Qianshan Yongzhen Bridge

Qianshan Yongzhen Bridge

Yongzhen Bridge is located in Xiawu Group, Hengzhong Village, Shuihou Town, spanning the north and south banks of the Yujia River. It is renowned for its long history, sturdy structure, and elegant design. Records about the bridge’s renovation are inscribed on a stele housed in the pavilion at the southern end of the bridge.

Constructed at the river’s outlet, Yongzhen Bridge functions as a symbolic “gate” in feng shui, designed to retain positive energy and prosperity. The structure also ingeniously combines a bridge, pavilion, and ancestral hall into one, serving as both a vital traffic route and a communal gathering space within the area. Its unique design and strategic location reflect a blend of scientific planning and practical utility.

Built in the 20th year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1840), the bridge is said to have been crafted by a stonemason from Hubei Province. It stretches 19 meters in length, 5 meters in width, with an arch height of 6 meters and a span of 13.50 meters, making it a single-arch stone bridge. The middle of the bridge is thinner while the ends are thicker, and its gently sloped deck is ideal for pedestrian traffic. At the southern end stands a wooden square pavilion, providing a resting spot for villagers. Oriented east-west, the pavilion measures 6.7 meters in width and 6.1 meters in height. It was constructed in 1948 by local carpenters Yu Jinwan and Yu Xijiang, and underwent renovation in 1986. The couplets inside the pavilion (Upper: "Labor of mind, labor of strength—both are hard; find joy amid hardship, come in and rest awhile." Lower: "Busy chasing fame, busy chasing profit—take a break amid the rush, sit down and chat.") were inscribed by the martyr Yu Liang’ao.

Shuihou Town: Located in the western part of Qianshan, Shuihou Town covers a total area of 83 square kilometers. The town center is 23 kilometers from the county seat, 84 kilometers from Anqing City, and 30 kilometers from Yuexi County. Adjacent to the national scenic area of Tianzhu Mountain, Shuihou features complex and diverse terrain with significant elevation changes, unique mountain landscapes, dynamic rivers, and historical cultural sites such as temples, pavilions, and hilltop strongholds. The town has a permanent resident population of about 3,000.

The town currently has 111,019.5 mu of mountain land and 7,912.77 mu of arable land. It governs 16 administrative villages with a population of 15,300... More details about Shuihou Town++

Further Reading:

· The Seventh Batch of Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Units in Anqing City