Datashi Bridge in Tianchang Ancient City

Datashi Bridge in Tianchang Ancient City

Datashi Bridge in Tianchang Ancient City is a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

At the southeastern entrance of the ancient city, spanning the Mian River, lies a grand stone bridge. The bridge stretches over a hundred meters in length, with a pair of majestic stone lions at each end to the east and west. The sides of the bridge deck are lined with stone railings and balusters, atop which are carved 38 pairs of stone animals including lions, monkeys, and eagles. Upon closer inspection, the male lions glare fiercely ahead, the macaques appear deep in thought, the eagles swoop down to catch a white rabbit, and the cubs playfully climb on their mother’s shoulders…

The stone carvings are vividly shaped with smooth lines. The carving styles vary from bold to delicate, yet all are lifelike and strikingly realistic.

The stone carvings on the side of the bridge are weathered and mottled, testifying to their long history. Wu Tongting said that this part is still in its original form, dating back over 200 years. The grand stone bridge was originally built in 1780 as a 12-arch stone bridge. In the 59th year of the Qianlong reign and the 6th year of the Jiaqing reign, two major floods successively destroyed the eastern six arches. It wasn’t until 1929 that they were restored. In 1966, when the Mian River flooded violently, the eastern five arches were washed away again and repaired in 1967. After restoration, the current Datashi Bridge has 11 arches.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province