Chushul Chakzam, Iron suspension footbridge near Lhasa, Tibet, China.
The Chushul Chakzam is an iron suspension footbridge that spans the Yarlung Tsangpo river south of Lhasa. Its design allows pedestrians to cross the river on a slender walkway suspended between two main supports.
This bridge was built in the 1430s and became a crucial passage for trade and travel across the valley. Over centuries, structural wear eventually led to the introduction of ferry services as communities adapted to changing conditions.
The monastery at the southern bridgehead served as a spiritual center where pilgrims gathered before crossing the sacred river. Buddhist rituals and practices were deeply connected to this location and the journey it enabled for the faithful.
The bridge is located in a remote area and is most accessible during dry seasons when river levels are lower. Reaching the site requires good physical fitness and sturdy footwear due to the uneven terrain and basic pathways.
The southern foundation rests on a mountain that served as a meditation site centuries before the bridge was built. This overlapping of sacred geography and engineering creates a location with layered spiritual and practical importance.
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