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Text: Yanyan
Edited by Yeon-yeon
preface
In China more than 300 years ago, an incredible feat of engineering unfolded on the Dadu River.
The construction of the Luding Bridge, a chain bridge across a fast-flowing river, is still impressive. How did the ancients firmly erect a 40-ton iron chain on this precipitous river valley in one year?
In that era when there was no modern technology, what wisdom and strength did they rely on to accomplish this feat?
1. Kangxi's grand plan: one bridge, two worlds
In the autumn of 1705, in the Forbidden City of Beijing, the Kangxi Emperor was carefully flipping through a newspaper from the southwest. As a diligent and loving monarch, Kangxi knew every corner of the empire well. However, the situation described in the report made his brow furrow.
The traffic dilemma between China and Tibet is described in detail. The Dadu River is like a natural barrier, blocking the two worlds. Trade and trade were blocked, cultural exchanges were stagnant, and more importantly, this estrangement seriously affected the effective management of Tibetan areas by the imperial court.
Kangxi knew that a unified and powerful empire needed a well-connected transportation network. His gaze wandered on the map, and finally fixed on the Dadu River. "Right here," he muttered, "we need a bridge." "
In this way, a plan to change the pattern of the southwest was born. Kangxi immediately issued an order to build a strong bridge over the Dadu River to connect Han and Tibet.
This decision not only reflected Kangxi's foresight, but also an important step in strengthening the centralization of power and consolidating the rule of the Qing court.
Second, the project starts: challenges and dilemmas coexist
With the Emperor's decree delivered to Sichuan, an unprecedented project is about to begin. However, reality is often harsher than imagined.
Local officials and artisans soon realized that they were faced with an almost impossible task. The Dadu River is not an ordinary river, it is one of the most ferocious tributaries of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.
The river is turbulent and can reach a speed of more than 6 meters per second. On both sides of the valley are towering peaks, with Erlang Mountain at an altitude of 3,000 meters on one side and Haizi Mountain at 4,500 meters on the other.
The original plan was to build a wooden or stone bridge. However, after detailed field visits and repeated arguments, both options were rejected.
The wooden bridge could not withstand the impact of the Dadu River and was likely to be washed away during the first flood season. Although the stone bridge is strong, the soft soil of the riverbank simply cannot support such a huge weight.
The project is at an impasse. Just when everyone was in despair, someone came up with a bold idea: why not build a chain bridge?
The proposal immediately sparked a lively discussion. Lightweight and sturdy, chain bridges seemed to be the only viable option. However, this also means that they will face a whole new set of challenges.
3. The spark of wisdom: the innovative move of craftsmen
Faced with an unprecedented challenge, the craftsmen began to brainstorm. The first problem they needed to solve was: how to transport the 40-ton chain to the other side of the river?
Initially, attempts were made to transport it by boat, but the rushing river made the plan extremely dangerous. Several attempts not only ended in failure, but also caused casualties. Seeing that the project had stalled again, an elderly craftsman remembered the old "principle of suodu".
He came up with an ingenious plan: first throw a string to the opposite bank, then gradually thicken the rope, and finally build a bamboo rope that can carry weight. Then, they divided the iron chain into sections, put a short bamboo tube on the bamboo rope, and "slided" the iron chain across the river little by little.
This solution was ingenious and safe, and it was quickly accepted by everyone. The artisans worked together, with some forging iron chains, others making bamboo tubes, and others building fixtures on both sides of the river. The whole construction site is like a precision machine, and everyone is working towards the same goal.
However, transporting the chain to the other side is only the first step. Ensuring the stability of the bridge is another big challenge. The craftsmen decided to build a strong bridgehead on both sides and dig deep into the ground to create "Wolong Piles" and "Dilong Piles" to maximize the weight of the chains.
Fourth, quality first: Kangxi's good intentions
Although the Kangxi Emperor was thousands of miles away in Beijing, he always paid close attention to the construction of the Luding Bridge. He was well aware of the importance of the bridge, not only for the transportation of the southwest, but also for the stability of the entire empire.
In order to ensure the quality of the project, Kangxi issued a special order: each iron ring must be marked with the name and origin of the craftsman. This may seem like a simple requirement, but it actually has a profound meaning.
First of all, it is a kind of accountability. If there is a problem with the bridge in the future, it can be directly traced to the specific craftsman. Even if the craftsman dies, the responsibility will be borne by his descendants. This system effectively prevents cutting corners and corruption.
Secondly, it is also an incentive. Every craftsman knows that his name will remain on this bridge forever. This is not only an honor, but also a heritage. Their descendants can proudly say, "Look, this is the Luding Bridge that my ancestors participated in building!" "
Kangxi's decision not only ensured the quality of the Luding Bridge, but also reflected his foresight as a ruler. He is well aware of the importance of the word "human heart" and knows how to mobilize everyone's enthusiasm.
Fifth, the birth of a legend: a year to build a bridge, eternal beauty
In 1706, after a whole year of hard work, the Luding Bridge was finally completed. Thirteen iron cables cross the Dadu River, each connected by 900 iron rings. The deck is paved with wooden planks and guardrails on both sides to protect pedestrians.
When the first caravans and travelers set foot on the bridge, everyone was amazed. What once required risking one's life to cross the river has now turned into a relaxing stroll.
The exchanges between China and Tibet have become frequent all of a sudden, and the exchange of commodities and the integration of cultures have brought new vitality to this land.
Kangxi was overjoyed when he heard the news of the completion of the Luding Bridge. He personally picked up the pen and wrote down the three big characters of "Luding Bridge" to show his praise. These three words are not only an affirmation of the project, but also a recognition of the historical significance of the bridge.
The completion of the Luding Bridge not only solves the actual traffic problem, but also has far-reaching political and cultural significance. It strengthened the Qing Dynasty's control over Tibet, promoted the exchange and integration of Sino-Tibetan culture, and laid the foundation for the later prosperity of the "Ancient Tea Horse Road".
The legend surrounding the Luding Bridge also came into being. The most widely circulated is the story of a Tibetan Hercules. It is said that when no one was able to transport the chains to the other side, the Hercules completed the task alone, but also died of exhaustion. To commemorate his bravery, the locals built a temple to the west of the bridge.
The story, while mythical, reflects the awe of the daunting undertaking and the reverence for those involved in the construction of the bridge. Luding Bridge is not only a physical bridge, but also a spiritual link connecting reality and ideals, history and the future.
epilogue
The birth of Luding Bridge is the crystallization of the wisdom of the Chinese nation and the witness of the courage and innovative spirit of the ancient working people.
It not only crosses the turbulent Dadu River, but also crosses time and space, becoming a cultural symbol connecting the past, present and future.
Today, when we stand on the Luding Bridge and look back on the eventful years 300 years ago, we must not only applaud the wisdom of our ancestors, but also inherit their spirit of defying difficulties and being brave in innovation, and continue to write a glorious chapter in the new era. #长文创作激励计划#
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