[1] Credited to the design of a craftsman named Li Chun, the bridge was constructed in the years 595–605[2] during the Sui dynasty (581–618).

It crosses the Xiaohe River (洨河) south of the town of Zhaoxian, in Zhao County, approximately 52 kilometres (32 mi) southeast of the provincial capital Shijiazhuang.

Flowing west to east through a plain that was relatively low-lying on both sides, the Xiao River was an important artery for transporting goods, but an impediment to continuous overland movement and the economic integration of China's regions.

Although Chinese history credits Li Chun with the design and building of the Anji Bridge, no contemporaneous materials recorded the process, however later chronicles do make notes of it in brief.

These side arches serve two important functions: first, they reduce the total weight of the bridge by about 15.3% or approximately 700 tons, which is vital because of the low rise-to-span ratio and the large forces on the abutments it creates.

Precise indeed are the cross-bondings and joints between the stones, masonry blocks delicately interlocking like mill wheels, or like the walls of wells; a hundred forms (organised into) one.

The four small arches inserted, on either side two, break the anger of the roaring floods, and protect the bridge mightily.

According to one legend, the bridge was built by a master architect of the mid-1st millennium BC named Lu Ban in a single night.

In another story the bridge was put to the test by two immortals who crossed it at the same time, and Lu Ban saved it by wading into the water and supporting the structure.

Although Ming dynasty (1368–1644) authors compared the bridge to "a new moon rising above the clouds" and "a long rainbow hanging on a mountain waterfall",[7] it later fell into obscurity.

It was severely damaged in the late Qing dynasty and renovations from 1952 and 1956 were criticized for changing the basic appearance and structure.