Naihe Bridge

Naihe Bridge

Built during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1403 AD), it was originally an auxiliary structure of the incense temple belonging to Zhu Chun, the Prince of Shu of the Ming Dynasty (the eleventh son of Zhu Yuanzhang). The bridge is 7.2 meters long, with a span of 3.3 meters, an arch height of 2.55 meters, and an arched deck that is 2.5 meters wide. Beneath the bridge lies the Blood River Pool, which is 1.2 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 3 meters deep.

The term “Naihe” (奈何), derived from Buddhist scriptures, means “hell,” and can also be interpreted as “helpless” or “no alternative.” It is commonly said: “Those who do good will be blessed, while those who do evil will not cross Naihe Bridge easily.” Legend has it that the spirits of the deceased must all pass over Naihe Bridge, which serves as the first checkpoint on the way to the underworld. Good souls pass through smoothly, while evil ones are hurled by demons into the Blood River Pool, where they suffer torment from insects and venomous snakes. This embodies the essence of ghost city culture: punishing evil and promoting virtue. To the left of the bridge is the Golden Bridge, and to the right is the Silver Bridge. Those who cross the “Golden Bridge” will gain great wealth and prosperity, while those who walk the “Silver Bridge” will also become rich.