10th-12th century canal legacy discovered in Henan

Zhouqiao Bridge in Kaifeng, Henan province, was a landmark structure at the intersection of Yujie - a major road in capital city of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) - and the Bianhe River section of the Grand Canal. It was built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and buried in mud in 1642 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

From 2018 to 2022, archaeologists have clarified the structure and architectural system of the bridge in different periods. The transition from prosperity to abandonment of the Kaifeng section of the Bianhe River between the Tang and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was also unveiled. The embankments of the Bianhe River feature stone carvings of auspicious patterns.

The site provides materials for research on the layout of ancient cities, the techniques of ancient bridge building, the changes of the Grand Canal, as well as the Song and Ming arts.