Spanning across the Jiao River (Jiao he), in Zhaocheng County some 45km from Shijiazhuang, is a bridge whose architectural genius has stood the test of time. The bridge is most famously known as Zhaozhou Bridge (Zhaozhou qiao), although it is also known as Safe Crossing Bridge (Anji qiao), and is popularly, and simply, called the Great Stone Bridge (Dashi qiao). This marvel is another example of the ancient proficiency of Chinese engineering, along with such sights as the Karez Canal in Turpan and Datong's impressive Hanging Monastery.

The bridge is 1,400 years old, 64.4 meters in length, 9.6 meters in width, and with a span of 36 meters. It was designed, and probably built by the mason, Li Chun, although legend has it that the master architect, Lu Ban, built the bridge in one night. Legend also tells a story of two immortals who challenged Lu Ban's efforts by both crossing the bridge at the same time, one in a cart and the other on a donkey. The bridge is said to have groaned and shaken under the strain, whence Lu Ban, with usual pragmatism, waded into the river to stabilise the structure.

If the legend does not leave you impressed, the trials of history have more than vouched for the strength of this ancient structure. This is the oldest bridge in the world of its type, designed not of the usual arch bridges that marked previous dynasties, but more flattened, ideal for traversing troops and racing chariots. The bridge remains in good condition, with carefully supported stone structures beneath, and elegantly carved balusters, crowned with stone guardians, above, making this a highly valued piece for modern architects, engineers and lovers of art. The Chinese also like to mention another nearby bridge, the Forever Traversable Bridge (Yongtong qiao), that crosses the Qingshui River (Qingshui he). This is possibly only useful for those who are really interested in water crossings.

How to get there: Take bus No.213 (1hr) from the Shijiazhuang railway station and get off at the terminus. The bridge is then walkable from here. The bus runs between 06:00 and 18:00.
Open hours: 09:00-16:00.
Cost: RMB20.

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About shijiazhuang

. Shijiazhuang Luanhe River . Shijiazhuang Panlong Lake (Panlong Hu) . Shijiazhuang Dragen And Phoenix Lake . Shijiazhuang Brick Pagoda (Zhuan Ta) . Shijiazhuang Hua Pagoda (Hua Ta) . Shijiazhuang Qing Tower (Qing Ta) . Shijiazhuang Yesanpo Senic Area (Yesanpo) . Shijiazhuang Wei Zheng Park (Weizheng Gongyuan) . Shijiazhuang Nine Dragons Gorge (Jiulong Xia) . Shijiazhuang Wild City (Yecheng) . Shijiazhuang Tunnel Warfare at Ran Village . Shijiazhuang Bailin Temple Pagoda (Bailinsi Ta) . Shijiazhuang Wentang Resort . Shijiazhuang Shijiazhuang TV Tower

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