Zhaozhou Bridge

Zhaozhou Bridge, also called the Anji Bridge or Great Stone Bridge, stands over the Xiaohe River at Zhaozhou Town in Zhao County, about 45 km southeast of central Shijiazhuang in Hebei province. Built in the Sui dynasty around the turn of the seventh century under the craftsman Li Chun, it is widely cited as the oldest surviving open-spandrel segmental arch bridge in the world. A single shallow stone arch of roughly 37 metres carries the roadway, with small arches set into each shoulder to lighten the structure and relieve floodwater. Fourteen centuries of use make it a landmark in the history of engineering as well as a scenic stop.

The journey is a straightforward bus trip. Buses run from Shijiazhuang South Bus Station to Zhao County for about ¥13 and take roughly an hour, after which a local bus or taxi covers the last stretch to the bridge for a few yuan up to about ¥30. Allow 1-1.5 hours each way. Because the bridge itself needs only two to four hours, the trip combines well with the rest of the county town.

A relaxed day begins with the morning bus, an arrival around mid-morning, and a slow circuit of the bridge: walking across the deck, then down to the riverbank to see the arch profile and the carved dragon-pattern panels on the spandrels. Nearby are the smaller Yongtong Bridge and a garden area with stelae and a small exhibition on the bridge's construction and repair history. Zhao County is also known across northern China for its snow pears, which are sold fresh in season and as dried or stewed treats, and local restaurants in the county town serve hearty noodle and stewed dishes for lunch.

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with willow and blossom in April and clear skies in October. Admission has been reported as free since 1 November 2023, though older sources list a ¥40 ticket, so confirm at the gate. Hours are roughly 08:30-17:00.