“Bridge” as a Medium: A Discussion Based on the Experience Materials of “Qianle Bridge”
GUO Jianbin WANG Lina
Author information+
Guo Jianbin is a professor of the School of Journalism and Communication, Guangzhou
University. Email: dulong20022002@aliyun.com.
Wang Lina is an associate professor of the School of Literature and Law, Southwest Forestry
University. E-mail: 24783600@qq.com.
From the perspective of media studies, this paper first presents a comprehensive overview of the experience materials related to the “Qianle Bridge,” including its historical evolution and current status, as well as various local rituals held at the bridgehead. Following this, the article explores the connotations of “bridge” in Chinese, elucidating why “bridge” can be considered
a “medium” within the Chinese context. Building upon this foundation, the paper reconnects
with the experience materials from the “Qianle Bridge” to enrich and refine the specific
meaning of “bridge” as a “medium” - that is, connectivity and separation. Furthermore, based
on these empirical materials, the paper uncovers another layer of the specific significance of
“bridge” as a medium, namely that its role in connecting and separating also manifests between
yin and yang, giving it the meaning of a “spirit medium”. Engaging in such dialogues holds
great importance for enhancing the theoretical framework of media studies. It facilitates the
academic convergence of Chinese and Western theories, transforms certain abstract concepts of
media studies into more tangible discussions, and embodies the efforts towards localizing and
theorizing Chinese communication research.
GUO Jianbin WANG Lina.
“Bridge” as a Medium: A Discussion Based on the Experience Materials of “Qianle Bridge”. Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication. 2025, 47(3): 89-108