The Seventeen-Arch Dragon: A Masterpiece of Stone and Water at Jianshui Shuanglong Bridge

The "First Bridge of Southern Yunnan"

Located approximately 5 kilometers west of Jianshui Ancient City in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, the Shuanglong Bridge (Double Dragon Bridge) is a monumental feat of ancient Chinese engineering. Often referred to as the "Seventeen-Arch Bridge" due to its seventeen distinct spans, it stretches across the confluence of the Lu River (Lujiang) and the Tachong River like a rainbow resting on the waves. The bridge derives its name, "Double Dragon," from the fact that it "locks" these two winding rivers together, appearing like two dragons playing with a pearl. It is widely considered the most magnificent ancient bridge in Yunnan and is hailed as the "First Bridge of Southern Yunnan" (Diannan Diyi Qiao), recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic for its architectural brilliance and historical significance.

A Tale of Two Dynasties

1.The construction of Shuanglong: Bridge is a fascinating story of expansion and adaptation spanning two eras of the Qing Dynasty. Originally built during the Qianlong period, the bridge consisted of only three arches spanning the Lu River. However, as the riverbed shifted and the Tachong River widened over the decades, the original structure became insufficient. In the Daoguang period (around 1839), the local community mobilized to expand the bridge. They constructed an additional fourteen arches to span the Tachong River, seamlessly connecting them to the original three. This resulted in the grand, continuous 148-meter-long structure seen today. The bridge is built from massive blue stones, ensuring its durability through centuries of wind and rain, standing as a testament to the ingenuity and cooperative spirit of the local people.

Architectural Grandeur on Water

2.The aesthetic highlight of Shuanglong: Bridge lies in its exquisite pavilions. The bridge features three distinct towers: a grand, three-story square pavilion in the center and two smaller, square pavilions at each end. The central pavilion, often called the "Grand View Pavilion of Southern Yunnan," is a masterpiece of intricate wood and stone craftsmanship. Its roof features flying eaves and interlocking bracket sets (dougong) that curve upwards like the wings of a phoenix, creating a silhouette of grace and power against the sky. The bridge deck is spacious and paved with smooth stones, allowing visitors to walk comfortably while admiring the surrounding landscape. From a distance, the bridge looks like a magnificent ship floating on the water, or a dragon undulating across the river surface.

A Photographer's Dream

Shuanglong Bridge is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers, particularly during sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the warm golden light illuminates the ancient stones and the red wood of the pavilions, casting long, rhythmic shadows across the water. The seventeen arches create perfect semicircles that, when reflected in the calm river, form complete circles, offering a mesmerizing visual play of light and geometry. The bridge is set against a backdrop of rolling mountains and thousands of acres of fertile fields, creating a serene pastoral scene reminiscent of a classical Chinese ink painting. In recent years, the Jianshui Small Train (a sightseeing train running on the historic Bishi Railway) has established a station nearby, adding a nostalgic, moving element to this timeless landscape. Visitors can watch the retro yellow train puffing smoke as it passes by the ancient bridge, capturing a unique dialogue between two eras of history.