Dongguan Dengying Bridge

Dongguan Dengying Bridge

Dengying Bridge is located on Wangxi River in Wangniudun Town. According to records, the bridge was built through fundraising led by Lun Chang, a successful candidate in the imperial provincial examination (from Wanglian Sixth Lane) during the tenth year of the Tongzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty (1871). The bridge was constructed from red stone, featuring a semi-circular arch, measuring nine meters in length and 2.65 meters in width. The bridge deck follows the curve of the arch and includes three platforms connected by steps, with a total of 27 steps. Stone railings with relief carvings stand on both sides of the bridge, approximately 0.5 meters high. The entire structure is elegant in design and exquisitely crafted. The central part of the arch on both sides features the carved characters “Deng Ying” (Ascend to Yingzhou), written in bold and powerful strokes by Lun Chang. The term “Deng Ying” refers to ascending to Yingzhou, a legendary dwelling place of immortals. Yingzhou is one of the three sacred mountains in the sea—Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou—said to be inhabited by deities.

Having withstood over a century of trials and tribulations, Dengying Bridge still stands firmly rooted, majestically spanning the river, retaining its rustic and majestic character. However, due to prolonged natural erosion and damage during the Cultural Revolution, the relief carvings on the stone railings have peeled off, the “Deng Ying” inscriptions have been scraped away, and the steps have deteriorated significantly. In January 1965, the commune management committee carried out a renovation of the bridge. The damaged stone railings were repaired with cement, and the three platforms along with all the steps were resurfaced with cement.

Despite more than a century of change and upheaval, Dengying Bridge has continued to span the river, quietly carrying travelers coming and going. It symbolizes the simplicity and resilience of the people of Wangniudun and is one of the few remaining cultural heritage sites in the town.

Originally, the bridge’s arch was relatively narrow and low, which posed challenges for the annual Dragon Boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival. Dragon boats often risked collision and injury when passing through the arch. To address this issue and facilitate the races, in the first half of 1991, the town government invested over 300,000 yuan to demolish the original red stone arch bridge and rebuild it with concrete. The new bridge featured an enlarged and heightened arch, giving it a renewed appearance. However, as the initial widening was still insufficient, the town government invested another 400,000 yuan in the first half of 2002 for a second reconstruction. The current Dengying Bridge is now tall, wide, and modern, presenting a completely new look.

Wangniudun Town: Located in the western part of Dongguan City, Wangniudun Town was established during the Song Dynasty and boasts a history of over 800 years. With fertile land, a pleasant climate, and well-developed transportation, it is known as the “Land of Fish and Rice.” The town covers a total area of 31.57 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 90,800, including about 44,600 registered residents and around 46,200 new Dongguan residents. It currently administers 21 village committees and one neighborhood community committee. Wangniudun Town enjoys convenient transportation and a strategic location, situated just 10 kilometers from the city center, 40 kilometers north of Guangzhou, and 90 kilometers south of Shenzhen. Major transportation routes such as the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway and National Highway 10… More detailed information about Wangniudun Town++