Yanzi River Natural Bridge

Yanzi River Natural Bridge

The Yanzi River Natural Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province.

Known as the "Three Gorges of the South," the Yanzi River–Natural Bridge is located west of the Ninggao Expressway, 48 kilometers from Nanjing and 18 kilometers from Lukou International Airport. With overlapping hills and lush vegetation, it is a newly developed tourist destination in the suburbs of Nanjing. Currently, the Nanjing Natural Bridge Scenic Area is divided into four functional zones: the Yanzi River–Natural Bridge Sightseeing Zone, Fenghuangjing Scenic Area, Leisure Resort Zone, and Tourism Service Zone.

The Yanzi River is a famous man-made canal excavated by Zhu Yuanzhang to facilitate grain transport between Jiangsu and Zhejiang. In 1393, Zhu sent Marquis Chongshan Li Xin to Lishui to “oversee the excavation of the Yanzi River.” Li Xin organized hundreds of thousands of laborers from Jiangsu and Anhui provinces. They chiseled fissures into the rocks using iron drills, inserted tung oil-soaked hemp threads into the cracks, set them on fire, then doused the heated stone with cold water to crack it. The rocks were then pried loose and removed. This process, repeated over more than ten years, resulted in a fifteen-li-long canal, leaving behind the historically valuable Yanzi River.

The Natural Bridge is a renowned and unique stone bridge in China, now listed as a key cultural relic protection unit of Jiangsu Province and one of the New Forty-Eight Scenic Spots of Jinling. Historical records state that during the excavation of the Yanzi River, “a massive stone was left in place to form a bridge, with a tunnel over ten zhang long carved through it to allow boat passage.” The bridge was formed naturally by the terrain, hence the name “Natural.” Spanning both riverbanks, the bridge is 9 meters wide, 34 meters long, 9 meters thick, and 36 meters high, creating the natural beauty of a “rainbow lying across the waves.”

Here you can listen to the fascinating legends of the Yanzi River and admire the steep, rugged, beautiful, and serene scenery of the Little Three Gorges. After witnessing nature’s masterpieces, you can also relax at a rustic farm stay with a fresh ambiance, well-equipped facilities, elegant design, and rich cultural atmosphere. Enjoy local dishes rich in regional flavor and shop for distinctive travel products such as Imperial Ribbon Cake, bamboo shoots, and green plums.

Scenic Area Address: Tianshengqiao Road, Honglan Town, Lishui District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: In Nanjing, take bus routes 2, 38, 16, or 49 to Xijie, or take the metro to Zhonghuamen Station. Then, take a Nanjing–Lishui express bus from Zhonghuamen Long-Distance Bus Station to the scenic area.

Self-driving Route: Nanjing – Airport Expressway – Ninggao Expressway – Exit 1 at Gutang Toll Station leading to the scenic area.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangsu Province