Qingyun Bridge, Stone arch bridge in Leidian, Deqing County, China
Qingyun Bridge is a single-arch stone bridge in Huanqiao Natural Village, Leidian Town, Deqing County. It is 14.2 m long, 1.90 m wide, with a net span of 5.5 m and a rise of 2.88 m. Built of Wukang stone, its arch ring has three sections laid in parallel courses, and the bridge name is carved on the arch face.
Qingyun Bridge is a single-arch stone bridge whose form dates it to the Song or Yuan period. On 16 March 2005 it was listed, with twelve other old bridges, as a Zhejiang provincial cultural relic under the name Deqing Ancient Bridge Group. In May 2013 the State Council made it part of the seventh batch of national key cultural relics.
Locals know the bridge by its popular name, Huanqiao, meaning "ring bridge", after its single round arch. The name Qingyun, "blue clouds", is carved on the arch face and points to a traditional metaphor for high office and success. The bridge stands in Huanqiao natural village, which takes its name from the bridge itself.
The bridge stands in Huanqiao Natural Village, Leidian Town, Deqing County, spanning a waterway on a single 5.5-metre stone arch. Its deck is only 1.90 metres wide, so cross on foot and expect a narrow, humped passage. Look down at the arch face for the carved name before stepping off.
The bridge name is carved on the face of its arch ring, which is built in three sections using the parallel masonry method. The whole structure is made of Wukang stone, a local building material. The bridge is also known locally as Huanqiao, meaning "ring bridge".
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