Zhao County

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Popular Best Things to Do in Zhao County [2025]

The renowned Zhaozhou Bridge in Hebei, also known as the Anji Bridge, derives its name from the ancient Zhaozhou (present-day Zhao County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province), where it is located. Locally, it is known as the "Big Stone Bridge." Construction began around the 14th year of the Kaihuang reign of the Sui Dynasty (594 AD) and was completed in the early years of the Daye reign (around 605 AD), spanning over 1,400 years. Designed and constructed by the master craftsman Li Chun, it survives extensive repairs from the 8th year of the Zhenyuan reign of the Tang Dynasty (792 AD), through the Song Dynasty, the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and into modern times, remaining operational today. In 1961, it was designated a "National Key Cultural Relics Protection Site" and in 1991, it was recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) as the 12th "International Civil Engineering Landmark."

The renowned Zhaozhou Bridge in Hebei, also known as the Anji Bridge, derives its name from the ancient Zhaozhou (present-day Zhao County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province), where it is located. Locally, it is known as the &quot;Big Stone Bridge.&quot; Construction began around the 14th year of the Kaihuang reign of the Sui Dynasty (594 AD) and was completed in the early years of the Daye reign (around 605 AD), spanning over 1,400 years. Designed and constructed by the master craftsman Li Chun, it survives extensive repairs from the 8th year of the Zhenyuan reign of the Tang Dynasty (792 AD), through the Song Dynasty, the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and into modern times, remaining operational today. In 1961, it was designated a &quot;National Key Cultural Relics Protection Site&quot; and in 1991, it was recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) as the 12th &quot;International Civil Engineering Landmark.&quot;

One bridge you must visit when you come to Hebei is the Zhaozhou Bridge. This is an emergency bridge that has left a deep impression on us in our elementary school textbooks. But when you get here, you will find that in addition to the crowds of people, the entire bridge looks exceptionally new because it has been renovated.

Zhaozhou Bridge not only has a high scientific value in structure, but also its artistic value cannot be ignored. The carvings on the bridge are mainly concentrated on the railings and pillars in the middle part, with exquisite carving craftsmanship and simple and elegant style. In particular, there are 58 dragon carvings on the bridge, forming a magnificent dragon formation.
Zhaozhou Bridge is not only a masterpiece of engineering technology, but also an important carrier of cultural heritage. There are many beautiful legends about the construction of Zhaozhou Bridge, such as the story of Lu Ban turning sheep into stones overnight to build the bridge. These legends enrich the cultural connotation of Zhaozhou Bridge and are widely spread through folk songs and other forms.

[Scenery] The 1400-year-old ancient stone bridge is one of the travel destinations in the textbook. It is one of the best-preserved ancient stone bridges in China and one of the four famous bridges in China. It is worth checking in. [Fun] It is mainly for study and visiting. [Cost-effectiveness] It is good and free. There are also Berlin Zen Temple and Yongtong Bridge nearby. It is 40 kilometers away from Shijiazhuang Railway Station. There is bus 1101 at the railway station that can directly reach Zhaozhou Bridge!

Zhaozhou Bridge is an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese bridge architecture, with important historical, cultural and engineering value. If you are interested in history, architecture or culture, Zhaozhou Bridge is definitely worth a visit. Currently, you can make an appointment for the attraction without buying tickets. Here are the highlights of Zhaozhou Bridge:

1. **Long history**
- Zhaozhou Bridge was built in the Sui Dynasty, with a history of more than 1,400 years. It is the oldest open-shoulder stone arch bridge in the world.
- It witnessed the development of ancient Chinese bridge technology and has extremely high historical value.
2. **Exquisite construction technology**
- Zhaozhou Bridge adopts an open-shoulder arch design, which not only reduces the weight of the bridge body, but also enhances the flood discharge capacity, reflecting the wisdom of ancient craftsmen.
- The bridge body is exquisitely carved, showing the superb skills of ancient stone carving art.

3. **Cultural significance**
- Zhaozhou Bridge has an important position in Chinese culture. It is mentioned in many ancient documents and poems, reflecting its influence in history.
- It is also a symbol of ancient Chinese scientific and technological achievements, showing the leading level of ancient China in bridge engineering.

4. **Beautiful scenery**
- Zhaozhou Bridge spans the Xiao River and has a beautiful surrounding environment, especially in spring and summer, with pleasant scenery, suitable for taking photos and sightseeing.
- The bridge is integrated with the natural landscape, showing the harmony between ancient architecture and nature.
5. **Tourism experience**
- There is a museum in the Zhaozhou Bridge scenic area, which displays the history, construction technology and related cultural relics of the bridge, helping tourists to have a deeper understanding of its background.
- There are also ancient villages and cultural sites around, which can be visited together to experience the local historical and cultural atmosphere.

Zhaozhou Bridge is not only a bridge, but also a symbol of ancient Chinese technology and culture. If you are interested in history, architecture or culture, Zhaozhou Bridge is a must-see attraction.

Popular Best Things to Do in Zhao County [2025]

Zhaozhou Bridge

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