20 km north of Guyi Town in Sanjiang County, Liuzhou in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Chengyang Wind-Rain Bridge (also known as Yongji Bridge or Panlong Bridge) is an important heritage site under state protection. The unique design and seamless combination of bridge, balustrade and pavilion account for its lasting appeal in architectural history. As representative of wind-rain bridgework constructed by the Dong ethnic group, Chengyang Wind-Rain Bridge was built in 1916 and so far is the largest and best-preserved wind-rain bridge. People regard it as the crystallization of Dong People’s wisdom and the treasure of Chinese all-wood construction. Standing above the river flowing through Dong Village for almost a century, the bridge not only serves as a vital communication line but also touches upon local religion. Legend has it that the bridge symbolizes a flying dragon, powerful as a god, wrapping around the village to bestow a bountiful yearly harvest on the villagers. The magnificent wooden bridge is a pavilion-style building with five piers upon which five tower-like bridge pavilions with multiple corners and 19 sections of corridor are built. History holds that Chengyang Wind-Rain Bridge is one of the four most famous ancient bridges in the world, the other three being the Zhaozhou Stone Arch Bridge and Luding Iron Chain Bridge in China and the Kuznetsova WO steel girder bridge in Romania. China fir, a kind of wood, was used to make the 64.4-m long, 3.4-m wide and 10.6-m high bridge with gorgeous and exquisite carving patterns. The most amazing part is that not a single nail of rivet was used in the construction of this tremendous building, all the work being done with wood tenons. Visitors can sit on benches along both sides of the bridge to rest and enjoy the pleasant view.
Chengyang Wind-Rain Bridge Story:
- Huilong Bridge (later the Wind-Rain Bridge)
In the beautiful Dong village of Guangxi, there is a touching story about an affectionate couple and an iridescent dragon that takes place on the Chengyang Wind-Rain Bridge.
One day, a newly married couple was walking on the bridge when a gust of wind swirled up from the river underneath. All of a sudden, the wife was whisked away by the lecherous Crab demon in the river. Seeing what had happened, the husband was at a loss – what could he do to save his wife? He could only cry on the riverbank when faced with such dangerous situation. He only thought of throwing himself into the water and joining his beloved wife. The crying was so heartbroken and so helpless that it awakened an iridescent dragon living beneath the water. The dragon was moved by the man’s true love for his wife, so he flew out of the water and killed the Crab demon with magic. The wife was rescued and the couple was reunited. People then changed the simple wood bridge into a pavilion-style wind-rain bridge to honor the memory of the great merciful dragon. To this end, they even carved the image of the iridescent dragon on the pillars and named the bridge Huilong Bridge. The name changed afterwards into Wind-Rain Bridge mainly because it could provide people shelter on rainy days. Eventually, the bridge turned into a perfect place for young couples. It is has witnessed hundreds of romantic love stories, and will continue to do so for many years to come.
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