City - Sanjiang Dong Autonomous Prefecture State - GUANGXI Country - China
About
The Chengyang Bridge is also called Yongji Bridge or Panlong Bridge. It was built in 1916, and it is the best among the wind and rain bridges in the Dong stockade villages. At present, it's the largest wind and rain bridge and is also considered the crystal of the Dong people's wisdom; it's also one of the precious pieces of Chinese wood architecture.
This bridge is made of wood and stone, stretching across the Linxi River, having 5 stone-made large columns. Fir and wood board cover the surface of the bridge. Moreover, the bridge is 64.4 meters long, 3.4 meters wide and 10.6 meters high.
Both sides of the bridge are inlaid with railing, so the whole bridge looks like a long corridor; in the bridge, there are 5 tower-like kiosks with many horns. The brims of the kiosks rise like stretching wings; the pilaster, tile brims and carved flower and pictures are magnificent.
The whole bridge is grand, like a brilliant rainbow. The most amazing thing about its construction is that no nails were used in the building of the whole bridge; all pieces of wood in the bridge are closely jointed together. Further, long stools were set up on both sides of the bridge for people to rest. From the stools where people sit you can see the Linxi River windingly flow; both sides of the river are full of tea forest and green woods on the sloping hills. Also you can see the peasants working on the plantations. Well, that may not be so true these days :) There is also a reservoir on one side of the river.
I took a lot of photos of this bridge and this was my best one. All the others had problems of one sort or another, lighting, poor composition, wires or trees in the way, or some other thing gone wrong. This photo was also taken in wintertime, and Guangxi is much much nicer in early summer when the fields and forests are a lush green. So while I'm happy with this photo, I'll make a return trip up there this coming summer.
James, it is always a pleasure to read as well as see your perspective on the rural settings from somehere in china. From the more distant photo this bridge did stand out as a point of interest. I am glad for your closer zoom on this as well as the indepth description. Truly an amazing structure of the like we will never see again. My one question would be, are they maintaining it?Although I can see that with their infineate wisdom it is covered by continuious roofing and will likely stand the test of time with just a little roof maintenance.
now what about a bridge that is REALLY original and... uops, here it is! well the towers looks like HOUSES!!! AMAZING, never seen that before and that surely is one of the most unique bridges in the world James, oh God...what a great moment to be on a so great country with so many different and special elements about the traditions it has! Everything looks unique, different and beautiful there and I think the length of only 65 meters really means nothing to the beautiness of the architecture!!! It's amazing!
Hi debra, yes a pano would maybe be better here. i tried photos of this bridge from all angles and this is one that i liked more than the others. i'll likely be back in that area this summer, so may try it again, different colours at that time as well.
Yes indeed, i think you chose a good one to present this amazing bridge, you have composed the picture very well with the inclusion of its surrounding. Amazing view point, it makes me want to look at the details, interesting! now I hope to see it on the inside because of the abouts you have wrote about it. I really envy you documenting these hidden China.., my grandfather comes from the mainland. Someday I'll see China. best regards..
Thank you for a wonderful shot and a very interesting and detailed account of the scene. I think the composition is excellent, however it occurs to me that this is an opportune time for a pano shot, long and narrow. Regards, Debra
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