A veteran bridge maintenance specialist said that there are still around a dozen ancient bridges buried under the earth in Beijing.

The bridges were built during the Yuan (1206-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1616-1911) dynasties, according to 75-year-old Kong Qingpu.

Kong said that these bridges were buried under the earth mainly for two reasons. First, some open rivers were converted into covered conduit or sewers and their bridges were buried. Secondly, some open rivers were filled and their bridges covered in road building.

Before retirement, Kong had worked as a bridge maintenance specialist with Beijing Bureau of Public Works for 47 years. Kong planned to record these old underground bridges, according to the Beijing Evening News.

"Not many people know of these bridges now. I have the responsibility to make a list of them and add them to the history of bridges in Beijing," said Kong. "Ancient bridges, both above and under the ground, are cultural relics and they must be well protected."

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2002)