Exploring Jianshui's Shuanglong Bridge: A Perfect Blend of Ancient Charm and Design
In Jianshui, Yunnan, there are ancient buildings that break traditional conventions and showcase unique charm. The most iconic of these is the “Yinghui Gate,” which evokes a grandeur reminiscent of Tiananmen. Additionally, there's a beautiful structure known as the “Seventeen-Arch Bridge,” officially named Shuanglong Bridge.
Though called the “Seventeen-Arch Bridge” colloquially, this name carries deep cultural significance. It has been said that the reason the Seventeen-Arch Bridge in Beijing's Summer Palace is called so is that counting from either end to the largest arch in the middle results in an odd number, symbolizing royal prestige. Similarly, Jianshui’s Shuanglong Bridge embodies a spirit of “defying conventions” in both design and name.
The bridge spans the confluence of the Lujiang and Tachong Rivers, named for its serpentine shape resembling two dragons. Initially built during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Jiajing, it underwent expansions and restorations in the Qing Dynasty during the reigns of Qianlong and Daoguang, ultimately forming its current seventeen-arch structure.
Shuanglong Bridge features a unique architectural style with typical covered bridge characteristics. It has three bridge halls, with the central one being larger and the two flanking it slightly smaller. The overall design is majestic and layered, constructed from massive stone blocks, approximately 3 to 5 meters wide and 148 meters long. Each end of the bridge has a pavilion, the largest of which is located in the center.
Not only is Shuanglong Bridge a landmark of Jianshui, but it is also one of the largest and most artistically valuable multi-arch bridges in Yunnan. Its construction history and distinctive style make it a significant representative of ancient Chinese bridges. In 1965, renowned bridge expert Mao Yisheng visited Shuanglong Bridge and listed it among China’s top ten ancient bridges. In May 2006, it was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council, highlighting its historical and cultural importance.
If you have the chance to travel to Jianshui, don’t miss the Shuanglong Bridge. It’s not just a witness to history, but also a symbol of culture.
