Introduction
Why the Sanjiang bridges are special
The pagoda topped village bridges in the Sanjiang region have striking architectural designs. The bridge of Chengyang village (see photo) is the most visually stimulating of them all.
Interesting insights about the Sanjiang bridges
The bridges of Sanjiang were built by the Dong ethnic people, the largest population group then and now in the Sanjiang region.
The Dongs use no nails or other metal fastening devices in constructing their traditional bridges (which demonstrates their architectural and carpentry skills).
Dong riverside villagers need to build the bridges because they typically reside and work on both banks.
Basically, bridge piers are constructed of stone. Pavilions on top of them are made of wood and have flying?white trimmed eaves.
You cross the bridge inside its covered corridor. The underlying purpose of the roof is to shelter you from the wind and rain. As a bonus, the roof makes a splendid artistic statement.
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Because the covered bridges give protection from the wind and rain elements, the Dong people call the structures Wind and Rain bridges.
Sanjiang bridge tidbits
The famous Chengyang bridge was built nearly a century ago.
One village bridge has two corridors, one for humans, the other for animals.
Tips for your vacation tour or trip
When visiting the bridges of Sanjiang, explore the nearby Dong villages to view their fascinating drum towers and water wheels.
Almost all Dong villages have a tall, multi-tiered drum tower. It houses a hanging drum that is beaten to alert villagers about emergencies and community meetings. Some drum towers reach higher than a three story building.
Many Dong village areas have large, creaking, entrancing water wheels for irrigation. |
