Wanshou Bridge

Wanshou Bridge, located in Sanhe Town, Gongqiao Village, Shizhu County, Chongqing, was built in 1776 during the 41st year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign. According to folklore, the bridge was named in honor of the birthday of the emperor’s mother.

Hidden deep in a valley and dense forest, the bridge was difficult to find, requiring multiple inquiries and detours. Locally known as Gongqiao, the village shares its name with the bridge. This stone-arch, wooden-pavilion bridge spans Longsha River, stretching 18 meters from east to west, standing 15 meters high, and measuring 6 meters wide with a span of 7.8 meters.

One of the bridge’s unique features is the towering stone stairways on both sides, with 29 steps on the east and 28 on the west, the longest such stairways of any stone-arch pavilion bridge in China. Before the bridge’s construction, crossing the river between Zengjiaping and Yazhuangxi was dangerous, relying on slippery stepping stones. Local gentry raised funds, and with the community’s help, the bridge made river crossings safe.

Located along the ancient Bayan Salt Route, Wanshou Bridge has seen centuries of trade and travel. In the past, inns and restaurants lined its banks, serving travelers. Today, with improved mountain roads, the bridge mainly serves local villagers for activities like bamboo harvesting and cattle and sheep herding.

#CoveredBridgesofChina

Wu Weiping (Instagram @wp_bridges_hunter)

Wu Weiping, co-photographer of Fantastic China: 

20 years, 400,000+ kilometers, 100,000 photos...  for capturing the remnants of ancient Chinese Covered Bridges.