Fengchuan Yao Ethnic Village Wind-Rain Bridge

Fengchuan Yao Ethnic Village Wind-Rain Bridges

Yao Ethnic Village Wind-Rain Bridges

1. Huiwan and Qinglong Wind-Rain Bridges: Fengchuan is an area abundant in streams and rivers. According to incomplete statistics, there are 75 various sizes of wind-rain bridges within the territory, adorning the scenery of the Yao villages. Among them, the renowned Huiwan Wind-Rain Bridge and Qinglong Wind-Rain Bridge are district-level cultural heritage protection units. They were first built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1573–1620). The wind-rain bridges showcase the ancient Han Chinese architectural craftsmanship from the Central Plains, featuring many structural, decorative, and window-and-wall pattern elements similar to those found in the north. The old-style wind-rain bridges were all connected to villages, ancient roads, and post stations via stone slab streets and pebble paths. (The Huiwan and Qinglong Wind-Rain Bridges also have a touching love story associated with them).

2. Riguang Wind-Rain Bridge: It was first built in 1990 and is located to the east of Riguang Park, making it one of the new eight scenic spots of Fengchuan Yao Ethnic Village. Its construction method is the same as that of the Huiwan and Qinglong Wind-Rain Bridges. However, on both sides of the gate, there are long couplets inlaid with granite tiles. The couplet on the east gate reads: “Overlooking the Pearl River source in the Yue region, the waters flow endlessly eastward; the Fushui River meanders back towards the South Sea. Gazing afar at the ancient Qin roads under the Chu sky, the Mengling Ridge stretches endlessly northward without barriers to Chang’an.” The couplet on the west gate reads: “The golden phoenix chirps to the east, a pagoda soars into the sky above the ancient Ciyun Temple enduring wind and rain; the jade dragon comes from the west, three bridges span swiftly across the bright city of Fuming through the ages.” The couplets are powerful and extraordinary. There are 24 vertical side pillars and 8 central bridge pillars on the bridge, standing on the north and south sides respectively. The central pillars of the bridge are inscribed with eight couplets, each offering much food for thought upon closer inspection.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units