China’s oldest-standing bridge has spanned the Jiǎo River (Jiǎo Hé) for 1400 years. In Zhàoxiàn County, about 40km southeast of Shíjiāzhuāng and 2km south of Zhàoxiàn town, this is the world’s first segmental bridge (ie its arch is a segment of a circle, as opposed to a complete semicircle). The Zhàozhōu Bridge predates other bridges of its type throughout the world by 800 years. In fine condition, and part of a riverside, landscaped park, it is 50.82m long and 9.6m wide, with a span of 37m.
Twenty-two stone posts are topped with carvings of dragons and mythical creatures, with the centre slab featuring a magnificent tāotiè (an offspring of a dragon). The bridge is also known as ‘Safe Crossing Bridge’ (安济桥; Ānjì Qiáo).
To get here from Shíjiāzhuāng, take bus 30 from beside the former train station to South Bus Station , then take a bus to Zhàoxiàn (赵县; ¥11, one hour, frequent). Get off at Shí Tǎ (石塔), a slim stone pagoda in the middle of the road, where you turn right to walk the final 2km, or take dinky local Bus 2 (¥1). The last bus back to Shíjiāzhuāng swings past Shí Tǎ at about 7pm.
