Yongqing Bridge

Yongqing Bridge

Situated in Xiapuxi Village, Zhanzhou, Sanpui Town, Yongqing Bridge was constructed in the second year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1797). Stretching 33 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, and standing 8 meters above the water, it is a cantilever-type wooden covered bridge. The piers are built from bluestone, topped with two layers of wooden beams intersecting at right angles. The deck is laid with walkway planks, and the structure includes 12 covered walkways. The central bay features a two-story double-eaved tower with internal stairs, and the roof is adorned with high, upturned wing corners, giving the bridge an elegant and rustic appearance. It is a beautiful example of an ancient wooden flat bridge within the county.

When visiting Yongqing Bridge, in addition to admiring its exterior, you should also pay attention to the smooth and graceful line carvings on the beams inside the bridge, commonly known as “beam whiskers.” There is also an interesting legend behind them.

Related Legend: It is said that long ago, there was a highly skilled carpenter who was building a bridge but accidentally cut the main beam too short due to a momentary lapse. The date for placing the beam had already been set, and failure to complete the bridge on time would have resulted in the death penalty. The carpenter was at his wits' end when a man dressed like a fisherman appeared, carrying two carp. After learning the situation, the fisherman advised the carpenter not to worry and suggested they drink and eat fish first. The two then shared drinks together. When the wine ran out, the fisherman insisted the carpenter go out to buy more. With no other choice, the carpenter left. Upon his return, the fisherman had disappeared. On the table were two fish heads placed face to face, with a chopstick stuck through their mouths. Suddenly, the carpenter had an epiphany and was overjoyed. He realized that the chopstick represented the main beam, while the fish mouths symbolized two supporting points extending from the pillars at either end of the beam. These points held the beam in place, solving the problem of the shortened material. To honor this seemingly heavenly savior, images of carp whiskers were carved at both ends of the beam, and this custom has been passed down ever since.