Zhaozhou Bridge (Anji Bridge)

 bridge, arch bridge

Anji Bridge, also known as the Zhaozhou Bridge, is located at Zhouxian, Hebei Province. It is the oldest arch bridge in China. It is a single segmental stone arch, composed of 28 individual arches bonded transversely, 37.02m in span and rising 7.23m above the chord line. Narrower in the upper part and wider in the lower, the bridge averages 9m in width. The main arch ring is 1.03m thick with protective arch stones on it. Each of its spandrels is perforated by two small arches, 3.8m and 2.85m respectively in clear span, so that flood water can be drained and the bridge weight is lightened.. The Anji Bridge has a segmental deck and the parapets are engraved with dragons and other animals. Its construction was started in A.D. 595 and completed in A.D. 605 in the Sui Dynasty. In 1991, the Anji Bridge was named among the world cultural relics.