Feilong Bridge and Wangjiang Tower in Yunlong County, Dali

Feilong Bridge (飞龙桥) is located in Qiaojie of Jiuzhou Town (旧州镇桥街), Yunlong County (云龙县), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Spanning the Lancang River (澜沧江), it is a historically significant iron chain bridge. It served not only as a key crossing over the Lancang River (澜沧江) but also as an important section of the Southern Silk Road.

Historical Background

Feilong Bridge (飞龙桥) was first built in the Guihai Year of Emperor Tongzhi’s reign (1863) during the Qing Dynasty, under the supervision of Li Yushu (李玉树), a subordinate of Du Wenxiu (杜文秀), the leader of a peasant uprising in western Yunnan. The bridge was intended to enhance military mobility and economic transportation. In 1927, the bridge was burned down by bandits, but it was later restored by locals. In 1949, to prevent the Kuomintang troops from retreating westward, the bridge was deliberately destroyed, leaving only the eastern bridge pier and the Wangjiang Pavilion (望江楼) on the west bank.

Architectural Structure

Feilong Bridge (飞龙桥) was constructed following the typical iron chain bridge style of the Lancang River (澜沧江) basin. Its site selection followed scientific principles such as "following the straight riverbed" and "economical and solid construction." The bridge piers were built with large stacked stones and originally used iron chains as load-bearing elements. This structure was not only strong and durable but also reflected the wisdom of ancient bridge engineering.

Cultural Relics

Inside Wangjiang Pavilion (望江楼), there are 13 stone steles documenting the construction process of the bridge, including donor lists and technical details. The gate pillars feature a 174-character couplet composed by Qing Dynasty scholar Yin Chenmo (尹陈谟), describing the geography and historical changes of Yunlong (云龙). These inscriptions and couplets hold great literary and research value.

Historical Significance

Feilong Bridge (飞龙桥) was a crucial link in the transportation network of salt trade from the five major salt wells in Yunlong (云龙), forming a vital artery of the salt economy during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It also held strategic military importance. The 1949 destruction of the bridge was closely tied to the progression of the Liberation War, highlighting its role as a geographical defense point in western Yunnan.

Wangjiang Pavilion

Location

Wangjiang Pavilion (望江楼) is located in the village group of Qiaojie in Miaowei Village Committee (苗尾村委会桥街组), Miaowei Township (苗尾乡), on the west bank of the Lancang River (澜沧江) in Yunlong County (云龙县), Dali Prefecture (大理州). It stands as one of the main remaining structures at the west end of Feilong Bridge (飞龙桥).

Historical Background

Wangjiang Pavilion (望江楼) was built in the second year of Emperor Tongzhi’s reign (1863) of the Qing Dynasty, under the direction of Li Yushu (李玉树), a subordinate of Du Wenxiu (杜文秀), at the same time as Feilong Bridge (飞龙桥). It is not only an integral part of the bridge complex but also a symbol of local memory and sentiment.

Architectural Structure

Wangjiang Pavilion (望江楼) is a square pavilion-style building with two stories, a double-eaved hip roof, and a total area of 153.41 square meters. The lower level is enclosed on all sides, with a plaque above the main entrance inscribed “Lan Jin Sheng Lan” (兰津胜览) from the 12th year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty. The interior adopts traditional Bai ethnic architectural techniques, featuring exquisite dougong (bracket sets) and showcasing high artistic value.

Cultural Relics

The pavilion houses 13 stone steles that record the detailed process of the bridge's construction, donation lists, and technical specifications. The 174-character couplet by scholar Yin Chenmo (尹陈谟) remains engraved on the door pillars. These artifacts not only hold significant historical value but also display the aesthetic excellence of Bai ethnic architecture.

Site Features

Wangjiang Pavilion (望江楼) is the only surviving main structure on the west end of the bridge after the destruction of Feilong Bridge (飞龙桥), and it has the following features:

• Layout: Preserves the traditional floor plan typical of Qing Dynasty Bai architecture.
• Local Characteristics: The roof tiles, ridges, decorative ridge beasts, and eaves demonstrate distinctive Bai architectural and decorative styles from Dali.
• Architectural Grade: The upper eaves feature dougong construction with well-ordered wooden frameworks and large timber components.
• Artistry: The wooden and brick carvings are detailed and finely crafted.

Protection Status

In 1987, Wangjiang Pavilion (望江楼) was designated a cultural relic protection unit by Yunlong County (云龙县).

Travel Tips

• Transportation: Regular buses run from Dali to Yunlong County. You can board a bus at the Dali Passenger Station or opt to self-drive and enjoy the scenic route.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes to facilitate walking within the scenic area.
• Respect the Site: Avoid touching the carvings and inscriptions to help preserve the historic relics.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring enough water, especially when visiting during hot weather.

Feilong Bridge (飞龙桥) and Wangjiang Pavilion (望江楼) are not only vital cultural heritage sites of Yunlong County (云龙县) but also bear witness to the rich history and culture of the Dali region (大理地区). Their enduring stories continue to attract numerous visitors and scholars alike.