Guanyinge Bridge
Guanyinge Bridge, nestled in Caikou Village, Yizhang County, Hunan Province.
Legend has it that the opposing peaks of Shuiniu Mountain and Huangniu Mountain, to the east of Caikou Village, would clash violently at night, shaking the earth and disrupting the villagers' lives. A wandering monk, moved by their plight, constructed the Guanyinge Bridge, bridging the two mountains and restoring peace, ushering in an era of prosperity. This unique three-tiered pagoda-style bridge, with its brick pillars and tiled roof, stands as a vital link for travelers to Mang Mountain.
Travel Tips:
Route: From Yizhang, take the 107 National Highway southbound, then turn onto the 212 Provincial Highway to Baishaxi Township before proceeding on the county road.
Cuisine: Dendrobium stewed chicken and fresh greens.
Attractions: Dendrobium orchids and the traditional Caikou Qi Opera.
A Love Story by the Longfeng Bridge, a Chinese version of Bridges of Madison County, a tale of Longfeng's Romance. This enchanting narrative unfolds in the tranquil setting of Guanyinge Bridge.
Zhou Shaozhong, a dashing and sturdy husband, and his wife, Zhou Shuifeng, a beautiful and industrious soul, were adored by the villagers as the embodiment of Dragon and Phoenix. Childhood sweethearts turned lifelong partners, and their love was tested. Undeterred, they vowed at the Covered Bridge (Longfeng Bridge) to be together forever, with Shuifeng resorting to desperate measures to convince her parents. Eventually, the clan elders intervened, and the couple's perseverance paid off.
Years of hard work bore sweet fruit as they built a house by the eastern side of the bridge, raising their children to adulthood and prosperity in the city, living a blissful life. This tale of adversity-sweetened love and the power of perseverance resonates deeply. (No photographs were taken, as per the family's request.)
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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.