Quxi Floating Bridge

　　The Quxi Floating Bridge in Jingzhou has a long history. According to historical records, it was built in the 20th year of the Chenghua Emperor’s reign (1484) by Magistrate Wu Ji to facilitate the daily travel and production activities of residents on both sides of the Quxi River. The bridge was 110 meters long and 2 meters wide, consisting of 12 wooden boats linked together, with planks laid on top and railings installed on both sides to secure the floating structure. In the first year of the Jiajing era (1522), Magistrate Tang Jia reinforced the bridge. In the fifth year of the Wanli era (1577), Magistrate Mi Xinchuan added a "Rooster Pavilion" on the west side of the bridge. In the 19th year of the Qianlong era (1754), Magistrate Bao Qimi built a nine-arch stone bridge slightly to the east of the floating bridge, which led to the discontinuation and gradual deterioration of the floating bridge. In the 59th year of the Qianlong era (1794), the stone bridge was destroyed by floods, forcing pedestrians to rely on boat crossings. In the fourth year of the Jiaqing era (1799), Magistrate Zhang Bo, heeding public opinion, had the floating bridge rebuilt. In the fifth year of the Daoguang era (1825), Magistrate Xu Fengjie personally funded another renovation. By 1969, after the government invested in building the Quxi River Bridge, the long-used floating bridge was eventually dismantled.

　　Since the reform and opening up, Jingzhou County has seen thriving industries, commercial prosperity, and a surge in traffic. Residents on both sides of the river often faced congestion and inconvenience when using the main bridge, leading to widespread calls for the reconstruction of the floating bridge. At the end of 2000, the county Party committee and government, responding to public demand, decided to take the opportunity of urban renewal to rebuild the floating bridge for the benefit of the people.

　　The task of rebuilding the floating bridge was assigned to the Urban Renewal Command. In early 2001, efforts began to interview former residents living near the old bridge, previous bridge management personnel, and veteran boatmen to understand the historical changes, construction, and management of the original floating bridge. After conducting surveys, interviews, and reviewing historical materials about the floating bridge, and taking into account the current state of the Longfengyan Scenic Area development, the team aimed to combine the strengths of the old bridge while addressing its shortcomings. They developed a design to restore the floating bridge and enhance the surrounding scenic areas. The new floating bridge is 100 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, consisting of 14 boats connected together. A dragon head was installed at the western end to facilitate boat passage, and archways were added to the docks on both sides to enhance the overall visual impact. On the eastern bank of the floating bridge, a leisure platform and modern pavilion were designed, along with a newly built riverside garden, supplemented with electrical features such as color spotlights and tall fireworks launchers. Construction of the new floating bridge began in July 2001 and was completed and opened to traffic by the end of October. Thanks to scientific design and meticulous construction, the newly restored Quxi Floating Bridge, which cost 590,000 yuan, not only revives historical and ethnic charm but also embodies the modern vibrancy of the Quxi floating bridge. It has also added a beautiful new leisure attraction to the county town.

　　Due to a significant funding gap for the supporting scenic area of the floating bridge, some leisure attractions such as the eastern bank leisure pavilion, the western bank Rooster Pavilion, riverside garden, and riverside boardwalk remain to be built.

　　

　　Source: Jingzhou Chronicles Office