An ancient version of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, located in Quanzhou.

Before arriving in Quanzhou, I was determined that my first stop had to be Luoyang Bridge! This is because it's considered the Northern Song Dynasty version of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge! As it turns out, Luoyang Bridge is the oldest extant cross-sea beam-style stone bridge in China. It stands alongside Zhaozhou Bridge, Lugou Bridge, and Guangji Bridge as one of the "Four Great Ancient Bridges." Even its piers are shaped like boats, a testament to ancient wave-resistant technology! Luoyang Bridge, originally known as Wan'an Bridge. Hearing this name, you might think it's in Luoyang, Henan Province. Well, you'd be mistaken! It's actually located on the Luoyang River in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, and was built under the supervision of Cai Xiang, the prefect of Quanzhou during the Northern Song Dynasty. As for why it's called "Luoyang Bridge," there's an interesting story behind it. Legend has it that when Cai Xiang was choosing the location, he found that the terrain here closely resembled a certain ferry crossing in the ancient capital of Luoyang. Coupled with his deep cultural affinity for Luoyang, he decided to name the bridge "Luoyang Bridge." This name not only expressed his nostalgia for the ancient capital but also symbolized the close connection between Quanzhou and the culture of central China. The piers of Luoyang Bridge feature a unique "raft foundation." The raft-shaped bottom effectively disperses the impact of water currents, enhancing the stability of the piers. Even today, this design remains impressive. Let's also talk about its "oyster-breeding foundation reinforcement" technique. Craftsmen scattered oyster seedlings around the piers, utilizing the oysters' natural ability to attach and grow, to tightly connect the piers to the riverbed. This method of combining biology with architecture not only saved a significant amount of materials but also greatly increased the bridge's durability. After thousands of years, these oyster shells remain as strong as ever, serving as a lasting testament to Luoyang Bridge. 1. Location and Transportation Luoyang Bridge is located at the junction of Luojiang District and Hui'an County in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, spanning the Luoyang River. Nearby bus routes: Take bus K502 or 19 to Luoyang Bridge (South Bridge) Station, and the bridge is within walking distance. There is free parking near Luoyang Bridge, but spaces are limited. If you arrive late, you might have to park far away and walk a considerable distance. 2. Opening Hours Luoyang Bridge is open to the public free of charge all day long. 3. Best Time to Visit It is recommended to visit on a clear day to better appreciate the bridge's magnificence and the surrounding natural beauty. 4. Food Recommendations While visiting Luoyang Bridge, be sure to try some local Quanzhou snacks, such as meat dumplings, misua paste, and oyster omelets. These snacks are not only delicious but also offer a deeper understanding of Quanzhou's food culture. 5. Suggested Itinerary: When you arrive at Luoyang Bridge, I suggest you follow this itinerary: Cai Xiang Ancestral Hall → Guanjia Mansion → Earth God Temple → Liu Family Ancestral Hall → Yuqing Building → Luoyang Bridge → Zhaohui Temple. This route not only covers the main attractions of Luoyang Bridge but also allows you to delve deeper into the bridge's history and culture.