Visit a bridge in Xian County.

Drive west for an hour from Cangzhou City to see a bridge. Dan Bridge, a stone arch bridge built in the second year of the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty, has exquisitely carved bridge columns and railings. It is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest asymmetrical stone arch bridge in the world and is a sixth batch national key cultural relic protection unit. Although it is not as famous as the Zhaozhou Bridge, which has been around for 1,400 years, it is more natural, open, and free compared to the Zhaozhou Bridge, which has been rebuilt and lost its ancient charm. When you drive into the village, the most crowded place is this bridge. The stone lions stand tall, and each bridge column is carved with different images. Although they are weathered and broken, they still have a charm. The Hutuo River flows quietly under the bridge, and it is hard to imagine the surging waves that once rushed through. To withstand the greater impact of the Nantang River, this stone bridge was designed with an asymmetrical structure that is higher in the south and lower in the north to enhance the stability of the bridge. This has created the unique asymmetrical world record of Dan Bridge. Walking on the stone bridge, there are no traces of any repairs on the ground, and the mottled stones from the past are still there, with deep ruts cutting through the dust of history. On the other side of the bridge, there is a stone tablet with the words "Bridge of Good People" written on it. This is also a bridge built by the people. In the second year of the Chongzhen period, a dynasty was on the verge of collapse, and the country could not afford to pay for the bridge. Only the people could raise funds. A jar of rice, a penny, and the power of the people was condensed in the fundraising efforts. The water is quiet, the arch is safe, and although the Dan Bridge is bumpy and uneven, it is a place of peace and prosperity. October 2024