Xianren Bridge in Zhangjiajie
Xianren Bridge (仙人桥), also known as Zisheng Bridge (自生桥), is a famous natural stone bridge located 1 kilometer to the right of the Cha Pan Ta (茶盘塌) scenic route in Zhangjiajie (张家界). The bridge is best viewed from the Tianzi Mountain (天子山) stone platform. This remarkable bridge, made of quartz sandstone, spans a deep abyss, connecting two towering peaks. It epitomizes the phrase “Turning the impassable into a thoroughfare” (天堑变通途). The scenery is stunning, with lush greenery surrounding both ends of the bridge. On foggy days, walking across the bridge feels almost like floating in the clouds, giving a sense of transcendence.
A famous poem by poet Ding Mang (丁芒) captures the beauty of this place:
仙人桥下起惊波，原是长风抛下坡。
刀仞绝峰权作柱，聊将一虹渡新歌。
Characteristics of the Bridge
- Length: 26 meters
- Width: 1.6 meters
- Thickness: 1 meter
- Height: 67 meters
- Construction: The bridge is a natural formation connecting two steep cliffs. Its construction is a masterpiece of nature’s architecture, creating a thrilling and unique spectacle.
Location
Xianren Bridge is situated 1 kilometer to the right of the Cha Pan Ta (茶盘塌) scenic route in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园). The best viewing platform is on Tianzi Mountain (天子山).
Legend of Xianren Bridge
According to local legend, Xianren Bridge did not originally exist. During the late Yuan (元) and early Ming (明) periods, after the Tujia ethnic leader Xiang Dakuan (向大坤) was defeated in the Baizhang Gorge (百仗峡), his army split into three groups to retreat. One group was led by Huanglong Zhenren (黄龙真人) toward Sinan Valley (泗南峪), while another led by Xiang Dakuan retreated from Suoxi (索溪) to Shentang Bay (神堂湾). A third group, led by Miss Jinhua (金花小姐) and General Chen Qiang (陈强), stayed behind to protect the wounded and retreat toward Houzi Po (猴子坡) at the foot of Tianzi Peak (天子峰).
However, they encountered a deep gorge at Wangye Cave (王爷洞), blocking their path. Trapped with no escape and enemies closing in, General Chen decided to lead his troops into battle, leaving Miss Jinhua behind to care for the wounded. Exhausted, Miss Jinhua fell into a deep sleep. In her dream, a black-faced general wearing armor and carrying a long sword and an axe appeared, swinging the axe toward her. Startled, she awoke and found a massive stone bridging the two peaks, turning the abyss into a pathway.
As she woke, the long sword that had fallen beside her shone under the moonlight. Amazed, Miss Jinhua called her troops to evacuate, then picked up the sword and bravely charged at the approaching enemies. As she swung the sword, it transformed into a transparent white python, which grew and was followed by many smaller pythons. The pythons, with their red tongues flicking, charged at the soldiers, causing them to flee in panic.
Today, locals say that the stone statue of a girl near the west viewpoint of Xianren Bridge is Miss Jinhua, watching the white python chase away the soldiers. The Tianzi Creek (天子溪) below sparkles as the sword’s transformation, and the white snake on Tianzi Mountain is believed to be a descendant of the python. The giant stone that now forms the bridge was said to have been struck down by the black-faced general’s axe, leaving marks of his blows on the bridge’s surface.
Access and Practical Information
- Phone: +86 744-5712189
- Ticket Price: Xianren Bridge is part of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ticket.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (dependent on seasonal variations, as announced by the park).
Xianren Bridge is a must-see natural wonder in Zhangjiajie (张家界), where the combination of dramatic landscapes and rich folklore makes it a memorable destination for visitors.
