Luoyang Bridge

Luoyang Bridge in Quanzhou is the earliest existing cross-sea beam stone bridge in China, and it is ranked among the four ancient bridges in China along with Lugou Bridge in Beijing, Zhaozhou Bridge in Hebei, and Guangji Bridge in Guangdong. It was built in the fifth year of Huangyou in the Northern Song Dynasty (1053 AD), under the supervision of the famous scholar Cai Xiang. It took six years and eight months to complete, using innovative techniques such as raft-shaped foundations, oyster-based solidification, and floating transport machines. It became a miracle in the history of Chinese bridge engineering.

The Luoyang Bridge spans a length of 834 meters and has a width of 7 meters, adorned with 45 stone piers. Along the sides of the bridge deck, you can find railings and pillars, creating a picturesque scene. Additionally, various charming ancillary buildings such as stone pagodas, pavilions, and statues are also scattered across the bridge. They are exquisitely carved, uniquely styled, and have high artistic and historical value. It is also an important link for cultural exchange between China and foreign countries. In 2021, the Quanzhou Maritime Silk Road successfully applied for world heritage status, and Luoyang Bridge became one of its representative relics.

Highlights of Luoyang Bridge

When visiting Luoyang Bridge, you can enjoy the architectural, cultural, and natural beauty of the bridge.

First of all, the structure and craftsmanship of Luoyang Bridge are masterpieces of ancient Chinese bridge engineering. The piers of Luoyang Bridge are boat-shaped, which can effectively disperse the impact of water flow. The stone slabs on the bridge surface are transported by the principle of tidal rise and fall. The foundation stones of the piers are fixed by the biological glue of oysters. These are all unique technologies in the world.

Secondly, the Luoyang Bridge holds great cultural significance. The stone towers, pavilions, statues, etc. on Luoyang Bridge contain various cultural elements such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, reflecting the diversity of Quanzhou's culture. Luoyang Bridge also has many inscriptions, cliff carvings, poems, etc., which record the praise and emotion of famous people from past dynasties to Luoyang Bridge, showing the importance of Luoyang Bridge in the minds of Quanzhou people.

Finally, the natural scenery of Luoyang Bridge is breathtaking. It's situated right at the mouth of the Luoyang River, where it meets the vast sea, creating an endless and mesmerizing view. You can watch the sunrise and sunset on the bridge, feel the magnificent beauty of the sea and sky; you can also admire the river tide under the bridge, experience the change of water rise and fall.

Travel tips

The best time to visit Luoyang Bridge is when the tide rises and falls. When the tide rises, the scenery is the most beautiful under the contrast of sunrise or sunset. When the tide falls, you can see the whole bridge, the raft-shaped foundation and oysters under the bridge. You can check the tide schedule on a local tide table or consult with a tour guide for accurate information.

Tour route:

Start at the south end of the bridge and take a leisurely stroll along its length, admiring the beautiful buildings like pavilions, towers, statues, and inscriptions. After reaching Zhongzhou (中洲), you can explore Zhongting（中亭）and Xichuan Ganyu Pavilion（西川甘雨碑亭）to delve into the rich history and culture of Luoyang Bridge. Then continue your walk on the bridge surface until you reach the north end where you can marvel at Cai Xiang's stone statue（蔡襄石雕像）and visit the informative Luoyang Bridge Memorial Hall （洛阳桥纪念馆）to learn about its construction process and technical features. Finally, exit from the north side of the bridge when you're ready to leave.