Tongxian Bridge - Historic Covered Beam Bridge in Quanzhou

In Dongping Township, Yongchun County, there stands a rare long corridor beam bridge in the Southern[...]

In Dongping Township, Yongchun County, there stands a rare long corridor beam bridge in the Southern Fujian area – Tongxian Bridge, also known as Dongguan Bridge. Originally constructed during the Southern Song Dynasty, the bridge has been renovated in every subsequent dynasty. Initially, it was an open-air bridge, and it was not until the mid-Ming Dynasty that a bridge house was added. The existing wooden bridge was rebuilt during the Qing Guangxu period and underwent repairs in 1929.
Tongxian Bridge measures 85 meters in length and 4.7 meters in width, featuring 2 piers, 4 abutments, and 5 spans with a clear span of 17.5 meters. The bridge piers are constructed with interlocking blue granite slabs in a boat shape, with large pine logs as the foundation, a technique known as ‘sleeping wood submerged foundation,’ which is visible when the water is clear during low water periods. On top of the piers, two layers of huge stones are laid, followed by large beams, with 22 beams per span. The bridge deck, railings, columns, and roof are all made of wood.

The bridge house is covered with small blue tiles and has a ridge made of blue bricks. There is a niche in the central pier where a statue of Guanyin is enshrined. The wooden beam bridge with a bridge house not only provides shelter for people to rest and avoid rain but also enhances the stability of the bridge and prevents direct rainwater penetration, which could cause the wooden beams to rot, offering practical, sturdy, and aesthetic benefits. The bridge is painted red both inside and out, and each section of the bridge house has a painting depicting ancient legends, such as Nezha creating havoc in the sea, Chenxiang rescuing his mother, and Chang’e flying to the moon.

The bridge is open all year round, accessible 24 hours a day.