Guangji Bridge
广济桥（湘子桥）
Begun in the Southern Song dynasty, this is one of the “Four Great Ancient Bridges of China.” It has 18 boats and 24 islets: by day, the boats link into a floating bridge, and by evening, they are separated for river traffic. At night, a light show is reflected on the Han River.
Guangji Bridge, also known as Xiangzi Bridge, spans the Han River, connecting the East Gate of Chaozhou’s Old Town with Han Wengong Shrine on the east bank. Construction began in the seventh year of the Qiandao era of the Southern Song dynasty (1171), and it was built over several centuries into a unique structure of “18 boats and 24 islets.” The east and west sections are stone pier-girder bridges, with pavilions and towers built on the piers. The central section consists of 18 boats linked by iron chains to form a floating bridge that can be opened and closed. It is considered the world’s earliest opening-and-closing bridge. Together with Zhaozhou Bridge, Luoyang Bridge and Lugou Bridge, it is counted among China’s four great ancient bridges.
How to enjoy it: By day, buy a ticket (about 20 yuan) and walk from the west bank to the east bank. Admire the pavilions on the piers, the stone carvings on the bridge and the floating section in the middle, with river breezes and the ancient city walls and Brush Rack Mountain visible along the Han River. Around 17:30 each evening, the floating section is opened (the boats are towed to shore) to let river traffic pass, which is a distinctive sight. On most nights, a light show takes place around 20:00, with extra shows on holidays. Check the scenic area’s announcements for the schedule. You can watch from Guangji Gate tower on the west bank, from the riverside, or from the east bank. It is Chaozhou’s most famous night view.
Getting there: The bridge is a walk from the East Gate (Guangji Gate) of the Old Town. Suggested plan: go up the bridge in the afternoon, watch the opening at dusk, catch the light show after dinner, then walk back to Paifang Street.
Tips: The bridge deck has no shelter, and the summer sun is strong. Check the day’s notices for opening times before going up. The light show draws big crowds, so arrive early to secure a spot by the river.
Opening hours
10:00–17:30 (pontoon bridge closure hours); light show approx. 20:00
Nearby sights
- Guangji Gate & Chaozhou City Wall
- Han Yu Memorial Temple
- Kaiyuan Temple, Chaozhou
- Jilue Huang Ancestral Hall
- Jiadi Lane
- Haiyang County Confucian Temple
- Xu Fuma Mansion
- Chaozhou West Lake