Chinese Name: 禄丰县星宿桥丰裕桥
English Name: Fengyu Bridge in Lufeng County, Chuxiong

Overview

Fengyu Bridge, located in Xingxiu Park and spanning the Luoci River in Lufeng County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, was originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era (1573-1620). It is a four-pier, five-arch stone bridge oriented north to south, with a length of 92 meters, a width of 8.1 meters, and a height of 9.5 meters. The bridge features arches of varying spans and is adorned with stone railings, lions, and other decorative elements. Fengyu Bridge, along with Xingxiu Bridge, is a notable example of Qing Dynasty bridge architecture in Yunnan and holds significant historical, architectural, and cultural importance. On March 5, 2013, it was listed as a key national cultural heritage site by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Historical Background

• Construction
  Fengyu Bridge was originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era (1573-1620).
• Repairs and Reconstruction
  In the tenth year of the Tongzhi era (1871), the bridge was destroyed by a flood. Additional levies were imposed on salt taxes to fund repairs, but due to mismanagement, repairs were delayed. In the seventeenth year of the Guangxu era (1892), repairs were overseen by Zou Xingde from the Black Well Administration. The bridge was completed in March of the eighteenth year with significant improvements and decorations.
• Modern Usage and Changes
  After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the bridge continued to serve as a road bridge. In 1958, the pavilion at the southern end was demolished, and the nearby temple was redistributed and later demolished.  In 2008, a new road bridge was constructed between Xingxiu Bridge and Fengyu Bridge, leading to Fengyu Bridge’s cessation as a traffic bridge.

Architectural Layout

• Stone Arch Bridge
  The stone arch bridge features a 30 cm thick asphalt surface. Some damage has occurred to the railings and stone carvings due to vehicle collisions, and weathering has caused flaking of red sandstone blocks and carvings.
• Stone Arch
  The stone arch is generally well-preserved but has experienced weathering. Some inscriptions and parts of the stone lions have flaked off, and there are cracks in the inscriptions due to uneven stress. Damage includes the loss of two stone elephants’ trunks and a partially damaged pillar inscription. The stone arch is surrounded by residential buildings to the east and north.

Cultural Significance

Fengyu Bridge, together with Xingxiu Bridge, represents a significant example of mid-to-late Qing Dynasty bridge architecture in Yunnan. It is among the larger ancient stone arch bridges in the region, featuring advanced design, high craftsmanship, and rich inscriptions. These bridges hold substantial historical, architectural, and cultural importance.

Conservation Measures

On March 5, 2013, Fengyu Bridge and Xingxiu Bridge were designated as key national cultural heritage sites by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Tourism Information

• Geographical Location
  Fengyu Bridge is situated in Xingxiu Park and spans the Luoci River in Lufeng County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
• Accessibility
  The Lufeng City People’s Government is approximately 620 meters from Xingxiu Park, and it takes about 5 minutes by car to reach the park.

Chinese Name: 禄丰县星宿桥(星宿桥和丰裕桥)
English Name: Xingsu Bridge (Xingfu Bridge and Fengyu Bridge) in Lufeng County, Chuxiong

Xingsu Bridge and Fengyu Bridge

Xingsu Bridge and Fengyu Bridge are located in Xingxu Park and over the Luoci River in Lufeng County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. They were originally built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period (1573–1620).

Xingsu Bridge comprises three parts: a stone arch bridge, a wooden archway, and a stone archway with a curved top. The main stone arch bridge runs east to west and is constructed using large red sandstone blocks. It features a six-pier, seven-arch pointed stone bridge, measuring 118 meters in length, 10 meters in width, and 10 meters in height, with individual arch spans ranging from 9.8 to 10 meters. Fengyu Bridge is a four-pier, five-arch round stone bridge running north to south. It is 92 meters long, 8.1 meters wide, and 9.5 meters high, with piers measuring 19.6 meters long and 5.6 meters wide. The five arches have varying spans of 8.7 meters, 9.3 meters, 9.8 meters, 9.3 meters, and 8.7 meters from south to north. The bridge has stone railings on both sides, with two stone lions at the northern end and a kneeling figure at the southern end. Originally, there was a pavilion at the southern end, which was demolished in 1958. Xingsu Bridge and Fengyu Bridge are representative of the bridge construction in Yunnan during the late Qing Dynasty. They are among the larger ancient stone arch bridges in Yunnan, with advanced design, high craftsmanship, and rich inscriptions, making them of significant historical, architectural, and cultural importance.

On March 5, 2013, Xingsu Bridge and Fengyu Bridge were listed as the 7th batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Historical Evolution

Xingsu Bridge

In the 40th year of the Ming Wanli era (1612), due to the frequent floods of Xingsu River during spring and summer, which caused danger and loss of life, Lufeng County’s magistrate, Xiang Zhaolin, requested permission to build a bridge 30 zhang long and 4 zhang wide (according to the Qing Kangxi “Yunnan Fu Zhi”).

By the 42nd year of the Ming Wanli era (1614), the Yongfeng Bridge was completed, commonly referred to as Xingsu Bridge due to its location across the Xingsu River.

In the 39th year of the Qing Kangxi era (1700), the 42nd year (1703), and the 46th year (1707), Xingsu Bridge suffered three collapses and was repaired each time.

In the 51st year of the Qing Kangxi era (1712), the bridge was repaired, and a Dragon King Temple was constructed with three iron oxen placed on the bridge.

In the 5th year of the Qing Yongzheng era (1727), the bridge was destroyed by floods, leaving only one arch of the original bridge. For over a hundred years, the bridge was not repaired, and during winter and spring, it was crossed by floating planks, while in summer and autumn, small boats were used, leading to occasional disruptions and accidents.

In the 5th year of the Qing Daoguang era (1825), Yang Anyuan, a former governor of Zhaoqing in Guangdong and a native of Langjing in Lufeng County, was deeply moved by the state of the bridge and donated 3,000 taels of silver (he actually donated 1,000 taels) to fund its repair. The whole community contributed as well, raising a total of 12,000 taels of silver. The bridge was completed after six years of reconstruction.

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xingsu Bridge was used as a highway bridge.

In 1986, due to long-term heavy vehicle traffic, the second and third piers slightly sank, and several cracks appeared in the bridge structure.

In 1988, Lufeng County Highway Division repaired the bridge.

In 1998, Xingsu Park was completed, and the bridge was no longer used as a highway bridge. It was transferred to the Lufeng County Park Management Office for maintenance and is now situated within the park.

Fengyu Bridge

Fengyu Bridge began construction during the Ming Wanli era (1573–1620).

In the 10th year of the Qing Tongzhi era (1871), the bridge was destroyed by floods. To fund its repair, an additional tax of two-fifths was levied on the salt taxes from He, Yuan, and Yong wells. However, successive officials mismanaged the funds, and repairs were delayed.

In the 17th year of the Qing Guangxu era (1892), Zou Xingde of the Hejing Supervisory Office oversaw the repair. According to the “Lufeng County Annals,” the repair was urgently needed due to its importance in salt transportation. The project commenced in January of the 17th year and was completed by March of the 18th year. The new bridge was 35 zhang long, spanning 20 zhang across the river, with four water stone piers, 12 zhang long, and 1 zhang 4 feet high. The bridge was adorned with pairs of large and small lions and elephants, and the northern end had five stone tablets while the southern end had a pavilion.

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Fengyu Bridge was used as a highway bridge.

In 1958, the pavilion at the southern end of the bridge was demolished. The temple next to the monument was allocated to villagers and later rebuilt and demolished.

In 2008, a new highway bridge was constructed between Xingsu Bridge and Fengyu Bridge according to the development plan of Lufeng County. After the new bridge was completed, Fengyu Bridge was no longer used for highway traffic.

Architectural Layout

Xingsu Bridge

Xingsu Bridge consists of a stone arch bridge, a wooden archway, and a stone archway with a curved top. The stone arch bridge runs east to west and is built from large red sandstone blocks, featuring a six-pier, seven-arch pointed stone bridge. It measures 118 meters in length, 10 meters in width, and 10 meters in height, with individual arch spans ranging from 9.8 to 10 meters.

The wooden archway is located on the east side of the bridge. It has four columns and three doors, measuring 12 meters wide and 10 meters high. It features four large columns arranged in a straight line, with the central column higher than the adjacent ones, creating a “凸” shape. It supports the beams and complex thirteen-step brackets and is topped with a gabled roof covered with glazed tiles. The central wooden plaque bears the name “Xingsu Bridge,” written in regular script by the then representative of Yunnan and Guizhou, Yili Bu, who later signed the Treaty of Nanking on behalf of the Qing government. The back of the plaque is inscribed with “Xingsu Bridge” by the then governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, the renowned Qing Dynasty scholar Ruan Yuan. The archway’s two central columns stand on large lotus bases, supported by huge drum-shaped stones at the front and back, which feature exquisite dragon, tiger, and qilin carvings.

Stone Archway

The stone archway is located on the west side of Xingsu Bridge. It has ten columns and nine doors, measuring 12.3 meters wide and 9.19 meters high, with a base thickness of 2.56 meters. The archway is designed with a “凸” shape, and the top mimics a nine-ridge roof style. The stone surface is adorned with relief carvings representing a wooden structure’s brackets. It features a central stone tablet inscribed with the characters “Kun Wei Yong Zhen” (维永镇). Below this are ten large square stone columns with recessed spaces between them, forming doorways. The doorways contain large blue stone tablets, with the central tablet measuring 3.3 meters high and 0.95 meters wide, and the side tablets measuring 2.6 meters high and 0.9 meters wide. The entire stone archway stands on a 0.9-meter-high lotus base, flanked by a pair of stone lions.

Fengyu Bridge

Stone Arch Bridge

Fengyu Bridge is a four-pier, five-arch round stone bridge, oriented north to south. It measures 92 meters in length, 8.1 meters in width, and 9.5 meters in height. The piers are 19.6 meters long and 5.6 meters wide. The five arches vary in span, measuring 8.7 meters, 9.3 meters, 9.8 meters, 9.3 meters, and 8.7 meters from south to north. The bridge features stone railings on both sides. At the northern end, there are two stone lions, while at the southern end, there is a kneeling figure. The pavilion at the southern end was demolished in 1958.

Significance

Xingsu Bridge and Fengyu Bridge represent significant achievements in ancient bridge construction in Yunnan. They are among the largest ancient stone arch bridges in the region, showcasing advanced design, high craftsmanship, and rich inscriptions. Their preservation reflects the historical, architectural, and cultural importance of bridge construction in Yunnan.

Protection

On March 5, 2013, Xingsu Bridge and Fengyu Bridge were officially listed as the 7th batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Chinese Name:禄丰县星宿桥
English Name: Xingsu Bridge in Lufeng County, Chuxiong

Overview of Xingsu Bridge

Xingsu Bridge, also known as “Ximen Bridge” (West Gate Bridge), spans the Luyi River (also called Xingsu River) just outside the west gate of Lufeng City, Chuxiong. The name “Xingsu” comes from the river’s deep and mysterious waters, which were said to resemble scattered stars. The bridge was once part of the “Eight Scenic Wonders of Lufeng,” specifically known for the view called “Star Reflection on the Dam Bridge.” The bridge features a large stone archway on the west side, adorned with carvings and inscriptions dating back to 1832. A pair of majestic stone lions guards both ends of the bridge, adding to its grand and powerful appearance. In 1983, Xingsu Bridge was recognized as a provincial-level cultural heritage site.

Structure and Architectural Design

Xingsu Bridge is a seven-arched stone bridge that stretches 96.5 meters in length and 9.8 meters in width. The bridge is flanked by solid railings on both sides, standing 0.6 meters high and 0.4 meters thick. The boat-shaped platforms at each end are 18 meters long and 4.3 meters wide. The entire structure is constructed from red sandstone blocks, which are tightly bound with a mixture of lime and sticky rice mortar, providing remarkable strength and durability.

On the eastern side of the bridge, there is a glazed, dragon-spined wooden archway with four pillars and three gates. This archway features elaborately carved eaves and brackets, with stone drums placed on either side. Intricate carvings of dragons and tigers further enhance the structure’s beauty. The inscription “Xingsu Bridge” was written by Ruan Yuan, Grand Minister of Yunnan and Guizhou, in 1830. The western side of the bridge also features a large stone archway and stone inscriptions detailing the bridge’s restoration in 1832.

Historical Importance of Xingsu Bridge

Xingsu Bridge played a vital role as a gateway connecting Kunming to western Yunnan, serving as a critical point along the Sichuan-Yunnan postal route. This strategic significance is reflected in many of the stone carvings and couplets found on the bridge. One notable couplet reads:
“Look up to measure the stars and constellations; the Milky Way stretches like a rainbow beyond the sky.
Survey the vast sea of stars; even the city walls submit, and tributes come from the five regions.”
This couplet not only captures the grandeur of Xingsu Bridge but also highlights its importance in connecting Yunnan with the interior regions of China. The bridge’s combination of structures, carvings, and supplementary buildings makes it a rare and unique example of a multi-arched stone bridge in Southwest China.

Restoration and Stone Inscriptions

According to the Xingsu Bridge Restoration Inscription, the site originally featured a bamboo pontoon bridge. The construction of the stone arch bridge began in 1615 during the 43rd year of the Ming Wanli reign. However, due to recurring flood damage, the bridge underwent multiple restorations during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), with three rebuilds and collapses. Another reconstruction was attempted in 1727 during the Yongzheng reign, but the bridge collapsed again. The current bridge and its surrounding structures were completed between 1825 and 1832 during the Daoguang reign.

The stone inscriptions on the bridge describe the history of its construction and feature couplets written by prominent figures of the time. The stone lions placed at each end of the bridge, with their distinct and powerful postures, contribute to the beauty and harmony of the overall architectural design. Together, the bridge, archways, inscriptions, and carvings form a perfect and unified architectural ensemble.

Location Map of Lufeng County in Yunnan

Overview

Chinese Name: 禄丰县高峰乡彝族火把节大刀会
English Name: Sword Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Lufeng County, Chuxiong
Location: Gaofeng Township, Luxi County
Date: The twenty-fourth day of the sixth lunar month

The twenty-fourth day of the sixth lunar month is a grand traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group. Besides activities like torch dancing, using fire to drive away evil spirits, worshipping ancestors and deities, holding singing and dancing performances, engaging in sports activities, and conducting material exchanges, there are also some unique local traditions. One of the most distinctive features is the Knife Festival held annually in the Yizu (Yi ethnic) community of Gaofeng Township, Luxi County.

Process

The Knife Festival is named after the Yi adult men from the nearby area who participate in it. Before the twenty-fourth day of the sixth lunar month, Yi adult men prepare their “Guan Gong knives,” with a wooden handle measuring over three feet long, polishing them until they shine. They dress in festive attire, wear headdresses decorated with pheasant feathers, and carry the large knives to gather on the Torch Ridge. Three masked deities—“Lunsi Po,” “Gengying Po,” and “Saxip Po”—representing the God of Heaven, the God of Earth, and the God of Humanity, lead the crowds wielding large knives in dramatic displays on the mountaintop, performing repeated mock fights and deadly struggles, with shouts echoing loudly, as if returning to a fierce ancient battlefield. Finally, under the guidance of the Bimo (a ritual specialist), the knife-wielding group, accompanied by the sounds of suona (a traditional wind instrument) and drums, arrives at the village to perform the knife dance for each household, driving away evil spirits.

Lufeng County Travel Guide

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Chinese Name: 禄丰县星宿桥丰裕桥 English Name: Fengyu Bridge in Lufeng County, Chuxiong Overview Fengyu Bridge, located in Xingxiu Park and spanning the Luoci River in Lufeng County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous...

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