Tianyuan Bridge in Jianshui County, Honghe

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Overview

Tianyuan Bridge (天缘大桥) is located in Zhuangzihe Village (庄子河村), Lin’an Town (临安镇), Jianshui County (建水县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It spans the Lijiang River (泸江河) at the confluence of three rivers. The bridge features three arches made of stone, measuring a total length of 121 meters, with the main arch spanning 43 meters, a southern approach of 36 meters, and a northern approach of 42 meters. The bridge has a width of 7.83 meters and an arch height of 9.5 meters for the central arch and 9 meters for the others.

Location

• County: Jianshui County (建水县)
• Village: Zhuangzihe Village (庄子河村)
• Province: Yunnan Province (云南省)

Historical Significance

Construction of Tianyuan Bridge began in the sixth year of the Yongzheng era (1728). It was renovated in the fourth year of the Jiaqing era (1799). The name “Tianyuan” was given by the local magistrate, Li Erzhang (栗尔璋), who attributed the bridge’s construction to divine intervention, stating, “It could not have been achieved without heavenly assistance.” The bridge is also locally known as “Xianren Bridge” (仙人桥) due to two foot-shaped indentations found on its surface, which are believed to be the footprints of immortals.

Architectural Features

Structure

Tianyuan Bridge is a three-arch stone bridge with a total length of 121 meters. The main span reaches 43 meters, while the southern approach measures 36 meters and the northern approach 42 meters. The bridge arches are built with wedge-shaped stones, with the central arch height reaching 9.5 meters. The bridge’s design cleverly incorporates curves, forming a reverse “S” shape, allowing it to reduce the span and minimize construction material.

Decorative Elements

The bridge is adorned with intricate carvings, including a dragon head at one end and a dragon tail at the other. A pavilion with an octagonal roof sits in the middle of the bridge, showcasing colorful patterns and a unique taiji (太极) diagram at the top. Inscriptions by the local magistrate can also be found on the bridge’s walls.

Cultural Heritage

In 1983, Tianyuan Bridge was recognized as a cultural heritage site at the county level, later upgraded to provincial protection status. It holds significant historical and cultural value for the local community.

How to Get There

To reach Tianyuan Bridge from Kunming (昆明市), you can drive or take a bus to Jianshui County (建水县), which is approximately 200 kilometers away. From Jianshui, continue to Lin’an Town (临安镇) and then to Zhuangzihe Village (庄子河村).

Travel Tips

• Although Tianyuan Bridge is not a major tourist destination, it is a beautiful spot for photography and a peaceful visit.
• Try to visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
• Bring snacks and water, as there may be limited amenities in the area.
• Respect the local culture and heritage, especially when photographing the bridge and its surroundings.

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