Leshou Bridge

Leshou Bridge

Leshou Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Huangshan City.

Leshou Bridge is located in Yiqi Town, Tunxi District, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Leshou Bridge spans Zhanxi River in Zhan Chuan Village, on the western outskirts of Tunxi District. Its name is derived from a line in The Analects of Confucius: “The wise find joy in water; the benevolent find joy in mountains. The wise are active; the benevolent are tranquil. The wise find pleasure; the benevolent enjoy longevity.” The name “Leshou” (乐寿), meaning “joy and longevity,” embodies the harmonious unity of wisdom and benevolence.

The bridge was first constructed during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli period and underwent two major renovations, one in the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty and another in the 37th year of the Republic of China (1948). It is a wooden and stone structure, featuring a covered (corridor-style) bridge design. The bridge is 16.6 meters long and 5.6 meters wide. It rests on stone piers, with one central pier forming two arch spans. The bridge superstructure uses thick logs as beams, layered with thick timber, bridge planks, bamboo sheathing, thin bricks, and fine sand. The deck is paved with polished and granite slabs. The wooden framework above the bridge consists of seven bays. The central bay houses a shrine to Guan Yu, with a partition wall painted with a rising dragon amid clouds (locally called the Ink Dragon), hence the common name “Guan Ye Qiao” (Guanyu’s Bridge). Because the statue of Guan Yu faces south, it is also known as “Guan Yang Qiao” (Yang referring to the south). Another explanation links the name to a homophone with Guan Yang Qiao. The side bays are one meter lower than the main ridge of the central bay, making the center bay stand out like a small pavilion. The front and rear eaves of the wooden frame use angled double columns. On the side facing upstream, benches are installed between the pillars for travelers and worshippers to rest. The bridge features bright windows, red pillars, a painted corridor roof, and combines the functions of a bridge, temple, and waterside pavilion. Its unique structure and distinctive style make it a key cultural relic protection unit of Tunxi District.

Legend has it that long ago, a wealthy man from Zhejiang dreamed that he accidentally fell off a bridge into the water and was about to sink when a red-faced man emerged from underwater and saved him. Upon reaching the shore, he noticed lanterns at the bridgehead inscribed with the three characters “乐寿桥” (Leshou Bridge). To fulfill a vow and repay the deity for saving his life, the man searched far and wide for “Leshou Bridge.” He met a Huizhou merchant who told him there was a bridge by that name on Zhan Chuan River in their hometown. Delighted, the man immediately asked the merchant to take him all the way to Zhan Chuan Village and rewarded him with silver. When he arrived, he found a bridge identical to the one in his dream, and the statue of Guan Yu enshrined in the central pavilion closely resembled the red-faced man who had rescued him. The man spared no expense in hiring skilled craftsmen to renovate and decorate both the bridge and the Guan Yu shrine. He erected thick pillars around the bridge, added beams and roof tiles to create a covered corridor, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and worshippers. On the lunar calendar dates of the 13th of May and the 13th of September—Guan Yu’s memorial days—the man traveled from afar to pay homage. Though situated in a remote area, Leshou Bridge gained widespread fame and became a renowned scenic spot.

Leshou Bridge was designated as a cultural relic protection unit of Huangshan City.

Yiqi Town: Located on the western outskirts of Huangshan City’s urban center, Yiqi Town in Tunxi District is 5 kilometers from the city center. In 1992, the former Yiqi and Zhan Chuan townships merged to form Yiqi Township, which was upgraded to a town in early 2002 with approval from the provincial Department of Civil Affairs. 　

Yiqi Town boasts abundant tourism resources and cultural attractions. These include traditional market festivals such as the “February 8” Temple Fair, historical sites like the centuries-old Guan Di Bridge, as well as modern leisure destinations such as distinctive golf courses, go-kart tracks, dome cinemas, and the Huangshan Botanical Grand View Garden. In recent years, special... Yiqi Town detailed information++

Further reading:

· Fifth Batch of Municipal Cultural Relic Protection Units in Huangshan City