On the road: Hongji Bridge - the sister bridge of Zhaozhou Bridge.

There is an ancient bridge about 2.5 kilometers east of Guangfu Ancient City. It is said to be comparable to Zhaozhou Bridge, so I had to go and see it. I arrived at around 3pm. There is a parking lot in front of the scenic area. After entering the park, I saw a stone bridge about 50 meters away. The bridge was simple and vicissitudinous, and the bridge deck was full of traces of the years. Turning to the side, the carvings on the side railings and arches of the bridge were extremely exquisite. This is the sister of Zhaozhou Bridge - Hongji Bridge. Key points: 1. Age: It is unknown when Hongji Bridge was built, and it was rebuilt in the tenth year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1582). 2. Features: It is a single-hole double-shoulder stone arch bridge, 48.9 meters long from east to west and 6.82 meters wide, all built of bluestone. 3. Status: It is one of the existing large-scale ancient stone arch bridges in China. It is basically similar to Zhaozhou Anji Bridge in terms of architectural structure and shape, and occupies an important position in the history of ancient Chinese bridges. 4. Value: Its feature is that it is carved all over the arch, which is rare. There are three large arches in the middle with dragon heads as water-dividing beasts, and other parts have exquisite shapes such as double dragons playing with beads, flying dragons, flying phoenixes, and flying horses. 5. Level: National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. 6. Tickets: 30 yuan. (Guangfu Ancient City pass 90 yuan includes Hongji Bridge). Hongji Bridge is a single-hole double-shoulder stone arch bridge, all built of bluestone. Compared with the famous Zhaozhou Bridge: 1. The length of Hongji Bridge is slightly smaller than that of Zhaozhou Bridge, but the exquisite carvings on both sides of its large arch make it more delicate and beautiful. 2. Hongji Bridge may be older and more complete than Zhaozhou Bridge. It was only overhauled once during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, and the pillars and railings were replaced. The rest of the parts basically remained the same, showing full authenticity. 3. It is said that Hongji Bridge was built by Luban's sister, which adds a legendary color to its history. In addition, Hongji Bridge and Zhaozhou Bridge are called "sister bridges". They are extremely similar in age, appearance, style, structure, and function, which further proves their important position in the history of bridge construction. Walking on the bridge, seeing the bridge deck flowing through the years, you can feel the prosperity of the past. Now it is quietly lying on the Fuyang River, looking a bit lonely. Self-driving can go and see. Guangfu Ancient City has buses 906 and 908, but you have to walk about 2 kilometers. If you are not a fan of ancient buildings, it is not recommended.