Pingyao Huiji Bridge

Pingyao Huiji Bridge

Pingyao Huiji Bridge is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Huiji Bridge

Era: Qing Dynasty

Location: 300 meters east of Xiadongmen in Pingyao County

Pingyao Huiji Bridge is located in Dongcheng Village, Guta Town, Pingyao County. It spans the lower reaches of the Huiji River and is a nine-arch stone bridge, commonly known as the Nine-Eye Bridge. According to inscriptions on steles, it was originally a wooden plank bridge. In the 10th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1671), construction began on a five-arch stone bridge, and in the 36th year of Kangxi’s reign (1697), it was expanded to nine arches. Further repairs and reinforcements were carried out during the Qianlong, Tongzhi, and Guangxu reigns.

The Huiji Bridge runs from north to south, with a total length of 80 meters and a width of 7.4 meters. Each arch has a clear span ranging from 4.2 to 4.9 meters, and the bridge piers are 5 to 7 meters high. The bridge deck is slightly arched and paved with flagstones. The central five arches are adorned on both sides with carved dragon heads and tails, each extending more than one meter from the bridge walls. Stone balustrades and pillars line both sides of the bridge—50 panels on each side—decorated with carvings of rare birds and animals, auspicious flowers, as well as patterns of the characters Fu (fortune), Lu (prosperity), and Shou (longevity). The tops of the pillars are carved with lions, flower buds, and eight treasures. Triangular stone foundations with shock-absorbing functions were built on the upstream and downstream sides of the bridge base, connected by iron rivets shaped like silver ingots. The arch stones are secured with iron cramps, and the stonework of the bridge walls is finely crafted with thoroughly grouted joints.

Located east of the eastern gate area of the ancient city of Pingyao, Pingyao Huiji Bridge is an important component of the ancient city. With its long span, rational design, excellent structure, and solid masonry, it stands as a significant example of Qing Dynasty stone arch bridges in northern China.

In May 2013, Pingyao Huiji Bridge was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Group of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units