Yu Rang Bridge

Yu Rang Bridge

Highlights: In the late Spring and Autumn period, Zhi Bo Yao, a noble of the Jin state, attempted to seize the fiefdom of the Zhao family by diverting the waters of the Jin River to flood the city of Jinyang. After his defeat, he was executed. His retainer, Yu Rang, sought revenge but failed in his first assassination attempt. He then disfigured himself with lacquer, ruined his appearance, and silenced his voice by swallowing charcoal. When Duke Xiang of Zhao visited the Jin Temple, Yu Rang hid beneath a bridge about a li to the north of the temple, dagger in hand. When the duke approached, his horse shied, preventing the attack. Duke Xiang captured Yu Rang and was about to execute him. Yu Rang wrote: “A loyal minister does not fear death, and a wise ruler does not conceal another’s virtues. I beg to strike your robe as a token, so that even in death, I will have no regrets.” Moved by his loyalty, the duke removed his brocade robe, and Yu Rang struck it three times with his sword before taking his own life. Later generations, believing Yu Rang’s blood had stained the bridge, named it Chiqiao (Red Bridge), also known as Yu Rang Bridge. A stele stands beside the bridge, and a memorial shrine has been erected. The shrine houses statues of Duke Ai of Jin, Zhi Bo Yao, and Yu Rang seated together. Introduction: Yu Rang Bridge is located in Chiqiao Village, 24 kilometers southwest of Taiyuan City. The bridge is built of sandstone, with railings along its sides, and the Jin River flows perpetually beneath it.

Shanxi, Taiyuan City