Guangji Bridge

Guangji Bridge

One of four most noted ancient Chinese bridges, Guangji Bridge in Chaozhou, Guangdong province, which was built in 1171, is a key national heritage site.

The landmark tourist attraction spans the Hanjiang River. It is opposite one of the gates of an ancient town across a main road to the east, which once served as a crucial transportation link in ancient China. The bridge is unique in design and structure.

It includes two sections of stone-beam bridges with a string of various pavilions in the eastern and western ends. The two parts are linked by a section of pontoon bridge in the middle. Every afternoon, at around 5 pm, 12 of the 18 wooden boats that form the pontoon bridge are tugged away to enable an opening for ships to pass through.

In the morning, the pontoon bridge is restored in place so people can walk through. Renowned bridge expert Mao Yisheng calls it the world's earliest open-close bridge. During holidays, there is a big fair on the bridge where local craftsmen showcase their skills and promote the city's intangible cultural heritage items.