Abstract: Jihong Bridge, an iron chain bridge built on cliffs by Lancang River on the border of Baoshan city and Yongping county, is
a crucial junction on the Southern Silk Road. The bridge has a long history and profound cultural connotations, and is considered as a
representation of the bridge culture of Lancang River basin and one of the most important starting point for research on Southern Silk
Road. Based on historical classics, stone carvings, literary works, oral history and archeological excavation materials, the present paper
explicates the historical development and cultural connotations of Jihong Bridge, and sheds some light on its values.

Key words: Southern Silk Road, Lancang River, Jihong Bridge, historical anthropology