China: Yunnan: #12 Train Ride to Tuan Shan (Part b)

The little yellow train came to a stop at the Shuanglong (Double Dragon) Bridge, only 3km. (a little over 1 mi.) west of Jianshui.  The bridge was built at the confluence of the Lujiang and Tachong Rivers.  These two rivers twist along their separate courses looking like two dragons, hence that bridge’s name.  Below the confluence, the new river is called the Nanpan.

DSC01110 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01110 © DY of jtdytravels

The bridge was originally built with only three arches during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty between 1736 and 1795. However, it had to be increased by another 14 arches during the 1820‘s due to a flood which widened the river.  The bridge is now 148 m. (486 ft.) long and varies in width from 3-5 m. (9-16 ft.)

DSC01112 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01112 © DY of jtdytravels

The central tower of the bridge is quite spectacular, although it would undoubtedly look better on a sunny day when the colours of the tiles would show up. Never mind, when you’re travelling, you get what you get and I was just grateful that it was just misty not pelting down with rain!

DSC01113 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01113 © DY of jtdytravels

We had time to walk over the bridge, but first we had to get past the ‘elephant’ guards!

DSC01114 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01114 © DY of jtdytravels

The rain became a little heavier as we walked onto the bridge. But that red umbrella just gave the touch of colour that lifted the scene with the main tower.

DSC01116 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01116 © DY of jtdytravels

A closer look at the coloured tile roof of the main tower.

DSC01119 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01119 © DY of jtdytravels

There’s another, smaller tower at the far end of the bridge.

DSC01121 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01121 © DY of jtdytravels

Looking down on the bank showed another way to enjoy the view of this bridge! 

DSC01124 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01124 © DY of jtdytravels

 A beautiful reflection on the lee side of the bridge.

DSC01125 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01125 © DY of jtdytravels

The river looked so peaceful as I began to walk back over the bridge towards the train.

DSC01126 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01126 © DY of jtdytravels

And, then, guess who got in the way and clogged the bridge walk?  Yep. Those models and their army of photographers. They were simply taking command of the whole bridge.

DSC01128 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01128 © DY of jtdytravels

Although it was raining lightly this parasol was just for show! However, I noted that the light rain didn’t suit the make-up, costumes or cameras.  Our way was totally blocked, and, if you look at the faces, we weren’t especially welcome walking into their shots! With a little patience from everyone, the photos they wanted were taken, and we made it back across the bridge. 

DSC01127 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01127 © DY of jtdytravels

A bemused local.

DSC01136 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01136 © DY of jtdytravels

 …and another one. I’d much rather photograph these faces than the heavily made up faces of those models. These faces have lived. I’m sure these men have great stories to tell.

DSC01132 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01132 © DY of jtdytravels

Rear view of another fisherman. They’re not real raindrops on the umbrella.

DSC01134 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01134 © DY of jtdytravels

A final look at the lovely reflections of this famous Shuanglong (Double Dragon) Bridge. Then it was back on the train and onwards towards Tuan Shan along a track that was originally laid by the French when they had greater influence in the area than they do now.  Hence, of course, the metre gauge track. 

DSC01140 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01140 © DY of jtdytravels

Our cheery (!) musician regaled us with a piano accordion this time. I did like his hat!

DSC01141 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01141 © DY of jtdytravels

A fellow passenger enjoying lunch!

DSC01142 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01142 © DY of jtdytravels

Our next stop was at an old French inspired station that had seen much better days… but at least there was a toilet… even if it was only a slit in a concrete slab.  When needs must…..

DSC01145 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01145 © DY of jtdytravels

A local used the station as a short cut.

DSC01150 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01150 © DY of jtdytravels

Quite a stern look from this little fellow.  Wonder what’s up with him.

DSC01152 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01152 © DY of jtdytravels

It wasn’t long before we came into the outskirts of a small town.

DSC01156 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01156 © DY of jtdytravels

And then we were there, at our destination for the day. It was around 11.30 and now we had 90 minutes to walk around the old village before the train returned to Jianshui.

More of that walk anon

David

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