Check-in Guide for the First Bridge in Southern Yunnan

Jianshui Seventeen-Arch Bridge, also known as Shuanglong Bridge, stretches like a long rainbow lying across the confluence of the Lu River and Tachong River. Seventeen arches are lined up in a row, spanning the two rivers, intertwining the gentle charm of the water town with the weighty presence of the ancient bridge. From afar, the bridge’s body is reflected on the emerald water surface, blending reality and reflection indistinguishably. The seventeen round arches form a string like a necklace left by the gods on the water. When sunlight shines through, the light spots leaking from the bridge holes dazzle the eyes. The bridge deck is paved with bluestone slabs, and stepping on it echoes with a “dong dong” sound, as if the old bridge is humming a century-old tune. The three-story pavilion in the middle of the bridge is the finishing touch, with flying eaves and upturned corners, carved beams and painted rafters. It combines the delicacy of Jiangnan pavilions with the robust style of Southern Yunnan architecture. Standing on the pavilion and looking out, you can see the rice fields, villages, and green trees on both banks. When the wind blows, even the river water ripples, as if responding to the bridge’s story. It is said that in the past, mule caravans and pedestrians all crossed this bridge. The dents on the stone slabs are marks worn by time. Walking on the bridge now, you can still imagine the bustling scenes of the past—the calls of porters, the clatter of horse hooves, the laughter of girls—all hidden in these seventeen bridge arches, slowly flowing along with the river water. When you come to Jianshui, you must visit the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, step on the bluestone slabs, touch the old railings, and watch the water surface break and reassemble the bridge’s reflection to truly understand the charm of the “First Bridge in Southern Yunnan.”