Gong’an Bridge

Gong’an Bridge

Gong’an Bridge, an ancient bridge in Zhonghua known as the “Corridor Bridge of Northern Sichuan” (commonly referred to as the “Bridge Tower”). It is located on the Lingxi River on the eastern side of the middle section of Banbian Street (now Lingxi Street), and connects to the east with Huopao Street. Construction began in September 1772 during the 37th year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty, and it was completed and put into use in May of the following year. The bridge is 29.35 meters long and 6.6 meters wide. The two piers are stone dragons facing north, each 3.7 meters tall, and the tower is 4.5 meters high with a double-deck structure. Its ridge is covered with green tiles, and there is a square upturned corner tower in the center, giving the whole structure a total height of 8.2 meters. The beams, crossbeams, and stone pillars are carved and painted with scenes of flowers and birds, landscapes, scenes encouraging agricultural work, discouraging idleness, and promoting virtue. At the center-south side of the bridge stands a wooden board house housing the Dragon King Temple, which faces north. It was demolished in 1964. Today, the entire ancient bridge is well-preserved and remains a pleasant spot where people cross the river or rest and chat.

Source: Website of the Jiangyou Municipal Committee and the People’s Government of Jiangyou

Zhonghua Town: Zhonghua Town is a historic and cultural old town of Jiangyou, named after the Zhonghua Weir within its area. It was established as a market town in the 8th year of the Yongzheng reign in the Qing Dynasty (1730), originally under the jurisdiction of Zitong County. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, it became a township. In 1935 (the 24th year of the Republic of China), it was changed to the Zhonghua United Security Zone, then in 1940 (the 29th year of the Republic of China), the United Security Zone was converted back to a township, with 21 security areas under its management. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, in 1952, it was divided into four townships: Zhonghua, Tongxing, Wuxing, and Shuangbai, with Zhonghua Township consisting of five villages: Minzhu, Qianjin, Shengli, Huasheng, and Xin Yi. In 1953, it was incorporated into Jiangyou and placed under the Ninth District. In 1955, 13 villages from Xingshun Township and Shuangbai Township, along with three villages—Shuanghe, Honghua, and Daxing—from Wuxing Township... More detailed information about Zhonghua Town++