Badu Heliang Bridge

Badu Heliang Bridge

Badu Heliang Bridge is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Fujian Province.

Badu Heliang Bridge is located in Shenghuang Village, Shenghuang Township, Minqing County. It is a grand ancient pavilion-style bridge that combines transportation and leisure. The bridge is 53 meters long and 3.2 meters wide, with stone abutments built on both riverbanks and rows of round logs extending from both ends. The eastern end has an 8-step stone staircase, while the western end features 31 steps on each side, all equipped with handrails. The bridge deck is paved with colored floor tiles, flanked by 46 pillars arranged in two rows (inner and outer), forming 11 pavilion frames. Each frame has four pillars connected by horizontal and vertical beams. The roof features five wing-like pavilions covered with blue tiles, adorned with beautifully decorated ridges. Its classic, elegant, and dignified design holds considerable artistic and aesthetic value. It is the longest existing pavilion bridge in the Fuzhou area. The spans of the two arches differ: the eastern span uses a combination of three and four-joint timber structures, while the western span combines three and five-joint timber elements. The covered corridor consists of 11 bays supported by 46 pillars. The roof’s five pavilion wings have double-sloped, downward-facing eaves. The bridge piers are dry-laid with blue strip stones, shaped like boats with pointed ends facing upstream to resist the current. This bridge is the only wooden arch covered bridge in China featuring two spans with different joint timber combinations.

Heliang Bridge was originally built in the fifth year of the Qiandao era of the Song Dynasty (1169 AD) and was rebuilt in the 38th year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1694 AD).

III. Architectural Evolution:

In the 18th year of the Republic of China (1929 AD), the bridge was renovated and two commemorative steles were erected: the “Heliang Bridge Stele Inscription” and the “Overseas Chinese Donation Stele.”

In 1981, Shen Jingshou inscribed the bridge’s name.

In 2013, it was listed as part of the eighth batch of cultural heritage sites protected at the provincial level in Fujian Province.