Wan'an Bridge, Wooden arch bridge in Pingnan County, Fujian, China.
Wan'an Bridge was a wooden arch structure spanning roughly 98 meters across a river in Fujian with a width of about 5 meters. The bridge featured multiple stone piers supporting six arches and housed covered buildings along its entire length.
The structure originated during the Song Dynasty in the 11th century as a connection across the waterway. It endured centuries of use until a major fire in 1708 led to its complete reconstruction in 1742.
The covered houses that lined the structure served as shops and workshops where locals bought goods and craftspeople worked. This everyday commerce turned it into a gathering place central to community life.
The site is in a remote rural area requiring local guidance to reach, as it sits away from main roads and marked tourist paths. Visitors should plan for the walk on unpaved terrain and bring appropriate footwear for the journey.
Before its destruction, it held the distinction of being China's longest surviving wooden arch bridge, making it a remarkable example of traditional craftsmanship. This status made it a key reference point for historians studying ancient Chinese building methods.
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