蒲塘桥, Stone arch bridge in Lishui District, China.
The Putang Bridge is a stone arch bridge in Lishui with a curved design characteristic of traditional construction methods. The structure was built without modern machinery, relying on techniques that engineers developed centuries ago.
The structure dates from a period when such constructions were essential for trade and transportation. In 1961, the bridge received national protection status as part of the first group of 180 protected sites in China.
The bridge reflects the importance of local trade routes and shows how river crossings shaped settlement patterns in the region. Today, visitors use it to understand how communities depended on these connections.
The structure is best accessed on foot, with good vantage points from above and from the sides. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer quieter conditions and better light for photography.
The bridge displays rare details in its structure showing how craftspeople fit stones together without mortar. This technique allowed the structure to endure hundreds of years and withstand natural events.
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