Tianjin Bridge

Tianjin Bridge

Tianjin Bridge, commonly known as Sword River Bridge, spans across Jiudu Stream between the Upper and Lower Eighteen Turns. Here, two mountains stand facing each other, forming a secluded valley where lush greenery drips with moisture, refreshing the clothes and captivating the heart.

Legend has it that when the Crown Prince (Zhenwu) entered the mountain, his mother, the Kindly Victorious Empress, chased him here, calling out eighteen times and taking eighteen steps; the Crown Prince responded from the opposite mountain with eighteen calls and took eighteen steps upward, hence the name “Upper and Lower Eighteen Turns.” The Empress continued her pursuit and managed to grab the corner of the Crown Prince’s garment. The Crown Prince then drew his sword, cleaved the mountain to form a river, instantly splitting the mountain in two and sending turbulent waters surging between them, separating the Empress on the opposite bank—thus the river was named Sword River. Overcome with grief, the Empress wept as if from a dragon spring.

Later, King Jingle and the Kindly Victorious Empress sent five hundred civil and military officials to visit the Crown Prince. They reached Jiudu but could not cross, hence Sword River is also called Jiudu Stream. Just as the officials were about to turn back, they suddenly found themselves unable to move, so they followed the Crown Prince instead. After Zhenwu attained enlightenment, they became his “Five Hundred Spirit Officials,” enshrined in the Yuxu Cliff and Nan岩 Shrine. During the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, to commemorate the Kindly Victorious Empress’s deep maternal love, the Longquan Temple was built east of Sword River Bridge. Though originally in ruins, it has now been restored.

Tianjin Bridge was first built in the Yuan Dynasty, rebuilt in the 11th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1413), and renovated in 1984 to restore its original appearance. The bridge features a flat arch, built with square stones, flanked by finely carved balustrades and pillars. Below, there are three arched openings, resembling rainbows lying across the waves. The stream beneath the bridge runs clear. A screen wall stands to the west of the bridge. Surrounded by ancient trees reaching to the sky, the area is tranquil and lush. Strolling across the bridge brings a refreshing coolness and fragrant breezes that soothe the bones, evoking the feeling that “both body and spirit are utterly purified here—why seek immortals in Penglai?”

Crown Prince Slope Scenic Area of Wudang Mountain

Purple Cloud Palace of Wudang Mountain

Grand Yue Taihe Palace of Wudang Mountain

Qiongtai Temple

Crow Ridge

Yuxu Palace of Wudang Mountain

Purple Gold City

South Rock Palace

Huanglong Cave of Wudang Mountain

Honing the Needle Well

Heavenly Pillar Peak

Hall of Two Principles

Flying Ascension Cliff

Dragon Head Incense Burner

Yuanhe Temple

St. Francis Church

Five Dragon Palace of Wudang Mountain

Thunder God Cave