Yanzhou South Bridge

Yanzhou South Bridge

Yanzhou South Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Shandong Province.

The South Bridge is situated on the Si River to the south of the city. In 1604 (the 32nd year of the Ming Dynasty's Wanli reign), it was initiated by Prince Lu Xian and took five years to complete, finishing in 1610 (the 37th year of the Wanli reign). The bridge is constructed from stone, measuring over 70 zhang in length and 3 zhang 8 chi in width, featuring 15 arched spans. Both sides of the bridge deck are equipped with 72 stone pillars forming the railing, with each railing and panel intricately carved with delicate floral patterns. At the northern end of the bridge, there was originally a stone memorial archway inscribed with four large characters: “Lu Guo Chang Hong” (The Long Rainbow of the State of Lu). Additionally, a pair of stone lions and a pair of water beasts were placed at each end of the bridge. In 1966, the government allocated funds to renovate the Si River Bridge. On the foundation of the original 15 spans, four additional large spans were added at each end, and the project was completed in 1968. It became a key north-south transportation hub. In 1984, the South Bridge was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit of Yanzhou County. In November 2012, it was announced as a cultural relic protection unit of Jining City.

Further reading:

· Fourth Batch of Shandong Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units

· Fourth Batch of Jining Municipal Cultural Relic Protection Units