Rainbow Bridge
Wuyuan is home to a wide variety of bridges, including rustic wooden bridges, elegant stone bridges, and distinctive covered bridges. Each bridge reflects its long history and shows the marks of time. However, when it comes to the most beautiful bridge in Wuyuan, none surpasses the Rainbow Bridge in Qinghua Town.
Rainbow Bridge was built during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) and has a history of more than 800 years. According to legend, when the bridge was nearing completion and the final roof tiles were being laid, a brilliant rainbow suddenly appeared over the hills to the west. To the people of Qinghua, the rainbow was a symbol of good fortune and beauty. The villagers immediately set off firecrackers to celebrate, and the bridge was thus named Rainbow Bridge.
Ancient Covered Bridge
Rainbow Bridge is approximately 140 meters long and 3.1 meters wide, consisting of approach bridges at both ends, four piers with five arches, and six pavilions connected by five covered corridors. With its clean, well-balanced structure and simple, timeless elegance, the bridge blends harmoniously with the surrounding green mountains, flowing waters, ancient villages, and historic post roads, it is one of the landmarks in Wuyuan- “The Most Beautiful Countryside in China”.
At the head of the bridge stands a rustic waterwheel mill, quietly gazing into the distance, as if telling stories of the passage of time. Though the waterwheel mill has long since fulfilled its historical role, it continues to stand watching over the land, serving as an important witness to Wuyuan’s long history.
The Rainbow Bridge is not only a tourist attraction, but also an important place for local people’s daily life. Villagers cross the bridge each day as they go about farming and harvesting, and during their leisure time, the covered corridors and pavilions on the bridge become an ideal place for them to rest, chat, and socialize.
Rainbow Bridge is the main attraction in Qinghua Town. Qinghua Town is a transportation hub in northern Wuyuan, it is highly convenient for self-driving tours or public bus transfers to make a base here, serving as a key thoroughfare to attractions such as Wolong Valley, Lingyan Cave, Shicheng, Jujing Circular Village, Likeng, Chaguan, Hongguan, Lingjiao, Chapingtan, and Yantian Village. North Travel Route
Qinghua town has one main street lined with many shops on both sides. Passing the main street and strolling along the blue-stone alleyway leading to the Rainbow Bridge, you can see a number of old residential houses. The pictures here show two small gates entering the alleyway.
When Wuyuan County was established during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, the county government was originally located in Qinghua Town before later being moved to Ziyang Town( the present Wuyuan downtown). Qinghua Town is the midpoint of the northern travel route, making it convenient to reach the surrounding villages from here.
Travel Tips
- The entrance ticket is 60 CNY, however, Rainbow Bridge is included in the Combo Ticket.
- By bus: Wuyuan Train Station has direct buses to Qinghua Town bus stop on route to Wolong Valley, schedules are seasonal. Wuyuan North Bus Station has buses to Qinghua Town bus stop regularly. The Rainbow Bridge is some distance from Qinghua Town bus stop (refer to the Qinghua Town map), you will need to walk about 10–15 minutes to reach the Rainbow Bridge Visitor Center.
- In spring, when the canola flowers are in full bloom, it is a beautiful place to visit. In summer, you can take bamboo rafts to drift around on the river, making it a fun and cool activity for the whole family. Other times, if you need to buy a single ticket for Rainbow Bridge or your schedule is tight, then you can skip this attraction.
- The scenic area is not very large, and it is recommended to spend about two hours exploring it at a leisurely pace. Some stone-paved paths can be slippery after rain, so wear non-slip shoes.
