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The well-known Zhaozhou Bridge, a large stone arch bridge on Xiao River in Zhaozhou, Hebei Province, is also known as Anji Bridge. It is the largest and oldest stone arch bridge in the world about which over the years many beautiful folk stories have been circulating.One day in the Spring and Autumn Period, the skilful artisan Lu Ban of the State of Lu arrived on the bank of Xiao River, carrying his tools on his back. On the swift waters of the wide river he saw two small ferryboats hurrying to and fro with passengers. A crowd of people were meanwhile waiting anxiously on the bank, some with wheelbarrows, others with heavy loads on their shoulder poles. But the ferryboat could carry only a small number of people aboard. Suddenly Lu Ban heard some say, "If only a bridge could be built over the river!" When he saw all this, Lu made up his mind to build a bridge across Xiao River for the people of Zhaozhou.According to the legend, at that very evening, Lu brought back some snow-white stone blocks from the Taihang Mountains to the south,and set to work immediately. At the daybreak when the cock crowed, Lu laid the last two stone labs on the bridge and the job was done. Picking up his tools, Lu Ban went on his way again to see what he could do for the people in other places.Zhaozhou Bridge is 50.82 meters long and 9.6 meters wide, the span of the large stone arch in the middle measuring 37.37 meters. There are two smaller symmetrical arches, one at each end. This kind of structure not only requires less building material but makes sluicing at times of flood easier. The bridge floor is smooth and flat with pavements for pedestrians on both sides, while carriages and carts can move in the middle. The apex of the arch is fairly high so that boats can easily clear it. The bridge is ingeniously designed with a well-proportioned layout, a solid structure, and a magnificent and attractive outward appearance. At both ends of the bridge, willow branches sway graceful, while, seen from the afar, the inverted image of the arch in the water resembles a rainbow spanning the Xiao River.News spread quickly that Lu Ban had built a stone arch bridge overnight. Towns people as well as villagers near and far flocked there in excitement to have a look at the bridge. Such a miracle also aroused the interest of Chai Rong the Fairy and one of the "Eight Legendary Immortals" Zhang Guolao. They wanted to test whether this large stone arch bridge was solid enough,and so decided to play a practical joke on Lu Ban.One night, Zhang Guolao came riding on a donkey, facing backward. On the back of the donkey were hung two heavy sacks containing in one the "sun" and the other the "moon". Then came Chai Rong pushing a barrow on which were loaded the "five famous mountains." Arriving together at the bridge, they met Lu Ban and asked him whether they could cross the bridge at the same time. Lu replied proudly, "Why, such a solidly-built bridge not being able to carry the two of you? Go ahead, please." But to his astonishment, the bridge began to wobble as soon as they set foot upon it. Sensing the seriousness of the situation, Lu Ban jumped into the water and, with all his might, tried to prop up the eastern half of the bridge. In this way the two immortals were able to cross the bridge with their "sun" and "moon" and the "five famous mountains." From then on, the bridge bore the hoof prints of the donkey Zhang Guolao rode, the dent left by Chai Rong's knee where he knelt on the ground, and the grooves left the wheel of the barrow. There was also Lu Ban's handprint where he tried to prop up the bridge. Today, the "imprints of immortals" are still there except Lu Ban's hand print because of a partial collapse later of the eastern half of the bridge.Lu Ban, Zhang Guolao and Chai Rong did not belong to the same age and so couldn't have met each other in the first place. It is also evident that Lu ban could not have built such a large stone bridge overnight. The myths and legends, however, are a reflection of the admiration felt by ordinary people for this stone arch bridge and the foud memory they cherish for its builders. In spite of the buffeting of the elements and the visitation of natural disasters over more than a thousand years, this large stone arch bridge still stands rock firm today.When, one may then ask, was Zhaozhou Bridge built? And who was it that designed and built it? The person in charge of its design and construction was an artisan called Li Chun who lived more than 13,000 years ago in the Sui Dynasty. His creativity and ingenuity in bringing into shape a bridge of such a unique design and structure have won the admiration of all.The Zhaozhou Stone Arch Bridge was technologically the most advanced in the world then. It was remarkable achievement in the history of ancient Chinese civilization, turning over a new leaf in the annals of bridge construction in the world. Bridge building projects with a similar design did not appear in Europe until the 14th century, that is, more than seven hundred years later than the Zhaozhou Bridge.。
赵州桥介绍的小作文不少于6行【中英文实用版】Introduction to Zhaozhou Bridge:Zhaozhou Bridge, also known as Zhaozhou Grand Bridge, is a significant historical landmark located in Shandong Province, China.Constructed during the Sui Dynasty in the 7th century, it is renowned as one of the oldest and largest stone arch bridges in the world.The bridge"s architectural design and engineering feat have garnered immense praise throughout history, earning it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.赵州桥，又名赵州大桥，位于我国山东省，是一座具有深厚历史底蕴的标志性建筑。
该桥建于隋朝时期，距今已有1400多年的历史，是世界上现存最古老、规模最大的石拱桥之一。
其独特的建筑设计和高超的工程技术，使得赵州桥在历史上备受赞誉，被誉为世界文化遗产。
The bridge"s most remarkable feature is its large stone arch, which spans an impressive 37.37 meters (122 feet and 8 inches) in diameter.This arch, along with the bridge"s solid foundation and well-engineered structure, has allowed it to withstand the test of time, enduring numerous floods and earthquakes.The bridge"s longevity is a testament to the ingeniousness of its creators.赵州桥最引人注目的特点是其巨大的石拱，直径达到了惊人的37.37米（约122英尺8英寸）。
简单介绍一下赵州桥英语作文全文共6篇示例，供读者参考篇1"Hey guys, have you ever heard about Zhaozhou Bridge? It’s like, a super cool bridge in China that’s been around for like, a really long time.So, Zhaozhou Bridge is like, this really old bridge that was built in the 6th century during the Sui Dynasty. It’s like, super famous because it’s like, the oldest open-spandrel stone segmental arch bridge in the world. Woah, that’s so cool, right?The bridge is like, made of stone and has this really unique design with all these cool arches and stuff. It’s like, a total masterpiece of ancient engineering and architecture. Like, back in the day, people didn’t have all the fancy technology we have now, but they still managed to build this amazing bridge that has lasted for over a thousand years.People come from all over to see Zhaozhou Bridge and like, learn about its history. It’s like, a really important cultural heritage site in China. And lik e, it’s not just famous in China, but like, all over the world.So yeah, Zhaozhou Bridge is like, this super awesome and important historical site that’s totally worth checking out. If you ever get the chance to visit China, you should totally go see it and like, learn all about its history. It’s so amazing!"篇2Zhaozhou Bridge is a really famous bridge in China. It is located in Hebei Province and was built over 1400 years ago during the Sui Dynasty. The bridge is also known as Anji Bridge and is one of the oldest and largest stone bridges in the world.Zhaozhou Bridge is a marvel of ancient engineering. It is made entirely of stone without any nails or rivets. The bridge is 50.82 meters long, 9.6 meters wide, and 7.3 meters high. It has 28 piers and 27 arches, which make it really strong and stable.What's really cool about Zhaozhou Bridge is that it has survived many natural disasters and wars over the centuries. The bridge is still standing strong today and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Visitors from all over the world come to see Zhaozhou Bridge and marvel at its beauty and history. It is a symbol of China's ancient engineering skills and a reminder of the country's rich cultural heritage.I think Zhaozhou Bridge is really awesome and I hope I can visit it one day to see it in person. It's amazing how people from so long ago could build such an incredible structure without modern tools and technology.篇3Zhaozhou Bridge is a really cool bridge in China. It's super old, like over a thousand years old! Can you believe it? The bridge is in Hebei province and it crosses the Xiaohe River. It's a stone arch bridge, which means it's made of lots and lots of big, heavy stones that were stacked on top of each other to make a bridge.One of the most amazing things about Zhaozhou Bridge is that it was built without using any mortar or cement to hold the stones together. Can you imagine that? The bridge has stood for so many years just because the stones were stacked so perfectly! It's like a giant puzzle.The design of Zhaozhou Bridge is really smart too. The arches of the bridge distribute the weight of the bridge evenly so it doesn't collapse. That's really important because the bridge is so long and heavy.You know what's even cooler? Zhaozhou Bridge is still being used today! People can walk and even drive across it. It's like a piece of history that's still alive and kicking.Next time you're in China, you should definitely go check out Zhaozhou Bridge. It's not just a bridge, it's a masterpiece of engineering and a piece of history all rolled into one. Pretty amazing, right?篇4Title: My Visit to Zhaozhou BridgeHi everyone! Today I want to share with you about my visit to Zhaozhou Bridge. It is a very famous ancient bridge in China. It was built more than 1400 years ago during the Sui Dynasty.When I first saw the Zhaozhou Bridge, I was amazed by its beauty and grandeur. The bridge has a unique design with 28 stone arches and it stretches over the Xiao River. It is considered a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.I learned that the Zhaozhou Bridge is also known for its incredible durability. Despite being so old, it has withstood the test of time and is still standing strong today. It is truly a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the builders.During my visit, I also learned about the history and significance of the Zhaozhou Bridge. It played a crucial role in connecting different parts of China and was an important trade route during ancient times.Overall, my visit to Zhaozhou Bridge was an unforgettable experience. It was amazing to see such a historic andwell-preserved structure. I feel proud to have witnessed a piece of China's rich cultural heritage.I highly recommend visiting Zhaozhou Bridge if you ever have the chance. It is a must-see attraction that will leave you in awe of the ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors.篇5Hello everyone, today I want to introduce you to the famous Zhaozhou Bridge in China.Zhaozhou Bridge, also known as Anji Bridge, is a great ancient bridge which was built during the Sui Dynasty (around 605 AD). It is located in Hebei province and spans the Xiao River. The bridge is made of stone and is famous for its unique design and solid structure.The bridge is an important historical and cultural heritage site in China. It is also considered a masterpiece of ancient Chinese engineering. The Zhaozhou Bridge has stood the test of time and is still in use today, making it one of the oldest bridges in the world that is still in good condition.The design of the Zhaozhou Bridge is very impressive. It has a slim arch with a span of 37.02 meters, making it the oldest and longest stone arch bridge in the world. The bridge is also known for its symmetrical shape and elegant curves.Visiting the Zhaozhou Bridge is a great way to learn about the history of ancient China and appreciate the skills of the craftsmen who built it. The bridge is not only a transportation hub, but also a cultural icon that attracts visitors from all over the world.In conclusion, the Zhaozhou Bridge is a true treasure of China that showcases the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient Chinese people. If you ever have the chance, be sure to visit this amazing bridge and witness its beauty and historical significance.篇6Oh, hi everyone! Today, I want to introduce a very famous bridge called Zhaozhou Bridge in China. It is a super old bridge, like super duper old! It was built over 1400 years ago during the Sui Dynasty. Can you believe that?The Zhaozhou Bridge is also known as the Anji Bridge. It is located in Hebei Province and it crosses over the Xiao River. The bridge is made of stone and it is really long, like 50 meters long. It is also really wide, so lots of people and animals can cross it at the same time. Isn't that cool?What's even more amazing is that the Zhaozhou Bridge is still standing strong after all these years. Some people say it is the oldest and best-preserved open-spandrel arch bridge in the world. That's so awesome, right?I think the Zhaozhou Bridge is a reminder of how smart and talented the people were back then. They didn't have fancy machines like we do now, but they could still build something so amazing. It just goes to show that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.So, next time you visit China, don't forget to check out the Zhaozhou Bridge. It's a true masterpiece of ancient architecture and history. Let's give a big round of applause to the amazing builders of the Zhaozhou Bridge!。
介绍河北赵州桥英语作文Zhaozhou Bridge, also known as Anji Bridge or Great Stone Bridge, is a remarkable architectural marvel located in Hebei Province, China. Built during the Sui Dynasty in the seventh century, it holds the distinction of being the oldest stone-arch bridge in existence. This iconic landmark is not only a national treasure but also a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient China.The Zhaozhou Bridge spans the Xiao River and connects the counties of Zhao and Anji. It was designed by the renowned architect Li Chun and constructed under the supervision of the skilled engineer Pei Xiu. With a total length of 50 meters and a span of 37 meters, the bridge was a groundbreaking achievement in engineering at the time.One of the most outstanding features of the Zhaozhou Bridge is its use of open-spandrel segmental arches, whichprovide exceptional strength and stability. The bridge is made entirely of stone, with huge granite blocks forming the arches and smaller stones meticulously interlocked to create the roadway surface. The structure's robust design hasallowed it to withstand countless floods and earthquakes over the centuries.The arches of the Zhaozhou Bridge are adorned withintricate carvings, showcasing the exquisite skill of ancient Chinese artisans. These carvings depict a variety of subjects, including dragons, lions, lotus flowers, and othertraditional motifs. The attention to detail and artistic beauty displayed on the bridge's surface make it abreathtaking sight for all who visit.Throughout its long history, the Zhaozhou Bridge has served as a vital transportation route and a symbol of prosperity for the region. It has been a lifeline for local communities, facilitating trade and cultural exchange betweendifferent parts of China. The bridge's historicalsignificance has earned it recognition as a National Key Cultural Relic of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Beyond its structural and historical importance, the Zhaozhou Bridge is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Chinese people. It stands as a symbol of their resilience, innovation, and dedication to creating enduring masterpieces. The bridge continues to inspire awe and admiration, reminding us of the remarkable achievements of our ancestors.In conclusion, the Zhaozhou Bridge is a magnificent architectural wonder that showcases the brilliance of ancient Chinese engineering and craftsmanship. Its enduring beauty, remarkable design, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of China. Visiting the Zhaozhou Bridge is an opportunity to witness firsthand the genius of ancientChinese artisans and to appreciate their incredible contribution to human civilization.。
如果你是导游介绍赵州桥作文Zhaozhou Bridge, also known as Anji Bridge, is a famous ancient bridge in China. 赵州桥，又称安济桥，是中国著名的古代桥梁之一。
It is located in Zhaoxian County, Hebei Province, and is considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of ancient China. 它位于河北省赵县，被认为是中国古代最伟大的工程成就之一。
The bridge has a history of over 1400 years and is still in use today, serving as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architects and builders. 这座桥拥有超过1400年的历史，至今仍在使用，是古代中国建筑师和工程师智慧和手艺的见证。
The Zhaozhou Bridge is a marvel of ancient engineering, showcasing the advanced architectural and construction techniques of its time. 赵州桥是古代工程的奇迹，展示了当时先进的建筑和施工技术。
It is a stone-arch bridge, with a total length of meters and a width of meters. 这是一座石拱桥，总长米，宽米。
The bridge consists of a single arch which spans the entire length of the river, without any supporting piers in the water. 这座桥由一座横跨整个河道的单拱组成，在水中没有任何支撑墩。
本文部分内容来自网络整理，本司不为其真实性负责，如有异议或侵权请及时联系，本司将立即删除！== 本文为word格式，下载后可方便编辑和修改！ ==赵州桥英文导游词导语：对于赵州桥，大家会带来什么样的导游词呢？下面是小编整理的赵州桥英文导游词，供各位阅读和借鉴。
赵州桥英文导游词The whole commentary of Zhaozhou Bridge includes three parts:Part one: IntroductionThe Zhaozhou Bridge is also known as the safe crossing bridge and the Great Stone Bridge. It crosses the Xiao River in Zhao County. It is named after the nearby Zhao County, which is known as Zhao Zhou in history.Zhaozhou Bridge is designed and built by LiChun from 605 to 616 during the Sui Dynasty, has stood the tests of earthquakes, floods and traffic for more than 1400 years. It is the world’s oldestsingle-arch stone bridge still in use today and with the reputation as one of the Four Treasures of North China.Part two: Creative construction.Characteristics:1) It has only one main arch and this arch has a span of more than 37 meters, which is a great creation in the world history.2) The bridge has two small side arches on either of the main arch, they serve two important functions: First, they reduce thetotal weight of the bridge and save the structural materials. Second, in time of flood, they cooperate with the main one allowing water to pass through, thus weaken the flood’s impact on the body of the bridge itself.3) This design also improve the general look of the bridge, contributes to its beauty, so people compared the bridge to a new moon rising above the clouds” and “a long rainbow hanging on a mountain waterfall”.Part three: Beautiful stories and famous folk songThere are many legends about the design of this bridge.According to one legend, the bridge was built by LuBan, who is a excellent architect, he managed the sheep turn into stones and built the bridge in o single night.In another story, the bridge was put to the test by two immortals who crossed it at the same time. One is ZhangGuolao, he rode hislovely donkey with the sun and moon in his bag, and the other is ChaiWangye, who crossed the bridge with the Five Famous Mountains. LuBan was worried and saved the bridge by plunging into the water and supporting the structure.A folk song: Xiao Fang Niu(Ask the tourists if there is anybody would like to sing the song, the guide should teach the visitor to sing the typical and beautiful folk song, which can exert an outstanding effect on and response from the tourists)赵州桥中文导游词游客朋友们：大家好！欢迎你们到赵县来，光临举世闻名的赵州桥（导游员自我介绍），很高兴能为大家作导游服务，并预祝各位旅途愉快！现在我们所处的地方是以赵州桥为中心而建的赵州桥公园。
介绍赵州桥的英语作文Zhaozhou Bridge, also known as Anji Bridge, is a famous historical and cultural landmark in China. 赵州桥，又称安济桥，是中国著名的历史文化地标。
Located in Zhaoxian County, Hebei Province, it is the oldest standing bridge in China and the world's oldest open-spandrel stone segmental arch bridge. 它位于河北省赵县，是中国最古老的现存桥梁，也是世界上最古老的开拱石零段拱桥。
It has a history of over 1400 years and is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. 它有着1400多年的历史，是中国古代建筑的杰作。
The design and construction of Zhaozhou Bridge showcase the advanced engineering and architectural techniques of ancient China. 赵州桥的设计和建造展示了中国古代先进的工程和建筑技术。
The bridge spans the Xiaohe River with a total length of meters and a width of meters, displaying great skill in combining aesthetics with practicality. 这座桥横跨了小河，总长米，宽米，展示了在美学与实用性结合的精湛技艺。
The unique open-spandrel stone segmental arch design not only allows for easy passage of water and boats beneath the bridge but also provides stability and durability, standing the test of time. 独特的开拱石零段拱设计不仅使桥下水流和船只通行更加方便，还提供了稳定性和耐久性，经受住时间的考验。
Zhaozhou Bridge: A Symbol of Ancient EngineeringMarvelZhaozhou Bridge, with a history of over 1400 years, stands as the oldest stone arch bridge in the world. Renowned for its unique "open-spandrel" design and exquisite stone carving artistry, Zhaozhou Bridge holds a significant position in the history of bridge construction in China and has had a profound impact on global bridge architecture. In recent years, with the development of tourism and the integration of culture and tourism, Zhaozhou Bridge Scenic Area has attracted an increasing number of visitors, becoming an important window to showcase the culture and vitality of Zhao County. The upcoming Tourism Development Conference in Shijiazhuang City will further enhance the visibility and influence of Zhaozhou Bridge and Zhao County.译文：赵州桥，一座拥有1400多年历史的古桥，是世界上最古老的石拱桥。
介绍赵州桥英文作文英文：Zhaozhou Bridge is a famous ancient bridge in China, located in Zhaoxian County, Hebei Province. It was built during the Sui Dynasty in the 7th century and is considered one of the oldest and largest stone arch bridges in the world. The bridge is 50.82 meters long, 9.6 meters wide,and 7.3 meters high. It has 28 arches and is made entirelyof stone without any iron nails or beams, which is a remarkable feat of ancient Chinese architecture.I visited Zhaozhou Bridge last year and was amazed byits grandeur and beauty. Walking on the bridge, I couldfeel its history and the wisdom of ancient Chinese builders. The bridge has survived for over 1400 years and has becomea symbol of Chinese culture and heritage.中文：赵州桥是中国著名的古桥之一，位于河北省赵县。
它建于隋朝，距今已有1400多年的历史，是世界上最古老、最大的石拱桥之一。
赵州桥长50.82米，宽9.6米，高7.3米，有28个拱门，完全由石头建成，没有任何铁钉或梁柱，是中国古代建筑的杰作。
Zhaozhou BridgeThe well-known Zhaozhou Bridge, also known as Anji Bridge or Dashi Bridge, is a large stone-arched bridge located on the Xiaohe River in Zhaozhou County, Hebei Province . It is the largest and oldest stone-arched bridge in the world.ConstructionIt took 11 years to complete the bridge -- from the first to the 11th year of the Daye reign (605-616) of the Sui Dynasty (581-618). Bridge designer Li Chun built the Zhaozhou Bridge south of Beijing with a stone arch made of massive limestone wedges reinforced with iron. The innovative main arch of the Zhaozhou Bridge curves to form a shallow arch rather than the half circle preferred by Roman engineers at the time.Li's creativity and ingenuity in producing such a unique design and structure has won the admiration of many people. The Zhaozhou Bridge predates any comparable development in Europe by several hundred years.The Zhaozhou Bridge is 50.82 meters long and 9.6 meters wide; the span of its large stone arch in the middle measures 37.37 meters -- the world's largest arch at the time. There is also a smaller symmetrical arch at each end. This kind of structure not only requires less building materials but also makes sluicing during the flood season much easier. The bridge floor is smooth and flat with passages for pedestrians on both sides, while carriages and carts can move through the middle. The apex of the arch is fairly high so that boats can also pass through easily. The bridge is ingeniously designed, with a well-proportioned layout, solid structure and a magnificent and attractive outward appearance. Willow branches sway gracefully at both ends of the bridge and, from afar, the inverted image of the arch in the water resembles a rainbow spanning over the Xiaohe River.With its solid foundation and a grand view, the structure features a completely reasonable design and ingenious construction techniques. The bridge's opening is not shaped like an ordinary semicircle but looks more like a bow, and its surface is even and wide, paying attention to both land and water transportation. This form is called "level arch".The stone arch was built by vertically juxtaposing 28 arch rings, each 34 cm wide and capable of standing erect by itself, which facilitates the construction work and independent repairs. The large level arch, which exerts great force on the bridge's abutment, was difficult to build. While, the bridge abutment is a small and shallow ordinary rectangle with a thickness of only 1.529 meters and piled up with five layers of stones, the groundwork is made of clay with a low carrying capacity. Such a large, stone-arched bridge, built on such groundwork and with such a small bridge abutment, is rarely seen in the world.The greatest scientific contribution by the Zhaozhou Bridge is the "open-spandrel bridge." On the two sides of the central arch are four paratactic small arches, which not only expand the water-discharge channel and preserve the stone materials, but also reduce the weight of the bridge and increase the stability of the bridge body. Due to this ingenious architectural design, the Zhaozhou Bridge has withstood numerous floods, eight big earthquakes and the weight of traffic over more than 1,400 years.Spanning over the Xiaohe River, the bridge looks like a big rainbow. The four small arches along the central arch resemble four huge jade rings. The bridge's balustrades are beautifully decorated with dragons and other mythical creatures, which suggests that ancient people tried to shelter the structure from floods and other natural disasters. Historical significanceThe Zhaozhou Bridge is the oldest stone-arched bridge in China and the oldest open-spandrel bridge in the world. Its two open arches that flank the spandrel reduce the pressure on the spandrel and allow floodwater to pass. The "open-spandrel" technique is a great innovation in the world's history of bridge engineering. Some 1,200 years later, in 1883, the French finally built an open-spandrel bridge across the Yage River, which preceded big-span open-spandrel-bridge construction in Europe. Western scholars admit that the open-spandrel architecture of Zhaozhou Bridge is the predecessor of many modern structures made of reinforced concrete, ushering in a new style in bridge design.The bridge was technologically the most advanced in the world during the Sui Dynasty. It was a remarkable achievement in the history of ancient Chinese civilization, turning over a new leaf in the annals of bridge construction history.The techniques employed on ancient Chinese bridges, especially the arched bridge represented by the Zhaozhou Bridge, have provided a foundation for the development of the modern Chinese arched bridge.The Zhaozhou Bridge is also a wonder of architectural design for its ingenuous design and beautiful decorations. However, it is even more remarkable because it has survived for centuries.With an eminent position in the history of bridge engineering, the Zhaozhou Bridge was listed by the State Council in China in 1961 as one of the key cultural sites under national protection; it was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1991 as the 12th milestone in the history of international civil engineering, adding new glamour to China's stone-arched bridges.LegendOver the years, many beautiful folk stories about the Zhaozhou Bridge have prevailed. The following tale isthe most famous:One day, during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476BC), the skilful artisan Lu Ban of the State of Lu arrived on the banks of the Xiaohe River carrying his tools on his back. On the swift waters of the wide river he noticed two small ferryboats transporting passengers back and forth. A crowd of people waited anxiously on the banks -- some with wheelbarrows, others carrying heavy loads on their shoulders; but the ferryboat could only accommodate a small number of people. Suddenly, Lu heard someone say: "If only a bridge could be built over this river!" Hearing this, Lu resolved to build a bridge over Xiaohe River for the people of Zhaozhou.According to the legend, that very evening, Lu brought back some snow-white stone blocks from the Taihang Mountains and set to work immediately. At daybreak, when the cock crowed, Lu laid the last two stone labs on the bridge. Picking up his tools, Lu went on his way again to see what else he could do for others.News spread quickly that Lu had built a stone-arched bridge overnight. Town people, as well as villagers from near and far, flocked to the site. The miracle also aroused the interest of Chai Rong, the fairy, and one of the "Eight Immortals ," Zhang Guolao, who wanted to test the strength of this large stone-arched bridge; so, they decided to play a practical joke on Lu.One night, Zhang Guolao came riding a donkey with two heavy bags containing the sun and the moon hanging from its back. Then came Chai Rong pushing a wheelbarrow loaded with the five famous mountains. Arriving together at the bridge, they met Lu and asked him whether they could cross the bridge at the same time. Lu replied proudly: "Why, such a solid bridge can surely carry the two of you? Please, go ahead." But, to Lu's astonishment, the bridge began to wobble as soon as the duo set foot on it. Sensing the seriousness of the situation, Lu jumped into the water and, with all his might, propped up half of the bridge. This way, the immortals were able to get across the bridge with their sun, moon and five famous mountains. From then on, the bridge bore the hoof prints of Zhang Guolao's donkey, the dent left by Chai Rong's knee and the grooves left behind by the wheelbarrow. Lu's handprint, where he tried to prop up the bridge, was also permanently embedded in the great structure. Today, the "imprints of the immortals" are still intact, although Lu's handprint is missing due to a partial collapse of the eastern half of the bridge.Since Lu, Zhang Guolao and Chai Rong did not come from the same period, they could not have possibly met each other. It is also evident that one man could not have built such a large stone structure overnight. The myths and legends, however, are a reflection of the admiration felt by ordinary people for the bridge and the fond memory they cherish towards its builders. In spite of the harsh elements and natural disasters over more than 1,000 years, this large stone-arched bridge still stands tall to this very day.。
