The Verandas of the Qingyi River: Ya'an Covered Bridges and the Echoes of the Tea Horse Road

The "Hometown of Covered Bridges" in Western Sichuan

1.Located in: Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, the Ya'an Covered Bridges (Ya'an Langqiao) are not a single structure but a magnificent collection of historic bridges distributed along the Qingyi River and its tributaries, particularly in Yucheng District and Mingshan District. Known as the "Hometown of Chinese Covered Bridges," this region preserves the largest and most complete cluster of covered bridges in Southwest China. Unlike the covered bridges found in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, the bridges in Ya'an exhibit a distinct Western Sichuan style. They are typically "Wind and Rain Bridges" (Fengyu Qiao) constructed with stone piers and wooden corridors, featuring exquisite flying eaves, bracket sets, and carvings of dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and birds. These structures are not merely transportation facilities but are deeply integrated into the local life, serving as public spaces for tea drinking, socializing, and sheltering from the rain in this famous "Rain City".

A Legacy of the Tea Horse Road

2.The history of: Ya'an's covered bridges dates back to the Han Dynasty, with their development peaking during the Ming and Qing dynasties due to the prosperity of the Tea Horse Road. Ya'an was a crucial hub on this ancient trade route, where tea was transported to the Tibetan areas. The covered bridges served as vital rest stops for caravans and merchants. Today, visitors can still feel the echoes of this commercial past. The bridges often house tea pavilions where travelers once rested, listening to the sound of the river and the stories of camel bells. The architecture reflects a fusion of Han and Qiang ethnic cultures, with details like sheep head totems and diaolou (watchtower) elements appearing in the carvings. Notable examples include the bridges in Shangli Ancient Town, such as the Shuangjie Xiao Bridge (Double Chastity and Filial Piety Bridge), built in the Qing Dynasty to honor a family's devotion. These bridges are "living fossils" of the region's history, recording the migration of people, the booming tea trade, and even the revolutionary history of the Red Army, who used them during their campaigns.

Architectural Marvels and Riverine Poetry

3.The architectural beauty of: Ya'an's covered bridges lies in their harmony with the natural environment. They span across clear rivers, surrounded by pastoral landscapes and ancient towns. The Feixian Bridge (Flying Immortal Bridge), built in the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, is a prime example, with its three-bay bridge house and soaring eaves that seem to fly over the turbulent water. The High Bridge (Gao Qiao) in Shangli is a unique multi-level stone arch bridge that functions as a historical "overpass," separating pedestrian and vehicle traffic—a testament to ancient engineering wisdom. Walking through these bridges, one can admire the intricate wood carvings without a single nail used in the beams and columns, a technique passed down through generations. In the mornings, mist often shrouds the river, creating a dreamlike atmosphere, while at sunset, the golden light reflects off the water, illuminating the ancient wood and stone, making it a paradise for photographers.

A Living Museum of Folk Customs

Beyond their structural beauty, the bridges are centers of local folklore. Legend has it that the Qingyi River is the resting place of the "Green-Clad Fairy," and the bridges were built for her repose. During festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival, the covered bridges become the best vantage points for watching races. In the evenings, they transform into vibrant social hubs where locals gather to play cards, drink Mengding Mountain tea, and perform traditional Sichuan opera. The bridges also bear witness to the region's values, with stone inscriptions and plaques praising filial piety and loyalty. Whether it is the romantic atmosphere of a "bridge within a bridge" or the solemnity of a historic monument, the Ya'an Covered Bridges offer a profound journey into the heart of Sichuan's water town culture.