Chengyang Yongji Bridge

Chengyang Yongji Bridge

Chengyang Yongji Bridge is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Chengyang Bridge, also called Yongji Bridge or Panlong Bridge, is located 20 kilometers north of Guyi Town in Sanjiang County, Liuzhou. It is the most famous of the many wind and rain bridges in the Zhuang ethnic region of Guangxi. Liuzhou, also known as Dragon City, is situated in central Guangxi, over 100 kilometers from Guilin. This city is a cultural hub with a history of 2,100 years. When visiting Guangxi, one must experience its ethnic culture, and for that, Liuzhou is a must. The festivals of the Miao people, the antiphonal singing of the Zhuang, the dances of the Yao, and the architecture of the Dong are hailed as the “Four Wonders” of Liuzhou’s ethnic culture. Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge is a prime example of Dong architecture. This wooden and stone structure bridge spanning the Linxi River was built in 1916. The river has five large stone piers, while the bridge deck is constructed of fir wood planks. The bridge is 64.4 meters long, 3.4 meters wide, and 10.6 meters high. Its most astonishing feature is that it uses not a single nail or rivet. The wooden beams are precisely carved and fitted together with mortise and tenon joints, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Dong people. The bridge is equipped with railings and a roof, along with five multi-sided pavilions, giving it a distinctive Dong ethnic charm. Chengyang Bridge has been designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. In the Dong villages of Sanjiang, there are many other wind and rain bridges similar to Chengyang Bridge. Just on the Linxi River alone, there are more than ten, and the “Badou Bridge” in Bajiang Township, the “Patuan Bridge” and “Hualian Bridge” in Dudong Township are all comparable in craftsmanship to Chengyang Bridge.

It is a masterpiece of architecture, combining a bridge, corridor, and pavilion into one, and holds a unique charm in the history of architecture both in China and abroad. Chengyang Bridge, also known as Yongji Bridge or Panlong Bridge, was built in 1916 and is a representative work of Dong wind and rain bridges. It is the best-preserved and largest of its kind, a crystallization of the wisdom of the Dong people, and an artistic treasure of Chinese wooden architecture. This bridge spanning the Linxi River is a tower-style, pavilion-roofed building with a stone pier and wooden structure, featuring two platforms, three piers, and four spans. On the piers and platforms, there are five tower-like bridge pavilions and nineteen bridge corridors. The pavilions and corridors are interconnected, forming a grand and magnificent whole. According to records, this bridge is ranked alongside China’s Zhaozhou Stone Arch Bridge, the Luding Iron Chain Bridge, and the Ponte Vecchio in Rome as one of the world’s four historic famous bridges. The bridge deck is made of fir wood planks, with the bridge being 64.4 meters long, 3.4 meters wide, and 10.6 meters high. The sides of the bridge are lined with railings, resembling a long corridor. There are five multi-sided, tower-shaped pavilions in the middle of the bridge, with upturned eaves that look like spreading wings. The bridge’s pilasters, tiled eaves, and carved decorations are richly ornate. The entire bridge is majestic and imposing, like a brilliant rainbow. Its most astonishing feature is that it uses no nails or rivets. The wooden beams are precisely carved and joined with mortise and tenon joints. The entire structure, with its diagonal and straight interconnections, is intricate yet flawless. Benches are also provided on both sides of the bridge for visitors to rest. Sitting on these benches, visitors can gaze into the distance to see the winding Linxi River, tea plantations covering the hillsides, lush trees, fertile fields where farmers work, and the reservoir by the river slowly irrigating the land.

Most Chengyang wind and rain bridges are built over streams and rivers below villages, serving both transportation and religious purposes. They symbolize a flying dragon encircling the village to ensure favorable weather, abundant harvests, and happiness. Hence, they are called wind and rain bridges, returning dragon bridges, Yongji bridges, or blessing bridges. Chengyang Yongji Bridge is the only Dong wind and rain bridge in China listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and is an outstanding representative of Dong architectural art. The bridge is located in Ma’an Village, Linxi Township, Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Guangxi. The construction of Chengyang Yongji Bridge is a testament to the wisdom of the Dong people, reflecting their intelligence and great creativity. The Chuan-dou wooden structure is a traditional form commonly used in southern China, especially prevalent in mountainous ethnic regions. The bridge pavilions and corridors of Chengyang Yongji Bridge employ this structure, blending the architectural style of the ancient Baiyue stilt houses with the craftsmanship of Han dynasty palaces. Notably, while wooden corridor bridges are gradually disappearing in other regions, this bridge retains such well-preserved wooden structures, making it worthy of significant attention and protection. Chengyang Bridge is renowned worldwide for its unique architectural craftsmanship and majestic appearance. The poet Guo Moruo once wrote a poem about it: “Famed is the Linxi wind and rain bridge, twenty zhang long, twenty-four chi high. Its overlapping tiers and linked pavilions delight the eye, the rows of piers stretching into the distance. Stronger than iron, its bamboo and wood frame; the tea groves flourish year after year. When will I reach the roads of Sanjiang, to learn to till the fields and labor?”

Chengyang wind and rain bridges, these structures that use not a single nail or rivet, embody the wisdom and sweat of the Dong people, as well as the touching legend of a loving couple saved by a flower dragon. Each bridge tells its past and future; every sound of flowing water or cicadas can immerse you deeply in a poignant beauty. Chengyang, a picturesque Dong village, is home to the legend of the flower dragon rescuing a young couple. One day, a newlywed couple was crossing the bridge when a sudden strong wind blew from the riverbed, sweeping the woman away. It turned out to be a mischievous crab spirit infatuated with the woman. The husband cried desperately by the river, almost contemplating jumping in after his wife… His cries moved a flower dragon living underwater, who was deeply touched by the man’s devotion. The dragon soared from the water, used its magic to kill the crab spirit, and rescued the woman. The loving couple was reunited. To commemorate the flower dragon, the villagers transformed the small wooden bridge on the river into a painted corridor-style wind and rain bridge. They also carved the image of the flower dragon on the pillars and named it the Returning Dragon Bridge. Since it provided shelter from wind and rain, it later became known as the Wind and Rain Bridge. Eventually, the Wind and Rain Bridge became a favorite spot for couples to meet and share intimate moments. Sitting side by side on the bridge, listening to the murmuring water, is a unique and timeless romance for the Dong youth.

The uniquely crafted wind and rain bridges, the tall and majestic drum towers, and the distinctively styled dwellings, set against the backdrop of green mountains and clear waters, form a series of beautiful cultural landscapes. Chengyang is not only famous for its wind and rain bridges but also the scenery of Chengyang’s Eight Villages, which encapsulates the essence of Dong culture. On the hillside near Chengyang Bridge, one can see giant waterwheels slowly turning, their rhythmic splashing never ceasing. Not far away, the Dong stilted houses line the mountains and water, standing in rows and layers, creating a breathtaking sight. It’s no wonder that foreign tourists who understand the true essence of cultural travel often stay in Chengyang for three to five days, or even ten days to a month, slowly observing and experiencing the life and customs of the Dong people, and exploring the existence of Dong folk culture.

Chengyang Village: Chengyang’s Eight Villages are located in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County, Liuzhou, Guangxi, 19 kilometers from the county seat. Chengyang’s Eight Villages consist of eight natural villages, commonly referred to as the “Chengyang Eight Villages.” They are administered under three administrative village committees and are home to nearly 10,000 Dong people. The area hosts numerous festivals and is known as the “Land of a Hundred Festivals.” During the Spring Festival, every village comes alive with excitement, songs fill the air, and joy abounds everywhere.

In Sanjiang County, where Guangxi borders Hunan and Guizhou, there are eight contiguous Dong villages that have preserved the Dong people’s wooden house architecture, clothing and accessories, songs, and more… Chengyang Village detailed information++

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

Sanjiang Chengyang Eight Villages Scenic Area

Dong Stilted Houses

Pingzhai

Ma’an Village

Yan Village

Dong Village Feishan Temple

Sanjiang Pujie Bridge

Helong Bridge

Pingzhai Drum Tower

Ma’an Drum Tower

Yan Village Drum Tower