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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.
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.
Nearest major city
The Sanjiang region is a six hour drive
from Guilin, the leading tourism city in Guangxi province.
Pronunciation guide
Sanjiang: san-zhe'ahng
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