Ancient Bridge Cluster of Chen Residence

Ancient Bridge Cluster of Chen Residence

The Ancient Bridge Cluster of Chen Residence is a Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage site.

It is rare that Chen Residence still retains six ancient bridges. Most of the ancient bridges in Chen Residence are single-arch stone slab bridges. Their uniqueness lies in the several layers of diagonal support stones on both sides of the bridge slabs, resembling cantilevers used to reduce? tension. These bridges are simple yet ingenious in design, and the structural mechanics and craftsmanship involved are quite straightforward. As the locals say, “they are built just right.” This structure, among the many ancient bridges in the region, is considered one of the more primitive examples. If you observe carefully, you’ll notice there are no nails or rivets; it’s as if they were built by nature itself. Despite enduring many years of weathering and natural erosion, they remain intact. The ingenuity of ancient construction techniques truly amazes people.

All six existing ancient bridges in Chen Residence have been included in the provincial-level cultural heritage protection list, among which the Yuxiu Bridge is a national-level protected cultural relic.

Paiyan Bridge, built in the 6th year of the Jingtai era of the Ming Dynasty (1455), is a single-span stone beam bridge. The bridge is 7 meters long, 1.1 meters wide, with a span of 4 meters. The bridge deck is paved with four stone slabs, and the pier features a three-dun-two-cantilever structure. It is the earliest ancient bridge constructed in Chen Residence Village.

Gukuo Bridge (Wooden Corridor Bridge), built in the 3rd year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1575). It is a fully wooden cantilever-style corridor bridge. The bridge deck is covered by a five-bay corridor, with an overall length of 11.15 meters, width of 3.6 meters, span of 7.5 meters, and height of 2.6 meters. The central bay features a raised roof with a gable and hip design, and the sides of the bridge are equipped with benches and railings.

Yuxiu Bridge, built in the 4th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1576). It is a double-eaved, pyramidal-roofed bridge pavilion. In the 22nd year of the Republic of China (1933), two additional bays were added to the east and west sides of the bridge pavilion. It is a single-arch stone corridor bridge. The bridge is 12 meters long, 3 meters wide, with an arch height of 3.5 meters and a span of 5 meters. Benches and railings are installed on both sides of the central bay. The Yuxiu Bridge utilizes the roots of an ancient tree by the stream—about 0.4 meters in diameter—to form the arch. The harmony between root and bridge creates a truly spectacular sight.

Yongji Bridge, also known as Wupian Bridge (or perhaps “Dianqian Bridge” as marked on the cultural relic plaque?), was built in the early years of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty.

Huiyuan Bridge, built in the 21st year of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1776).

Shangma Bridge (also called Shangma Shi Bridge), built in the 13th year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1808).

Fushan Township: A township under the jurisdiction of Qingtian County. Established in 1949 as Fushan Township, it was reorganized as a management area in 1958, changed to a commune in 1961, and reverted to a township in 1983. Located in the central-southern part of the county, it covers an area of 48.7 square kilometers with a population of 10,000. The Qingtian–Shuangyang Highway passes through the township. It administers 14 village committees: Kenbian, Gangxia, Qianwang, Yechu, Zhu’an, Wangfeitán, Hongfù??, Andian, Zhouzhu, Chenzhu, Aodi, Zhuyao, Xixibian, and Zhoushan. The main agricultural products are rice and sweet potatoes. It is a well-known hometown of overseas Chinese. ... More details about Fushan Township ++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units