Luoyang Bridge

洛阳桥

China's first sea-crossing beam bridge built of stone, over 800 meters long, commissioned by Cai Xiang in the Northern Song dynasty. Its “raft foundation” and “oyster-cemented foundation” techniques were world firsts in bridge engineering.

Luoyang Bridge, also known as Wan'an Bridge, spans the estuary of the Luoyang River, linking Luojiang District with Hui'an County. It was built between 1053 and 1059 (Huangyou 5 to Jiayou 4 of the Northern Song dynasty) under Cai Xiang, then prefect of Quanzhou. The original length was about 834 meters, of which about 731 meters survive, supported by 44 boat-shaped piers. It is China's oldest surviving stone beam bridge across the sea. Its builders pioneered the “raft foundation” technique, laying stone on the riverbed first, and the “oyster-cemented foundation” technique, cultivating oysters on the bridge footings so that they bind the stones together. Along the bridge stand stone pagodas, stone guardian figures, the Cai Xiang Shrine and cliff inscriptions. The bridge was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021. Highlights: Walking from the south bank (Cai Xiang Shrine, Luoyang Old Street) to the north bank takes about 30 minutes. Look out for the piers, mangroves and egrets on the tidal flats. At low tide in the evening, you can descend from the south bank onto the flats for a closer look at the boat-shaped piers. On the north bank, Zhaohui Temple and a small village serve oyster omelets. Free admission. Getting there: About 30 minutes by taxi from the old town, or take a bus to the Luoyang Bridge stop. You can combine it with Xunpu Village, which lies in the same direction (about 20 minutes' drive apart), or stop by the Maritime Museum on the way. Tips: The bridge deck offers no shade, and the summer sun is strong. Do not go onto the tidal flats when the tide is rising. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the bridge.

Luoyang Bridge

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