Flood-ravaged ancient bridge to reopen after repairs

A 700-year-old rock bridge that collapsed during a severe flood will finish reconstruction later this month, according to tourist officials in east China's Anhui province.

Located in Chengkan village in Anhui, the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) Huanxiu Bridge is expected to reopen by the end of November, said Song Gangfeng, spokesman for the village's tourism company.

The 26-meter bridge was largely destroyed in a flood in June, with only two piers remaining at the site.

Villagers later retrieved about 75 percent of the bridge from the flooded river, allowing the restoration work to begin in October, Song said.

More than 50 craftsmen and experts on repairing ancient architecture have joined the reconstruction, which has focused on keeping the original structure of the bridge.