Xiaguang Bridge

Xiaguang Bridge is located in Huayang Village, Hengkeng Township, a stone-arch wooden covered bridge. It was first built in the 1st year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1723), and underwent reconstructions during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi reigns. The bridge is 17.26 metres long, 4.42 metres wide, with a span of 13.2 metres.

Shaped like a mountain eagle descending from heaven resting over the stream, as if about to fold its wings to drink water, Xiaguang Bridge features a semi-circular arch neatly built of smooth stone blocks. Its balanced, well-proportioned graceful lines reflect clearly in the clear rippling water, forming a harmonious interplay of the real structure and its mirrored image. Seven bays of covered corridor rest atop the stone arch. Wooden planks line the outer sides of the corridor to block wind, while double-layered eaves shelter the bridge from rain. The roof ridges stretch gently and evenly, with elegant curves at every turning point. The flying eaves extend slightly outward and curl upward subtly, lending a dynamic vitality to the roof from afar and an air of light buoyancy up close. The entire roof delivers a sense of warmth, softness, lightness and delicate grace.

Xiaguang Bridge was rebuilt multiple times in the Yongzheng and Xianfeng periods of the Qing Dynasty, yet each version was destroyed by accidental fires. “Xiayang Bridge of the Third Du (namely Xiaguang Bridge) serves as a vital thoroughfare linking Zhejiang and Fujian.” Without the bridge, cross-stream travel became impossible. Clan elders gathered villagers to discuss reconstruction plans. Participants argued that timber structures were prone to fire damage and proposed switching to stone construction, even though the cost would double. Though stone arch bridges demanded far more investment, “stone is far safer and more durable than wood.”

All previous iterations of Xiaguang Bridge were wooden and repeatedly burnt down. Hoping for a lasting crossing, several lead organisers travelled extensively to solicit donations. Eventually they “built the arch out of stone while retaining the wooden covered corridor above”, transforming Xiaguang Bridge into a stone-arch wooden covered bridge.