Zhongshan Bridge
Zhongshan Iron Bridge roots in the 5th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1372 A.D.) It was built as a floating bridge 7 miles west of Lanzhou made by Feng Sheng who was a lord of Song. Until the 9th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1376 A.D.), the lord of Wei, Deng Yu moved the floating bridge 10 miles west of the city and called it Zhengyuan Bridge. In the 18th year of Hongwu of Ming Dynasty (1385 A.D.), Yang Lian, commander of the defense army, moved the bridge to where the bridge locates today. Today, there is three “General Poles” leftover from that period, which totally weigh 10 tons with a length of 5.8 m for each.
In the 33rd year of Emperor Guangxu, Qing Dynasty (1907), with the sponsor of Sheng Yun who was the satrap of Gansu and suggested by Ying Jia who was the Daopeng of Lanzhou, the Qing government spent fund 306,690 taels to build the bridge. Extending 233.33 meters long and 7.5 meters high, it was the first bridge built on the Yellow River and was first called the "Lanzhou Yellow River Iron Bridge". In 1954, Lanzhou People Government had reinforced it and added five steel arc girders what made the bridge looks solid and durable, grandiose as today we see.
Heading southwards from the Yellow Iron Bridge, passing through two bus stations, it is the Xiguan Shizi where there are two well-known snack streets. The dish of Lanzhou Dahuicai is one of the famous specialties. First, over a dozen of dishes including noodle and bean curd, etc. are stewed well and kept in the pots respectively. While eating, visitors may choose some dishes from each pot and put them together. Then, add the spicy and vinegar for your favor and you may enjoy a special dish of your own.
Adjacent to the flourishing commercial district of Lanzhou, the Yellow Iron Bridge is a fine resort all year round.
- Location: at the foot of the White Pagoda Moutain.
- How to Get There?
- Ticket Price: Free
Take buses No.2, 4, 6, 9, 13, 15, 101,102 and get off at the Xiguan Shizi station, and then head on 100 meters northwards.