Qinghua Rainbow Bridge, Stone beam bridge in Qinghua Town, Wuyuan County, China
Qinghua Rainbow Bridge is a stone arch bridge spanning the Le'an River with five openings separated by four piers and a width of about 3 meters. The structure was designed with river flow and flood management in mind, with boat-shaped supports to handle strong currents.
The bridge was constructed in 1137 during the Southern Song Dynasty and served as a vital crossing point for over 800 years. It maintained its role connecting communities and trade routes until its collapse in 2020.
The name comes from a poem by Tang dynasty poet Li Bai, connecting the structure to classical Chinese literature. This literary connection shaped how people understood and valued the crossing over centuries.
The site is best explored on foot, as the area is relatively flat and easy to walk through. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear due to uneven ground surfaces and pay attention to slippery conditions, especially after rain.
An iron buffalo was embedded in the third pier as a protective charm for the structure and travelers crossing it. This detail shows how local beliefs and craftsmanship were woven into practical engineering solutions.
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