Suitong Bridge in Yongde County, Lincang

History and Significance

The Suitong Bridge, also known as Chain Bridge locally called “Hulu Kou,” is a historic courier bridge leading to Zhenkang and beyond to Myanmar. The bridge spans north to south, suspended between cliffs by 10 iron chains. It stretches 30.8 meters in length, stands 8.5 meters tall, and is 2.5 meters wide. At each end of the bridge, there is a concrete pavilion. Outside the northern pavilion, three cliff inscriptions and two steles recording the bridge’s construction remain from its inception.

Trade and Cultural Importance

Since ancient times, it has been a vital corridor for trade between Yunnan and Myanmar, known as the “Ancient Gateway to the East of the River.” Notably, it was an essential route for the tea-horse trade in Yongde from ancient to modern times. Due to its unique location, spectacular design, and historical significance, it was once acclaimed as the “Number One Ancient Bridge of the Eastern River.”

Construction and Commemoration

According to inscriptions, in the winter of the 31st year of the Guangxu reign (1905 AD), Xie Yujun, the Prefect of Yongchang, proposed the bridge’s construction. Local gentry from Shidian Township, including Yang Chaoran, Zhao Duan, Li Baoren, Duan Xiaomeng, and Yin Shan, formed a group to organize its construction. Construction began on the 6th day of the 11th month of the 32nd year of Guangxu (1906 AD), and it was completed on the 26th day of the 2nd month of the 34th year of Guangxu (1908 AD). Impressed by the bridge’s soaring iron span and scenic beauty, Xie Yujun inscribed the words “Suitong Bridge” and “Stabilizing Disorder and Pacifying the Frontier” on the northern cliff, along with a poetic expression, and wrote an article chronicling the bridge’s construction to commemorate the contributors.

Preservation and Modern Influence

After liberation, the People’s Government allocated funds for the repair of Suitong Bridge, converting the old bridgehead buildings into brick and concrete structures. On August 20, 1988, the Mengboluo Bridge was completed 15 meters upstream from Suitong Bridge, marking the highway connection between Shidian and Yongde counties. Despite its cessation of use, the ancient bridge remains preserved, juxtaposed with the new bridge, symbolizing both historical witness and modern transportation.