Dong'an Guangli Bridge

Dong'an Guangli Bridge

Dong'an Guangli Bridge is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Guangli Bridge is situated on the Yinshui River in Huaqiao Village, Zixi Town (Tangfu Township), Dong'an County, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province. This ancient Qing Dynasty bridge, having stood for over 200 years, features a distinctive "golden feet and waist" covered bridge design that fulfills multiple functions—both utilitarian and aesthetic—demonstrating the exceptional and ingenious craftsmanship of traditional Chinese bridge construction. It holds significant historical, artistic, and scientific value. Built in the 38th year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1774), it was named to signify "benefiting travelers widely and bringing convenience to the people." The bridge is celebrated in poetry with the line: “Seventy pillars and a golden toad, Guangli Bridge’s fame spreads far and wide.” Constructed using methods inspired by Song Dynasty architecture, the bridge consists of three arches, stone piers with water covers, and uniquely shaped arch corners.

In February 1983, Guangli Bridge was designated as a County-Level Cultural Relics Protection Unit;

In October 1983, the People's Government of Hunan Province announced Guangli Bridge as a Provincial-Level Cultural Relics Protection Unit;

In 1984, the provincial cultural relics bureau allocated 15,000 yuan for the maintenance of Guangli Bridge;

In 1991, the minutes of the on-site office meeting of the Dong'an County People's Government further defined the protection area, established a protection team, and appointed a dedicated manager;

In 1992, the provincial cultural relics bureau allocated 30,000 yuan for repairs to the bridge foundation, structure, beams, and other components;

In November 2001, the county culture bureau used self-raised funds of 6,000 yuan to carry out emergency repairs on Guangli Bridge;

In 2002, the Dong'an County People's Government issued a notice titled “On Effectively Strengthening the Protection of Guangli Bridge.”

On May 3, 2013, the State Council of the People's Republic of China announced Guangli Bridge as a “National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit”

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units