Guangji Bridge in Chaozhou

Facts of Guangji Bridge

Address: Huancheng East Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City (opposite Guangji Gate Tower) 潮州市湘桥区环城东路(广济门城楼对面)

Status: One of China's Four Great Ancient Bridges; regarded as the world's earliest drawbridge.

Structure: Stone bridges at both ends; central floating bridge made of 18 movable boats.

Key Feature: Floating section opens every evening for river traffic and reconnects the next morning.

Hours: Approx. 10:00–17:30 (earlier on weekends/holidays; seasonal changes).

Ticket: CNY 20.

Highlights: Ancient engineering, bridge pavilions, intangible cultural heritage displays, night light show.

A Legend of History & Architecture

Guangji Bridge was first built in the Southern Song Dynasty (1171 AD) and has a history of over 800 years. Constructed and rebuilt across several dynasties, it evolved into a rare combination of beam bridge, floating bridge, and arch bridge.

Bridge expert Mao Yisheng praised it as "the world's earliest drawbridge." Its brilliance lies in the movable floating section, which opens and closes daily according to the Han River's water level and shipping needs - an ancient solution for flood control and navigation, and the origin of the famous local sight known as "breaking the bridge to cross the river."

Must-Do Experiences

Watch the bridge open: Around 17:30 daily, the 18 shuttle boats linking the bridge are removed - an extremely rare dynamic bridge scene worldwide.

Walk the "market-on-a-bridge": Once a bustling marketplace, the bridge now features intangible cultural heritage pavilions showcasing Chaozhou embroidery, wood carving, ceramics, and more.

Enjoy the night light show: After dark, the ancient bridge comes alive with modern lighting. Shows usually start at 20:00 (extra sessions on weekends) - perfect for photos.

Find the "Iron Ox": Look for the cast-iron water guardian on the bridge. A local saying goes, "Touch the ox's head for a worry-free life; touch its tail for no regrets." Give it a try for good luck.

Practical Visiting Tips

Getting There:
Guangji Bridge spans the Han River. The west entrance faces Guangji Gate Tower and Paifang Street, while the east entrance is close to Han Wen Gong Temple. Getting there is easy by taxi or by bus - just get off at Xiashuimen Stop.

Suggested Route:
Combine Guangji Bridge, Guangji Gate Tower, Paifang Street, and Kaiyuan Temple in one walk. These top sights are all close together and easy to explore on foot.

Best Time to Go:
Start your visit in the afternoon. You'll have time to explore the bridge, watch the floating section open in the early evening, enjoy dinner by the river, and then stay for the nighttime light show.

Cultural Meaning:
Guangji Bridge holds deep meaning for overseas Chaoshan communities. Its restoration was supported by donations from overseas Chinese, including Li Ka-shing. For many, it’s not just a bridge, but a symbol of home, memory, and cultural roots.