Bachelor Bridge

Bachelor Bridge

Bachelor Bridge is a cultural heritage site protected by Yuyao City.

Bachelor Bridge is located in Libutou Village, Dayin Town. It is a stone slab multi-span beam bridge and also a type of submersible bridge. Stretching from north to south across the stream between Libutou Village and Bachelor Village, the bridge is 1.95 meters wide and 70.3 meters long. It is not only the longest ancient bridge in Yuyao City but also features a unique architectural style. Aside from the bridge abutments on both ends, it has thirteen piers and fourteen arches. The piers are built with neatly arranged stone slabs in staggered layers, and the western end is fitted with cutwaters to reduce flood resistance and prevent debris from hitting or tangling. Both ends of the bridge are paved with steps made of stone slabs, and the bridge deck consists of long flat stones and rectangular flagstones laid along the sides. The deck is engraved with auspicious patterns such as “Five Blessings Surrounding Longevity” and “Three Promotions in Rank,” symbolizing people’s hopes for a better life. The eastern side of the middle arch slab is inscribed with the words “Reconstructed through Fundraising in the Fourth Year of the Xianfeng Reign of the Qing Dynasty.” With its broad water surface and narrow bridge structure, and without guardrails on either side, it is suitable for stone-producing areas prone to short-lived floods where building high-elevation bridges is impractical or unnecessary. This makes it a medium-level submersible bridge. Submersible bridges are a unique category among China's bridges. During flash floods, water can freely overflow the bridge surface; after the flood recedes, the bridge resumes normal use, benefiting the local community. This ingenious design fully reflects the remarkable wisdom and skill of ancient Chinese laborers.

Bachelor Bridge was first built during the Yuanyou era of the Song Dynasty (1086–1094). It was named after Scholar Shu Yan, who lived here during the Song Dynasty. Shu Dan, a native of Cixi, styled himself Xindao and was also known as Lazy Hall. He ranked first in the imperial examinations and initially served as magistrate of Linhai. When Wang Anshi became prime minister, he appointed Shu for his exceptional talent, and Shu eventually rose to the position of Censor-in-Chief. He was posthumously awarded the title of Direct Scholar. His biography is recorded in the History of Song. Having withstood over 340 years of sun, wind, erosion, and numerous floods, although parts of the structure have been damaged, Bachelor Bridge underwent repairs in 1993 and remains largely intact. To this day, the bridge still serves the functions of stone transport and flood submersion, making it all the more precious.

Bachelor Bridge was designated as a cultural heritage site protected by Yuyao City in October 1987.

Dayin Town: Located at the border between Yuyao and Yinzhou, Dayin Town borders Qiyang to the east, Chemiu to the west, leans against the Siming Mountains to the south, and faces the Shunshui River to the north. It stands across the river from the Hemudu Site and is 17 kilometers from downtown Ningbo and 34 kilometers from Yuyao. The Yao River flows beside the town, and Provincial Highway Yongliang runs through it. The Hangzhou–Ningbo Expressway has an interchange in Dayin, which is 20 kilometers from Ningbo Airport and about 27 kilometers from Beilun Port, offering very convenient transportation. Dayin Town is a historic cultural town with a history of over 2,500 years. The town covers a total area of 33 square kilometers, comprising 5 administrative villages and 1 neighborhood committee. By the end of 2003, the town had a permanent population of... More details about Dayin Town++