Jianshui Seventeen-Arch Bridge: A Perfect Capture of Ancient Bridge and Pastoral Poetry
| A Perfect Capture of Ancient Bridge and Pastoral Poetry. [Attraction Overview]
Seventeen-Arch Bridge (Shuanglong Bridge): One of China's top ten ancient bridges and a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty bridges. It is named "Shuanglong" (Double Dragon) because it spans the confluence of the Lujiang River and the Tachong River. The 17 archways connect with their reflections in the water, forming the stunning view of a "long rainbow lying on the waves," earning it the reputation of the "Grand View Bridge of Southern Yunnan."
[Useful Information Card]
🎫 Ticket: Free
🕒 Opening Hours: All day
🚗 Transportation: A 15-minute taxi ride from Jianshui Ancient City (approx. CNY 20) or take the Jianshui Ancient City Sightseeing Train (stops at Shuanglong Bridge Station, tickets need to be purchased in advance).
Self-driving navigation to "Shuanglong Bridge," with a free parking lot at the head of the bridge.
⏱️ [Best Time to Visit]
Around Sunrise (6:00-7:30): The morning mist is lingering, and the bridge is faintly visible, creating a fairy-like atmosphere.
Golden Hour at Sunset (17:30-19:00): The bridge is dyed golden red, and the reflection blends with the sunset, making it a divine moment for photography.
After the Lights are Turned on at Night (20:00-22:00): The bridge lights outline the contours, and the ancient bridge under the stars is as quiet as a painting.
🎬 [Must-Capture Photo Spots]
1. Full View of the Bridge Head-on
Location: Next to the rice fields on the south side of the bridge. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire bridge, framing the rice fields, ancient bridge, and distant mountains together.
Creative Photography: Shoot upwards from a low angle, allowing the archways to form a "frame," with the silhouette of a person in the center.
2. Symmetrical Reflection of the 9th Archway
Secret Spot: Directly opposite the north side of the 9th archway. When there is no wind, the water surface is like a mirror, capturing the complete symmetrical structure of 17 arches + 17 reflections.
3. Ancient Pavilion Style on the Bridge
Composition Tips: Climb the three-story pavilion in the center of the bridge, shoot the sense of extension of the bridge through the carved wooden windows, or take a back view while leaning on the railing and looking into the distance.
4. Limited Seasonal Views
Spring: The rapeseed flower fields by the bridge are in full bloom, with yellow and green interwoven like an oil painting.
Autumn: The rice fields are golden, matching the ancient bridge's sense of vicissitudes, creating a cinematic feel.
🩰 [Outfit and Props Suggestions]
Ancient Style/Hanfu: Plain long gowns, oil-paper umbrellas, folding fans, echoing the historical feel of the ancient bridge.
Literary Style: Cotton and linen long skirts + straw woven bags, or denim shirts + wide-leg pants, creating a relaxed feeling.
Props to Enhance: Retro lanterns (for night photography), bamboo hats, Jianshui purple pottery teacups bought locally.
🪁 [Nearby Activities]
1. Meter-Gauge Railway Train Stop: Take the retro train from Lin'an Station directly to Shuanglong Bridge Station (about 30 minutes). Capture the sense of time and space interlacing with the railway tracks and the ancient bridge in the same frame.
2. Rest at the Teahouse by the Bridge: Sip Dian Hong tea at the old teahouse on the south side of the bridge, and take a bird's-eye view of pedestrians on the bridge from the second-floor window.
3. Cycling on the Pastoral Paths: Rent a bicycle and ride along the Lujiang River, encountering wild flowers and egrets along the way.
🫐 [Food and Drink Stations]
Grilled Tofu Stall at the Bridge Head: The old lady grills the tofu over charcoal, served with a dipping sauce containing Houttuynia cordata, challenging the local flavor!
Rice Field Coffee: A newly popular internet-famous shop by the bridge, serving hand-drip coffee + Jianshui lion cakes, with a window view directly facing the ancient bridge.
❗️ The beauty of Shuanglong Bridge lies in its ever-changing variations at different times and from different angles. Shoot the light and shadow on sunny days, and the artistic conception on rainy days. Even in the same location, you can reap surprises! Remember to bring patience and wait for the perfect encounter between light and scene~📷✨
The pictures were taken around mid-February