Bali Bridge, originally named Yongtong Bridge, is a three-arch stone bridge dating back to the Ming Dynasty, constructed in 1446. It spans across the Tonghui River and is an essential passage on the main road from Tongzhou to Beijing, earning its name due to its location eight miles away from Tongzhou. Situated in the southeast part of Chaoyang District, it borders Tongxian County to the east, reaches Guojiadian to the west, starts from Dongjuzhuang to the north, and extends to the Tonghui River to the south. The village derives its name from the bridge.
The bridge measures 50 meters in length from north to south and 16 meters in width from east to west. On both sides of the bridge deck, there are 32 stone railing slabs with smooth and bold carvings. There are 33 pairs of balusters on the railing slabs, each topped with a stone lion. The stone lions, each with a unique posture, are so vividly carved that they can be compared to the famous stone lions of the Lugou Bridge. At both the eastern and western ends of the bridge, there are pairs of carved animals with long manes and dense scales, standing proudly with their heads raised. Four water-taming beasts lie on the slope stones, twisting their necks and glaring at the clear waves. About 200 meters east of the bridge’s southern end stands a stone road stele inscribed by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. On both banks of the bridge, there are green willows and white poplars, with lush grass and picturesque scenery. During the day, one can lean on the railing and gaze eastward to see the majestic ancient city; at night, by holding the railing and observing the water, the gentle waves reflect the moonlight, sometimes like a jade plate, sometimes like a silver hook. When passenger or cargo boats pass through, the oars break the jade plate, and the water folds the silver hook, creating a spectacular scene. The ‘Long Bridge Reflecting the Moon,’ one of the former Tongzhou Eight Sights, refers to this very location. Opening hours are subject to the daily operating status.Bali Bridge: A Historical Stone Arch Bridge from the Ming Dynasty
Bali Bridge, originally named Yongtong Bridge, is a three-arch stone bridge dating back to the Ming [...]
