Xingji Bridge

Xingji Bridge

Xingji Bridge is a cultural heritage site protected at the Anhui Provincial level.

Xingji Bridge is situated on the Qingxi River outside Jiuhua Gate to the east of Chizhou City. Dating from the Ming Dynasty, it is located east of Guichi City. With its seven arches, it is also called the “Seven-Arch Bridge.” It is currently a provincial cultural heritage protection unit.

Xingji Bridge was constructed in the 13th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1583) and underwent renovation in the 23rd year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1818).

Xingji Bridge spans the Qingxi River east of Guichi City. It is a seven-arch granite stone bridge, measuring 239 meters in length, 9.4 meters in width, and about 4 meters in height. The bridge arches are formed by longitudinal tied voussoirs, with staggered masonry joints. The upstream side features upright cutwaters in the shape of V-shaped wing walls. Originally, there was a Kuixing Tower built to the east of the bridge and an official pavilion to the west, both of which were lost in modern warfare.

Beside Xingji Bridge stands an ancient camphor tree over 50 years old, a well-known landmark in Chizhou City. Known as the Seven-Arch Bridge, Xingji Bridge is one of Chizhou’s famous historic bridges. In the past, the water was so clear that fish could be easily seen, making it one of the “Ten Lesser Scenic Spots of Chizhou” and a must-visit attraction for travelers to the area.

According to the *Guichi County Annals*, Xingji Bridge was built in the 13th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1585) by Liu Menglei. In the 23rd year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1818), Magistrate Dong Jiong oversaw its renovation, which was completed in the 3rd year of the Daoguang era (1823). The original stele was later destroyed in war. Besides facilitating trade and travel, the bridge was also constructed based on feng shui beliefs. The waters from the southwestern mountains of Chizhou converged south of the county seat, then flowed northeast toward the river. “If the water flows too swiftly, it does not accumulate, and if it flows straight, literary fortune is not enhanced.” Building the bridge was believed to harness the feng shui. Xingji Bridge is broad, spacious, majestic, and beautifully designed. Originally, there were Kuixing Towers and official pavilions to the north and south of the bridge, but they no longer exist. The area around Xingji Bridge has now been expanded into Qingxi River Park.

Cultural Heritage Protection

In September 1982, it was designated as a county-level cultural heritage site. In 1990, the Guichi Municipal Government carried out comprehensive repairs, ensuring the preservation of the ancient bridge. On May 4, 1998, Xingji Bridge was listed as a provincial-level cultural heritage site in Anhui Province.

Protected Area: Centered on the bridge, extending 20 meters to the east and 30 meters to the west.

Construction Control Zone: Extending 30 meters to the east and 50 meters to the west beyond the protected area.