Xima Bridge

Xima Bridge

Xima Bridge is located in Xincun, Sigan area, Yangshe Town, situated on Pufferfish Creek between Dongcun and Xicun. During the Ming Dynasty, villagers on both sides of Pufferfish Creek frequently traveled back and forth, but the creek posed an inconvenience. Moreover, as many members of the Zhao family from Zhangqing held official positions in the imperial court, officials often needed to wash their horses. As a result, a flat stone slab bridge was built over Pufferfish Creek, making it easier for villagers to cross and also serving as a place for officials to wash their horses—hence it was called “Xima Bridge” (Washing Horse Bridge). Over time, the bridge has been eroded by wind and rain, and most of it is now submerged underwater. Only two parallel stone slabs, each about 2 meters long, remain above the surface. The edges of the slabs are adorned with dragon motifs, depicting dragons in leaping poses. The carvings are exquisite and lifelike.