San Guozhuang and Chaha Ancient Bridge

　　    Chaha is situated at the point where the Mucheng River and Shuidong River converge in Shuidong Township, east of Nayong City, hence the name “Chaha” (meaning Forked River). Two stone bridges, three rivers, and four roads intersect here. Around the bridge stand three massive stone peaks, about

　　    30

　　    meters tall, standing like tripods, surrounded by lush trees, with mysterious valleys and flowers blooming all year round. Legend has it that during the Shuixi War in the third year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty

　　    (

　　    1664

　　    AD

　　    ),

　　    when Xuanweishi Ankun fought battles across the region with Wu Sangui and was stationed here in what is now Nayong, he placed cooking pots on the three stone peaks to prepare meals—hence the name “San Guozhuang” (Three Pot Stands).

　　    The upper reaches of Chaha, known as Ximi Gully, feature towering peaks on both sides, lush forests, and a small field in between. In recent years, rich lead and zinc ore resources have been discovered here, and the Nayong Huobayu fish is found in this area. “San Guozhuang” backs onto the towering Guojia Mountain, with cliffs rising thousands of feet high. The road from Nayong to Shuidong Township passes through here, winding down the mountain to the banks of Chaha, steep and treacherous. Niupiqing stands beside “San Guozhuang,” with sheer cliffs and majestic, upright formations, making for a spectacular sight.

　　    Legend says that after the Shuixi Army set up camp here, they washed rice in Ximi Gully, placed their cooking pots at the foot of Guojia Mountain, planted the tails of slaughtered cattle in the flatlands atop Nidaqing, and hung cowhides on the cliffs. Hence, the names Ximi Gully, Niupi Daqing (Cowhide Big Gully), and Guojia Mountain came into being.

　　    Chaha Bridge was built over Chaha, right in front of San Guozhuang. This area features towering mountains, steep cliffs, waterfalls cascading from the sky, green peaks and white clouds, old trees and vines reflected in the water, and picturesque villages—offering a truly refreshing view. During the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, a local man named Mr. Xiao Er came here to mine and smelt zinc. Due to transportation difficulties, he constructed this bridge over Chaha. Strangely, the bridge collapsed several times after completion. Later, someone suggested placing a stone lion at the bridgehead to suppress bad feng shui. Following the advice, Mr. Xiao Er commissioned a craftsman to carve a divine beast from a bluestone slab and erect it at the bridgehead. Miraculously, ever since then, the bridge has remained standing to this day.

　　    Chaha Bridge is a single-arch stone bridge, standing

　　    11.5

　　    meters tall,

　　    6.4

　　    meters wide, and

　　    15.3

　　    meters long, with protective stone railings and a stone beast standing on one side.

　　    A poet of the time wrote:

　　    The ancient ferry blocked the crossing, leaving only “San Guozhuang.”

　　    White clouds drift through the gorge, while the cries of apes echo in vain.

　　    The scholar mined lead, busy fortifying passes and barriers.

　　    A ferry of goodwill aided travelers, sung by generations through the ages.

　　    San Guozhuang and Chaha Ancient Bridge