Located in the south of Zhaoxian County, Hebei Province, Anji Bridge spans the Jiao River. Zhaoxian County was called Zhaozhou in the past, so the bridge is also named Zhaozhou Bridge. Local people call it Big Stone Bridge.
Designed by the famous artisan Li Chun, the bridge's construction started in the reign of Kaihuang (590) and was completed in the reign of Daye (608) of the Sui Dynasty (581-618). The 50.82-meter-long and 9.6-meter-wide bridge is a single segmental stone arch, composed of 28 individual arches laid transversely, 37.37 meters in span. Each of its spandrels is perforated by two small arches, with net span of 3.81m and 2.85m respectively at the two ends and in the center, so that floodwater can be divided, and the weight of the bridge is lightened as well. This design not only saves stone materials, but also presents a unique and exquisite structure, which is a pioneering design in the world bridge history and has significant influence on the architecture of the later dynasties. In foreign countries, this bridge of the architectural structure was not popular in Europe until the 19thcentury.
The segmental deck and the parapets are engraved with dragons, animal faces, flowers and bamboos, etc., demonstrating high-level carving techniques, bold and with ease and grace. Besides, both sides of the bridge are ornamented with dragonhead and eight-petal lotus flowers. All of these add charm and elegance to the bridge. Generations of scholars and poets mentioned this bridge in their works. Du Deyuan, a poet in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) once wrote a poem, describing the beauty and convenience the bridge brought to the locals. The popular folk songXiao Fang Niu(the Little Cowboy) lends more mystery to the bridge.
Anji Bridge is a great accomplishment in the world bridge history. It is universally recognized for its epoch-making structure, and has enjoyed high prestige in the bridge history both in China and overseas.
Email to Friends
Print
Save