Plan for rebuilding Zhenhai Bridge approved

The Anhui Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, commissioned by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, has passed a plan for the restoration of a centuries-old stone bridge in Tunxi district of Huangshan, Anhui province, said the Huangshan Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism on Tuesday.

Built in 1536 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhenhai Bridge collapsed in roaring floodwater of the Xin’an River due to continuous rainstorms in early July.

The plan was drawn up by Anhui Huizhou Cultural Relics Survey and Design Co. and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co.

An expert panel organized by the Anhui Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration endorsed the plan, suggesting sticking to original materials and craftsmanship in rebuilding the bridge.

The bridge has been destroyed by floods and rebuilt several times.

Workers salvage components of Zhenhai Bridge from the Xin'an River in Tunxi, the downtown district of Huangshan, Anhui province, August 12, 2020. The centuries-old bridge collapsed during a heavy downpour in July. The salvage is expected to last 30 days. (Photo by Pan Cheng)