Rainbow Light Bridge

Rainbow Light Bridge

Rainbow Light Bridge, located in Huayang Village, Hengkeng Township, is a stone-arched wooden corridor bridge. Originally built in the first year of the Yongzheng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1723), it underwent renovations during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi eras. The bridge is 17.26 meters long, 4.42 meters wide, and spans 13.2 meters across the stream.

Rainbow Light Bridge is a stone-arched wooden corridor bridge, with its flat stone arch forming a perfect semicircle. Balanced and symmetrical, its graceful lines are reflected on the clear waters below. The interplay of solid and void, form and reflection, creates a harmonious whole. Above the stone arch sits a seven-bay corridor structure. The exterior of the corridor is fitted with wooden planks to block the wind, while an overhanging roof provides shelter from the rain. The roof features a double-eave design, with a gently sloping ridge and well-proportioned turns. The wing corners extend slightly, then curl upwards—viewed from afar, they lend the roof a sense of dynamic movement, while up close, they seem ready to take flight. The entire roof exudes an impression of intimacy, softness, lightness, and elegance.

A sense of beauty that is delicate, soft, light, and elegant.

Rainbow Light Bridge was renovated during both the Yongzheng and Xianfeng reigns of the Qing Dynasty. However, it was ultimately “destroyed by fire.” “The Xiayang Bridge in Sandu (i.e., Rainbow Light Bridge) serves as a vital crossing for travelers between Zhejiang and Fujian.” With the bridge gone, passage became impossible. The local clan leaders gathered everyone to discuss the matter: “Some argued against wood, suggesting it be replaced with stone, even though the cost would be doubled.” They decided to build a stone-arched bridge. Although the expense was much higher, “wood is neither as safe nor as durable as stone.” This was because Rainbow Light Bridge had previously been constructed from timber and had been destroyed by fire multiple times. In pursuit of longevity, several key figures traveled far and wide to raise funds, and eventually “built it with stone, yet retained the wooden structure above,” transforming Rainbow Light Bridge into a stone-arched wooden corridor bridge.