The Crescent Over Heihui River: Ancient Echoes of the Tea Horse Road at Yujin Bridge

The Gateway to the Tea Horse Road

1.Located at the southern end of Shaxi Ancient: Town in Jianchuan County, Yujin Bridge (Yujin Qiao) stands as a silent sentinel over the Heihui River. For centuries, this bridge served as the crucial gateway connecting the bustling Sideng Street market to the outside world, linking the ancient trade routes extending towards Tibet and Sichuan. As a key component of the historic Shaxi Sideng Street area—which was listed as one of the 101 endangered sites by the World Monuments Fund in 2001—Yujin Bridge is much more than a river crossing; it is a time capsule where the echoes of caravan bells and the clip-clop of horses' hooves still seem to resonate in the morning mist,,.

2.An Architectural: Masterpiece of the Qing Dynasty

While a bridge has existed here for ages to facilitate the caravan trade, the current structure is a magnificent stone arch bridge rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. Spanning approximately 30 meters in length, 6 meters in height, and 5 meters in width, the bridge is constructed from local stone blocks that have been polished smooth by countless footsteps and hooves over hundreds of years. The bridge features a high, graceful arch that allows the Heihui River to flow unimpeded below. Its design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, creating a perfect semi-circle that, when reflected in the calm waters, forms a complete moon-like image, creating a classic scene of harmony between human engineering and nature,,.

The Legend of the Jade Ferry

The name "Yujin" translates to "Jade Ferry," a name steeped in local folklore. Legend has it that in ancient times, the Heihui River was difficult to cross, causing great hardship for the people. A benevolent goddess, seeing their struggle, transformed a pile of mountain rocks into a bridge in a single instant, turning the dangerous crossing into a safe "jade ferry." This mythical origin adds a layer of spiritual significance to the bridge, embedding it deeply in the local culture as a symbol of protection and connection,.

A Canvas of Light and Shadow

Yujin Bridge is celebrated as one of the most photogenic spots in Shaxi, particularly known for its sunrise and sunset views. In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierce through the mist rising from the Heihui River, the bridge is silhouetted against the golden light, creating a dreamlike atmosphere often described as the "Yujin Morning Moon" (Yujin Xiaoyue). The ancient trees standing at the bridgehead frame the scene perfectly, their gnarled branches contrasting with the smooth stone of the bridge and the flowing water. Whether it is the soft glow of dawn or the long shadows of dusk, the bridge offers a constantly changing landscape that attracts photographers and artists from around the world,.

The Rhythm of Daily Life

Today, Yujin Bridge remains a vital part of local life. It is not just a relic for tourists but a living bridge used daily by the Bai people of Shaxi. Villagers cross it to reach their fields, herding goats and horses just as their ancestors did. Standing on the bridge, visitors can watch the slow flow of the Heihui River, see locals washing vegetables by the banks, and gaze out at the distant green mountains and the tiled roofs of the ancient town. It serves as a boundary between the bustling historic market square and the tranquil pastoral countryside, offering a space for quiet contemplation and a deep connection to the "Highland Aesthetics" of the region,,.