In south China’s Hainan, a 500-year-old bridge emerges only from early spring to early summer. Known as “Snake Bridge,” this Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) hydraulic project is built out of volcanic stone.
the Snake Bridge located in Guocang Village, Longtang Town, Qiongshan District, Haikou. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this brick and stone structure spans a stream, with the passage of time leaving deep marks on its surface.
This bridge not only serves as a passage connecting both banks but also stands as a witness to local history and culture. It plays a crucial role in water management, and the legends of guardianship associated with it have become a spiritual bond that unites the community.
Today, villagers near Snake Bridge are actively engaged in cultural and tourism entrepreneurship. Folk inns and creative shops have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, integrating into the wave of cultural tourism development. They have become part of Hainan’s distinctive tourism routes, attracting domestic and international visitors to experience the unique blend of history and modernity.