Xijin Bridge

　　" originated here. At sunset, when the river sparkles and you stand on the boat’s bow, you can see swallows flying low in the distance and ducks paddling in the water, creating a uniquely stunning view. It is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yongkang. By the 57th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1718), a wooden bridge was finally built here. Afterward, it was damaged and rebuilt multiple times, with the last reconstruction taking place in the 12th year of the Jiaqing reign (1807), when a stone stele titled "Record of Xijin Bridge" was erected at the bridgehead in recognition. This reconstruction not only restored the bridge’s former appearance but also made it more solid and majestic than before.

　　Xijin Bridge features ingenious design and a unique structure. The bridge has 13 piers and 14 arches, measuring 70 zhang in length, 1.5 zhang in width, and 1.4 zhang in height. The piers support a wooden superstructure, with 55 covered walkway rooms built atop, including a two-story pavilion in the center section of three spans, combining beauty with utility. The line of stone piers is curved gently downstream, giving an impression—when viewed from north to south—of “not being able to see through the bridge all at once,” which adds to its imposing presence. The eaves and beams are painted in earthy red, lending an antique charm. Dense beams and columns form screens along the sides, while lower crossbeams and alternate seating on the western side provide resting spots for visitors. The inner sides of the bridge allow free movement, with windows around for scenic views. According to experts on ancient bridges, only five such historic bridges remain in China, and Yongkang's is the oldest and longest.

　　Xijin Bridge and Wuyi’s Shuxi Bridge are both covered bridges and are known as “sister bridges.” In 1997, it was designated as a Provincial-Level Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.