Qingyun Bridge in Yunlong County, Dali
Overview
Qingyun Bridge (青云桥), located in Yunlong County (云龙县), spans the Bi River (沘江) on the southern side of the county seat. After suffering damage from water for nine months, it was fully restored by the end of May 2013. This restoration coincided with the designation of the ancient Bi River bridge group as a national cultural heritage site.
The bridge was originally built in the fourth year of the Daoguang era (道光) during the Qing Dynasty (清朝) in 1824, funded by Yang Mingyang (杨名扬), who previously served as the Governor of Shaanxi (陕西). The site was chosen for its natural rock formation on the eastern bank, which serves as a sturdy support, and features a wooden pavilion that offers shelter to pedestrians. On the western bank, two small platforms were carved into the stone wall, supporting the bridge’s structure.
Bridge Structure
Qingyun Bridge is a chain suspension bridge with the following specifications:
- Length: 36 meters
- Width: 2.18 meters
The bridge’s surface is constructed of wooden planks supported by five iron chains, with additional chains serving as handrails on either side. The iron chains are anchored to stone pillars at the bridge’s entrance.
Historical Context
In early September 2012, heavy rainfall caused the bridge’s wooden materials to absorb too much water, leading to the breakage of the iron chains and the bridge’s collapse into the river. In response, the county government promptly allocated 200,000 yuan for its repair and contracted the Shimen Construction Team (石门建筑工程队) to restore it to its original appearance. After two months of diligent work, Qingyun Bridge was reopened.
Originally a county-level cultural heritage site, Qingyun Bridge was officially recognized as part of the national heritage group of ancient bridges on May 6, 2013, becoming a “National Cultural Relic” (国保).
Significance and Inscriptions
The bridge features pavilions at both ends, with an inscription reading “Shimen Pass” (石门关) displayed prominently. Inside the southern wall, there is an inscription by Yang Mingyang commemorating the new bridge. Additionally, the western rock wall features the characters “Gun Xue” (衮雪) in clerical script, a quote from Cao Cao (曹操), originally inscribed on a cliff in Hanzhong, Shaanxi.
Qingyun Bridge is an important historical bridge in Yunlong County and is well-preserved. It was designated a cultural heritage site in 1987.
Location and Features
- Location: About 1 kilometer west of Shimen Town (石门镇), Yunlong County (云龙县)
- Established: 1824 (清道光四年)
Key Details
- Length: 36 meters
- Width: 2.18 meters
- Type: Chain suspension bridge
Cultural Reference
The area surrounding Qingyun Bridge is steeped in historical significance. It is located near the examination halls (贡院), signifying the meaning “ascending to the skies” (青云直上). As described in “Han Du Miscellaneous Poems” (《杭都杂咏》):
“旧有陈云杓刻石，林云楼装池。” “沈茂才笔，许虚白笺诸市，每值科场赶者皆聚于此。”
How to Get There
- By Car: Drive from Dali City (大理市) to Yunlong County. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- By Bus: Regular buses operate between Dali and Yunlong County, making it accessible for travelers.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of the local culture and heritage during your visit.
- Photography: The bridge and its surroundings provide excellent opportunities for photography; ensure you have the proper permissions for any commercial use.
- Safety: Check weather conditions before visiting, especially during the rainy season, as it may affect access to the area.
