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Shihe Bridge in Xinyang, Henan, is primarily a historic and scenic landmark ideal for sightseeing and photography. Visitors can enjoy walking along the bridge, appreciating its traditional architecture, and taking in the surrounding river and natural landscape. It’s also a peaceful spot for leisurely strolls and cultural appreciation.
The Xihe Bridge, located in the western section of Hepeng, at the border of Luoshan and Xinyang in Henan Province, spans the east and west banks of the Xihe River, 21 kilometers from Luoshan County. It is one of the major bridges on the Xinye Highway. Standing for nearly 80 years, and despite being abandoned for 30 years, it has earned the nickname "a living fossil bridge."
In 1923, Fang Shaoyao, director of the Luoshan Public Fund Bureau, erected a simple wooden bridge 244 meters upstream of the current bridge, accommodating small cars. However, it was destroyed by floods in 1925. In 1932, the Kuomintang government built a 47-span, 64.8 meters long and 1.05 meters wide low-water-level wooden bridge on the original site, accommodating cars. This bridge was soon destroyed by floods. In 1934, the Kuomintang government constructed a permanent bridge (the current one) on the site of the wooden bridge. With 29 spans, each spanning 12 meters, it was constructed using reinforced concrete T-beams, 360 meters long and 5 meters wide, with railings on both sides. At the time, it was one of the largest bridges in Henan Province on the Beijing-Shaanxi Expressway.
In 1938, during the Japanese invasion of southern Henan, the Kuomintang troops blew up the two spans at the eastern end of the bridge during their retreat. After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, the bridge was repaired and opened to traffic. However, its narrow deck made traffic difficult. In 1978, the government built a new bridge 244 meters downstream from the old one (now the highway bridge on National Highway 312).
With a subtropical monsoon climate, the Shihe Bridge is a "living fossil" of bridge construction from the 1930s and 1940s, with high specimen value. It's a great place to visit in all seasons.
The Xihe Bridge has been able to stand for nearly 80 years and has not collapsed even after being abandoned for 30 years. It still stands proudly today. This is a strong bridge that deserves the title of "living fossil of the bridge".
It is recommended to play for about 30 minutes.
free
Open all day
Shihe Bridge is a historic bridge in Xinyang, Henan, known for its traditional Chinese architectural style. It has served as an important local crossing point over the river for centuries and represents regional engineering and cultural heritage. The bridge also reflects the historical development of transport and trade in the area.
Shihe Bridge is located in Xinyang City, Henan Province, along the Shihe River. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from the city center. Local buses may stop nearby, but walking or short taxi rides are recommended for convenience.
The bridge is open to the public at all times, as it is a public outdoor attraction. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding scenery is at its most vibrant.
There is no entrance fee to visit Shihe Bridge as it is a public site. Access is free, and no tickets are required.
Advance booking is not required since the bridge is open-access and free to visit.
A visit typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether you are taking photos or walking along the nearby scenic areas.
The main highlight is the bridge itself with its traditional stone or wooden architecture, along with the scenic river views and surrounding landscapes.
Guided tours and audio guides are generally not available at Shihe Bridge. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided visit.
The best photography spots are along the edges of the bridge looking over the river, as well as from the riverbanks to capture the entire bridge structure. Sunrise and sunset provide ideal lighting.
Start at one end of the bridge, walk across slowly, stop at vantage points for photos, then explore nearby riverside paths or parks to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
The bridge can be visited at night, but there are no regular light shows or special tours. Evening visits are suitable for a quiet stroll under natural or ambient lighting.
The bridge can become moderately busy on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially mornings, are the least crowded times for a peaceful visit.
Facilities are limited. There may be benches nearby, but restrooms, food, or shops are generally not available directly at the bridge. Visitors should prepare accordingly.
Shihe Bridge is generally accessible to most visitors, including children and the elderly, but caution is needed if the bridge surface is uneven. Wheelchair access may be limited depending on the bridge design.
Since there is no entrance fee and minimal on-site services, cash is not necessary for entry. Any nearby vendors may accept cash or mobile payments.
Restaurants and cafes are not present on the bridge itself. Nearby areas in Xinyang city offer local eateries with traditional Chinese cuisine.
Vegetarian or halal options may be available at nearby restaurants in Xinyang. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff for dietary accommodations.
Accommodations are available in central Xinyang, ranging from budget hotels to mid-range options, providing easy access to the bridge.
Nearby attractions include the Shihe River Scenic Area and local parks. Visitors can combine the bridge visit with a walk along riverside trails or a trip to nearby cultural sites in Xinyang.
Souvenir shops are not present at the bridge, but local markets in Xinyang sell handicrafts, local snacks, and traditional goods that make good mementos.
Visitors can continue by taxi, private car, or local bus to explore other areas in Xinyang. For longer trips, Xinyang Railway Station provides access to regional destinations.
