On stone piers.
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China's longest ancient stone bridge, running about 2,070 m across the estuary of the Shijing River between the towns of Anhai and Shuitou southwest of Quanzhou, built in the twelfth century under the Song and called the «Five Li Bridge», as it is about five Chinese li long. It has 331 spans on stone piers carrying granite beams, the largest weighing 25 tonnes, and is 3 to 3.8 m wide; it once had five pavilions where travellers rested, of which the Shuixin pavilion midway survives. The bridge was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021 among Quanzhou's sites, and a large park with ponds surrounds it today, so visitors walk its old stones between water and trees. Crossing is free; it lies about 30 km from central Quanzhou, so allow half a day. Walking its full length and back takes about an hour, and in summer bring water and a hat, as there is almost no shade.
On stone piers.
Up to 25 tonnes.
Midway along.
Between Anhai and Shuitou, about 30 km southwest of Quanzhou
About 2,070 m, China's longest ancient stone bridge; crossing is free, and walking it there and back takes about an hour.