Auther：2023-05-10
Zhaozhou Bridge, a stone arch bridge located over the Xiao River in the south of Zhao County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, is named after the ancient name of Zhao County, Zhaozhou. Locals call it the Big Stone Bridge to distinguish it from the Yongtong Bridge (Small Stone Bridge) outside the west gate of the city. Zhaozhou Bridge was first built in the Sui Dynasty, designed and constructed by the craftsman Li Chun, and later given the name Anji Bridge by the Song Emperor Zhezong Zhao Xu, who took it as its proper name.
Zhaozhou Bridge is the world's oldest surviving, the largest span, the most complete preservation of the single-hole arc open shoulder stone arch bridge, its construction process is unique, in the history of the world's bridges, the first open shoulder arch structure form, has a high scientific research value; carving knife method is strong, the art style is new and bold, showing the Sui Dynasty thick, strict, handsome Stone carving style, bridge ornamentation carved fine, has a high artistic value. Zhaozhou Bridge occupies an important position in the history of Chinese bridge building, and has a profound influence on future generations of bridge architecture around the world.
