Shi Shui Ding Bu

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shi Shui Ding Bu Path (仕水矴步), constructed during the years of Jiaqing Emperor in the Qing Dynasty, is laid across a large flat brook of fluent gentle current in Xidong Village (溪东村), Shiyan Town (仕阳镇). It is 144 meters long with 233 "teeth". Each "tooth" has two levels. The high tooth can be used to get across for man shouldered burden and the low tooth allows two persons to get across side-by-side. Regarding to the stone material choices, the constructor spent a lot of time : The higher level is made of white granite and the low used the bluestone. This kind matching of color and lithosol is not only artistic, but also made an unimpeded move for night walkers by borrowing the star glimmer. When it rises, the passer-by may see it clearly. And it also has a deeper meaning : stone to be firm, counts forever the year; the color takes its white, the illustrious advantage fords.

Shi Shui Ding Bu was built in the 60th year reign of Qing Qianlong Emperor (1795), reconstructed in the 25th year reign of Qing Jiaqing (1820). It is a path that goes north to south. Every stone of step, usually brick or stone, has parallel levels. Each step of a span of 0.6 meter can be got through for two persons at the same time. The upstream and downstream river bed buries a Chinese character “井” (water well) assembled by the wood stakes and wood frame. It protects river bed and the steps. There are 12 stele inscriptions recorded the methods of construction in previous dynasties to the south of the head bridge.