Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area is located in Dashiqiao Village, Zhaozhou Town, Zhao County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province. It is a national 4A-level scenic area, with Zhaozhou Bridge—the world's oldest, largest-span, and best-preserved single-arch flat-arched open-shouldered stone bridge—as its core, showcasing the remarkable achievements of ancient bridge architecture. The scenic area covers an area of nearly 90,000 square meters. After renovation, it has added 5,056.5 square meters of pavement area, 4 new sculpture ornaments, 2 new scenic pavilions, 2 corridor frames, 1 theater, 2 bell and drum towers, and 3,513.34 square meters of new garden road area.
History and Culture
Zhaozhou Bridge was built during the Sui Dynasty (595–605 AD) by the craftsman Li Chun. It has a history of over 1,400 years. It is the oldest, largest-span, and best-preserved open-shouldered stone arch bridge in the world, holding an epoch-making position in the history of world bridge engineering and possessing significant cultural value. In March 1961, it was listed by the State Council as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. In October 1991, it was selected by the American Society of Civil Engineers as the 12th "International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark" in the world, with a commemorative bronze plaque erected at the bridgehead. It is the only civil engineering structure in China to receive this honor. Zhaozhou Bridge has withstood 8 major earthquakes without collapsing, 54 major floods without being destroyed, and countless wars without being ruined, proving its enduring strength. Its "open-shouldered circular arch" structure and "longitudinal parallel masonry method" embody the wisdom and superb skills of ancient craftsmen.
Main Attractions
Zhaozhou Bridge
Zhaozhou Bridge has a total length of 64.4 meters, a width of 9 meters at the arch top, 9.6 meters at the arch feet, a span of 37.02 meters, and a rise of 7.23 meters. The bridge body is composed of 28 stone arch rings built in longitudinal parallel. The side railings of the bridge are adorned with exquisite reliefs, such as taotie (a mythical beast) and flood dragons, which are stone carvings from the Sui Dynasty. It is the world's oldest, largest-span, and best-preserved single-arch flat-arched open-shouldered stone bridge, known as the "First Bridge Under Heaven".
Ancient Bridge Exhibition Hall
The Ancient Bridge Exhibition Hall covers a construction area of 2,000 square meters. It consists of the Ancient Bridge Exploration Hall, the Chinese Ancient Bridges Hall, the Zhaozhou Bridge Hall, and the Mao Yisheng Memorial Hall. It is a popular science venue introducing bridge culture, integrating the historical, intellectual, scientific, artistic, and interesting aspects of bridges.
Bridge Language Exhibition Hall
The Bridge Language Exhibition Hall has a construction area of 400 square meters. It adopts advanced domestic exhibition planning concepts, showcasing Zhaozhou Bridge culture from aspects such as bridge records, bridge history, bridge classics, bridge scenery, bridge names, bridge texts, and bridge anecdotes, and expands to world bridge culture, displaying Chinese bridge culture. It is an important part of Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area.
Cuisine
Salted Donkey Meat
Zhaozhou salted donkey meat is a traditional famous dish in Hebei Province, renowned for its freshness, fragrance, and tenderness. It enjoys the reputation of "Dragon meat in the sky, donkey meat on the ground."
Shahedian Pig Elbow
The Hezuo Restaurant in Shahedian, Zhao County, serves braised pig elbows. It retains the dining environment of the people's commune canteen, and the elbows are fragrant.
Fengfu Crispy Fish
Fengfu crispy fish has a crispy, fresh, tender, smooth, and fragrant taste, suitable for both the elderly and children. It is a traditional famous food in Zhaozhou.
Stone Pagoda Biscuits
"Xue's Biscuits," commonly known as "crispy sesame biscuits" or "Stone Pagoda Biscuits," are a unique local snack in Zhao County with a history of over 100 years.
Fanzhuang Fried Cakes
The yellow rice flour fried cakes in Fanzhuang are unique in Zhao County. Many people drive dozens of miles to taste them.
Fanzhuang Hele Noodles
The Fanzhuang Hele Noodles stall is located near Lixiang Mall in Zhao County. Served with mutton soup sauce and garnished with coriander or tender leek segments, it is very appetizing.
Tickets
Open to the public free of charge.
Opening Hours
Opening hours are from 8:30 to 17:30.
Tour Route
A half-day tour route can be chosen: first, go to Zhaozhou Bridge, arrive before 7:30 to take a panoramic photo without crowds, and at 10 o'clock, you can listen to free guides explain the bridge-building technologies; then visit the museum, and in the afternoon, you can go to Bailin Temple for a visit.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Shijiazhuang City, along Tiyu South Street, Yuxiang Street, Shiluan Street, via National Highway 308 and Anji Avenue, you can reach Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area; or along National Highway 308 or Qingyin Expressway to Zhao County, with a driving time of about 1 hour. Navigate to "Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area," and the parking fee is 5 yuan per day.
- Bus: Take bus 215 from Shijiazhuang Railway Station to Nanjiao Passenger Station, then take a coach from Nanjiao Passenger Station to Zhao County. Get off and walk west, take Zhao County Bus Line 2 at the bus stop near the traffic lights west of Bailin Temple, and get off at the terminal stop Zhaozhou Bridge Station.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Zhaozhou Bridge: The world's oldest, largest-span, and best-preserved single-arch flat-arched open-shouldered stone bridge, with a total length of 64.4 meters, a width of 9 meters at the arch top, 9.6 meters at the arch feet, a span of 37.02 meters, and a rise of 7.23 meters. The bridge body is composed of 28 stone arch rings built in longitudinal parallel, with exquisite Sui Dynasty stone reliefs on the bridge sides.
- Ancient Bridge Exhibition Hall: Covering a construction area of 2,000 square meters, it is a popular science venue introducing bridge culture, consisting of multiple exhibition halls.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended to spend 1-2 hours visiting.
- You can choose to go in the early morning or dusk when the light is soft, making it good for taking photos.
- You can learn about the historical background of Zhaozhou Bridge in advance to better appreciate the scenic area.
Notes
- The best visiting seasons are spring and autumn (April-May, September-October), with pleasant weather, avoiding the high temperature in summer.
- There are interactive projects in the scenic area such as antique carriages and rubbing experiences, which require additional fees.
- It is recommended to choose official guided tours and avoid private paid guides outside the scenic area.