中国隋朝大业年间（公元605-618年）建成的赵州桥, 净跨37米, 主拱圈上敷设小拱, 是世界上最早的空腹拱桥, 也是当时世界上跨度最大的石拱桥。

The Zhaozhou Bridge built in the Daye Period (605A. D. -618A. D. ) of the Sui Dynasty (581A. D. -618A. D. ), with a clear span of 37 metres and small arches within the main arch, was the earliest spandrel arch bridge and also the longest stone arch bridge in the world.