By Chan Fong Li
Photos courtesy of Zhu Tao, Zhaoxian County
Government, Hebei, China
The Zhaozhou Bridge in the Hebei Province of China was built during
the Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618). It is reputed to be the world oldest
single-span arch stone bridge which is still in use today. Built in the
Zhaoxian country of Hebei between AD 595 and 605, the bridge
was an important link between the northern and southern regions
of the Jiaohe River especially during flood seasons that were rather
frequent in those days.
It was designed and built by a craftsman, Li Chun. The bridge has
stood the test of time, wars, earthquakes, floods and traffic for nearly
1,400 years. In 1991, it was elected by the American Society of
Civil Engineers as the “12th International Civil Engineering Historical
Monument” and given a memorial brand. It was designated by the
state as the provincial education base for patriotism in 1999.
The Zhaozhou Bridge is about 50.82m long with a central
span of 37.02m. It stands 7.23m tall and has a width of 9m in the
An imposing, solid and
magnificent view of the
Zhaozhou stone arch bridge
that sits in harmony with its
scenic surroundings and the
water ways.
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ENGINEERING FEATURES
1400-year old Stone Arch
Zhaozhou Bridge, Hebei, China