Tongxian Bridge

Tongxian Bridge

In Dongping Township, Yongchun County, there stands a rare covered beam-style bridge in southern Fujian — Tongxian Bridge. Also known as Dongguan Bridge, it was first built during the Southern Song Dynasty and underwent renovations in every subsequent dynasty. During the Southern Song period, the bridge was open to the sky, and it wasn’t until the mid-Ming Dynasty that a roof was added. The current wooden bridge was rebuilt during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty and underwent repairs in 1929. Tongxian Bridge is 85 meters long and 4.7 meters wide, with 2 abutments, 4 piers, and 5 spans, the largest of which is 17.5 meters. The bridge piers are constructed of blue granite slabs stacked in an interlocking pattern to form a ship-like shape, with large pine logs serving as foundation piles — a method known as “sleeping wood sunk foundation,” where the logs are visible when the water level is low. On top of the piers lie two layers of large stones, followed by beams, with 22 beams per span. The bridge deck, railings, columns, brackets, awnings, and roof are all made of wood. The bridge roof is covered with small blue tiles, with ridges made of gray bricks. The central pier features a niche enshrining a statue of Guanyin. Building a roof over the wooden bridge not only provides travelers with a place to rest and take shelter from the rain but also enhances the bridge’s stability and prevents rainwater from directly soaking and rotting the wooden beams, achieving practicality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The entire bridge, inside and out, is painted red, and each bridge chamber features a painted panel depicting ancient legends such as Nezha Causing Havoc in the Sea, Chen Xiang Rescuing His Mother, and Chang’e Flying to the Moon.

Address: On the Huyang Stream, Dongmei Village, Dongping Township, Yongchun County, Quanzhou City

Type: Bridge

Recommended visiting time: 20–30 minutes

Opening hours:

Open all day

Ticket information:

No admission fee.