound their way through the area to Weishan (巍山) and Yongping, there were no bridges connecting the two banks of the Yangbi River. As a result, trade and local villagers relied primarily on bamboo rafts for crossing the river. During the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era, three vine bridges were constructed between Pingpo and Wanchang over the Yangbi River, with the Pingpo Vine Bridge being the most significant.
Located at the confluence of the Xie River (西洱河) and the Yangbi River, the Pingpo Vine Bridge was situated 200 meters east of Pingpo Street (平坡街), serving as a critical crossing for the southern region leading into Lower Yangbi. The exact date of construction remains unclear, but early in the 1980s, a stone tablet inscribed with “The Everlasting Bridge” was discovered in Pingpo Stone Village (平坡石坪村). The inscription notes:
“若平坡街场，东接龙关孔道，西通石地坪一带山寨，居民行客，往必由之路。而漾濞大江径流其中，水流湍急，地势险阻，舟不能行，桥梁不能架，昔人藤为桥，每岁一换。”
This translates to: “At Pingpo Street, east connects to Longguan Pass, west leads to the mountainous areas of Shidi Ping. The river flows rapidly, the terrain is dangerous, boats cannot pass, and bridges cannot be built. In the past, vines served as bridges, replaced annually.”
The tablet also mentions that local philanthropists, including Yang Chengtian (杨丞天), Lu Shichang (卢士昌), and Su Yongfang (苏永芳), contributed funds to purchase two acres of land to generate income for bridge maintenance. Unfortunately, the date inscribed on the tablet is damaged, preventing us from determining when it was erected.
Despite its historical importance in facilitating river crossings, the Pingpo Vine Bridge suffered tragedies. According to records from the Dali Autonomous Prefecture Traffic Chronicle (《大理自治州交通志》), there were several incidents of bridge collapses, including a tragic event over 100 years ago. In July 1922, as people rushed to cross the bridge, over 40 individuals were on it at once, and the bridge collapsed under the excessive weight, resulting in 18 to 19 fatalities and multiple injuries—one of the most catastrophic bridge incidents in history.
Current Status
After the construction of the new Pingpo Highway Bridge, the old Pingpo Stone Arch Bridge has endured decades of weathering, witnessing dramatic changes in transportation in western Yunnan. Although it has remained largely unused for 15 years, it stands as an important cultural landmark, allowing locals to reflect on their rich history and providing travelers on National Highway 320 (320国道) with an opportunity to appreciate its significance.
How to Get There
By Bus
- From Dali City (大理市): Take a bus to Yangbi County (漾濞县). The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- From Yangbi County: After arriving, take a taxi or motorcycle taxi directly to the Pingpo Stone Arch Bridge.
By Car
You can also rent a car in Dali. The distance from Dali City to Pingpo Stone Arch Bridge is approximately 80 kilometers, taking around 1.5 hours. Follow National Highway 320 for a straightforward route.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
- Local Attractions: Explore the scenic area surrounding the bridge, including nearby temples, local markets, and natural landscapes.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs when visiting historical sites, and dress modestly when entering sacred spaces.
- Safety Precautions: Be cautious when walking near the bridge and surrounding areas. Ensure you have enough water and wear comfortable footwear if you plan to hike.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the picturesque views and rich cultural heritage surrounding the bridge, especially during sunrise or sunset for optimal lighting.
