Locally known the Wanshou Bridge as Gongqiao

#discoverchina #coveredbridgesofchina #ancientchinesebridges Wanshou Bridge - Sanhe Town, Gongqiao Village, Shilou County, Chongqing, China, constructed in the 41st year of the Qianlong reign (1776). The origin of the name Wanshou Bridge, according to folklore, stems from celebrating the birthday of Emperor Qianlong's mother. Nestled in the secluded depths of a valley and dense forest, the bridge's location proved challenging to locate, requiring multiple inquiries and detours before its discovery. Locally known the Wanshou Bridge as Gongqiao, the village of Sanhe Town bears its name. This stone-arch wooden-pavilion bridge spans the Longsha River, stretching 18 meters east to west, rising 15 meters high, and measuring 6 meters wide with a span of 7.8 meters. Flanking the Wanshou Bridge are towering stone "stairways" or "ladders," unique in China for their immense number of steps (29 on the east, 28 on the west) and spanning the greatest distance of any stone-arch pavilion bridge. Prior to the bridge's construction, traversing the river between Zengjiaping and Yazhuangxi was perilous, relying on treacherous stepping stones. Local gentry spearheaded fundraising, and the enthusiastic participation of the populace eliminated the hazard of river crossings. Wanshou Bridge situated along the ancient Bayan Salt Route, Wanshou Bridge has witnessed centuries of trade and travel. Inns and restaurants once lined its shores, catering to weary travelers. Nowadays, as mountain transportation networks improved, the bridge primarily served local villagers engaged in activities like bamboo harvesting, cattle, and sheep herding. #coveredbridges #chineseheritage #bridgestory #ancientarchitecture #architecture #chinesebridge #bridges #coveredbridge #travelchina #localculture #beautifuldestinations