Chixi Bridge

Chixi Bridge

Chixi Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Fujian Province.

Chixi Bridge is a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit. It is located 300 meters southwest of Xiachixi Village, Chengyuan Township. The bridge was first built in the 55th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1790) and was renovated in the 23rd year of the Jiaqing reign (1818). This wooden arch covered bridge features a single span, with a total length of 33.5 meters, a width of 5 meters, an arch height of 9 meters, and a clear span of 24 meters. Constructed using two systems of bracket sets — the three-section and five-section styles — arranged in an inverted V-shape, the bridge has a complex yet sturdy structure, making it a typical example of ancient covered bridges with high historical and cultural value. The bridge's roofed corridor contains 60 pillars, 13 bays, and the central bay features a double-eaved gable and hip roof with slightly upturned wing corners, decorated inside with the Eight Trigrams. The sides of the bridge are covered with overlapping storm boards and feature various geometric-shaped window openings. The majority of Chixi Village residents are descendants of Yan Zhenqing, a famous official and great calligrapher of the Tang Dynasty. Chixi Bridge was funded and built by the Yan family. Despite over 200 years of weathering, it remains as solid as ever.

Source: Local Chronicles of Zhenghe County

Chixi Village: The administrative village of Chixi is headquartered at Xiachixi Village, a revolutionary base area rich in forest resources. Xiachixi was settled during the Taihe era of the late Tang Dynasty (around 829 AD) by Yan Shilang, a descendant of Yan Zhenqing, who migrated from Shandong to Yongchun and then branched off to settle here. The upper and lower sections of Chixi were originally collectively called Baibu Yang, but later renamed Chixi. The area was historically a military and transportation stronghold, with a strategic mountain pass known as Chixi Pass established here. The Chixi administrative village includes three natural villages, namely Upper and Lower Chixi, with the village committee stationed in Xiachixi. The village currently has 46,805 mu of land, including 805 mu of arable land and 46,000… More details about Chixi Village++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Fujian Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units