Ning'an Great Stone Bridge

　　   The Great Stone Bridge is the most beautiful and serene scenic spot in the ancient city of Ning'an. Nestled against the mountain and facing the water, it lies at the back of Jiming Mountain and in front of the Mudan...

　　   300

　　   years of history. This ancient bridge was first built in the eighth year of the Tiancong reign during the Jin Dynasty (1634 AD), initially constructed as a wooden structure called the "Longban Bridge." It was later rebuilt as a stone bridge. For centuries, it has undergone several renovations. When locals in Ning'an speak of the Great Stone Bridge, they often mention the story of the Golden Oil Peddler who repaired the bridge. Legend has it that during the Tongzhi era, there was an unmarried oil vendor surnamed Jin who passed this bridge frequently while selling oil. Seeing the bridge in disrepair, he spent his life savings to renovate and restore the Great Stone Bridge to its former glory.

　　   1634

　　   year), initially constructed as a wooden structure called the "Longban Bridge." It was later rebuilt as a stone bridge. For centuries, it has undergone several renovations. When locals in Ning'an speak of the Great Stone Bridge, they often mention the story of the Golden Oil Peddler who repaired the bridge. Legend has it that during the Tongzhi era, there was an unmarried oil vendor surnamed Jin who passed this bridge frequently while selling oil. Seeing the bridge in disrepair, he spent his life savings to renovate and restore the Great Stone Bridge to its former glory.

　　   The Great Stone Bridge is a single-arch stone bridge built with bluestone. It is

　　   25

　　   meters

　　   long,

　　   4.5

　　   meters

　　   wide,

　　   and

　　   7.3

　　   meters

　　   tall. On both sides of the bridge deck,

　　   56

　　   symmetrically arranged stone pillars stand, each topped with carved stone peaches. The stone slabs between the pillars feature decorative patterns. Beneath the bridge is a massive arch spanning over

　　   4

　　   meters, through which the Po Snow Spring water cascades down, flowing through the valley and into the Mudan River. The area surrounding the Great Stone Bridge is shaded by trees, with the old bridge and flowing water creating a particularly enchanting scene. It has been designated as a provincial-level cultural heritage site by the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province. On the southwest cliff by the bridge stands a stone pavilion, housing two stone tablets inscribed with inscriptions and epitaphs documenting the history of the Great Stone Bridge.

　　   through the valley and into the Mudan River. The area surrounding the Great Stone Bridge is shaded by trees, with the old bridge and flowing water creating a particularly enchanting scene. It has been designated as a provincial-level cultural heritage site by the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province. On the southwest cliff by the bridge stands a stone pavilion, housing two stone tablets inscribed with inscriptions and epitaphs documenting the history of the Great Stone Bridge.