Constructed over the Longxu ditch, the original OverlineBridge was located in the northwest of the Temple of Heaven. In the ancient times only the Emperor was allowed to cross this bridge, symbolizing the son of Heaven entering to the Temple of Heaven. It was therefore called the “Tianqiao” (Overline) Bridge. In the past, the Overline Bridge was a single—hole high—arch bridge, made of white marble. In 1906, as a result of the renovation of the road between “Zhengyang”Gate and “Yongding”Gate, the Overline Bridge was shortened. In 1929, to allow the the streetcars to go through, the bridge was Bulldozed; only its handrails on two sides were left. However, in 1934, the handrails were tore town to make place for the further expansion of the road. From then on, the Overline Bridge lost everything from its original form. At present, the Overline Bridge is a flat ground which has become a goods market and a gathering place for the folk artists.
Overline Bridge Stories
1. Bridge artists.
The OverlineBridge has been long considered the main spot in Beijing by the local artist. It is a hub of folk open-air
art. Over five or six hundreds artists are living, teaching, learning and performing there. They can be divided into two groups: juggling artists, who perform acrobatics and Chinese kungfu; and rap artists, specializing in drama. The most famous Overline Bridge art project are the statues of the “Eight Freaks” – figures in unusual positions, immortalizing personages of different periods, from “Qiong bupa” to “Cu nigao” and “Han mazi”. In the present times, the most prominent opera actors, Meng xiaodong and Li guifen, as well as the cross talk master Hou baolin, have performed on the bridge.
2. The disappearance of Overline Bridge
The Overline Bridge has disappeared for many years. “The Records of Xuanwu distract in Beijing” state that” In 1929, to make way for the streetcar, the bridge was Bulldozed; only its handrails on two sides were left. However, in 1934, the handrails were tore town to enable the further expansion of the road. From then on, the real Overline Bridge lost its original form. Even though overtime it had been leveled with the ground, it has still been called “Tianqiao” bridge.
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