The Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge in Sanjiang(chin. 三江程阳风雨桥, pinyin: Sānjiāng Chéngyáng fēngyǔqiáo), also named Yongji Bridge, is located 20 km north of Sanjiang county and 170 km from Guilin.
The Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, built in 1916, about 90 years old, is considered by the Dong to be the finest of the 108 such structures in Sanjiang county as well as a symbol of Dong minority.
With a stone and wood framework, the bridge is 64.4 meters long, 3.4 meters wide, and 10.6m high. The body of the bridge is divided to three tiers, with five piers and 4 bridge openings, each of which spans 14.4 meters. On the bridge, five pavilions were built at regular intervals with flying eaves and unique styles.
The pilasters and eaves of the bridge all engraved with flowers and patterns, magnificent and splendid.
More unique is that the whole bridge was built with wood and no nail or rivet were involved in the construction of it. Step on the bridge, you would be surprised at the high architectural technique of the Dong people.
The bridge not only offers traffic convenience to people but also serves as a gathering place in temple fair.
Sanjiang County in particular is famous for the stockade villages built by the Dong ethnic minority. Chengyang consisting of eight villages, situated 19 km northeast to Sanjiang district, it is an attraction as a “folk custom center”. Undertaking a walk through the Chengyang villages at a leisurely pace, you will see wooden houses, drumtowers, bridges, waterwheels and rice paddies as common sights.
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