Shenze Yongji Bridge

Shenze Yongji Bridge

Shenze Yongji Bridge is a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

Shenze Yongji Bridge is located at the northwest entrance of Zhaoba Village, 4 kilometers west of Shenze County in Hebei Province, spanning the Cishui River from north to south. The bridge is entirely constructed of stone, with a length of 70 meters, a width of 6.3 meters, and a height of 6.86 meters, featuring five arches.

Both sides of the bridge deck are equipped with stone railings and balusters, while the bridgeheads are adorned with carved drum stones, showcasing a unique design and a majestic presence.

According to the records of the 11th year of the Xianfeng reign in the Qing Dynasty (1861): Yongji Bridge was built between February and September of the 9th year of the Wanli reign in the Ming Dynasty (1581). It was initiated by Lady Hao, an imperial court attendant (original name Hao Fang, from Zhaoba Village in Shenze), who sought to relieve the local villagers of the hardship of wading across the Cishui River when going to and returning from their fields. She proposed funding the bridge’s construction and informed the two imperial dowagers, who then petitioned Emperor Wanli. The imperial court dispatched an attendant official, Wang Chen, to oversee the construction in Zhaoba Village, Shenze. To date, it has stood for 409 years. Despite enduring several wars, the bridge still majestically spans the Cishui River.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province