Photo 3 : Joinery details of timber structure at abutment of bridge
completed in the 13 th year of the Republic of China ( 1924 ).
Chengyang Yongji Bridge is a typical Dong ethnic minority structure built mainly of timber as structure and stone as foundation . The timber bridge structure over the masonry pier and abutment was built without the use of any nail or rivet . All sizes of wood fit perfectly , connected by tenons and mortise joints . The Dong tribe employs intricate interlocking joinery techniques , including mortise and tenon joints , dovetail joints , and tongue-and-groove joints . These methods ensure the stability and durability of the bridges , showcasing the Dong people ’ s exceptional wood-working skills . The source of timber for constructing these bridges comes from the local forests , with carefully selected woods like Chinese fir , camphor , and nanmu , used for their strength and resilience . The pavilion on the bridge has both the architectural features of pole and fence from the ancient Baiyue nationality , and the craftsmanship of the Han nationality palace .
The bridge ’ s wooden structure beams were installed using the method of laying wooden trunks layer by layer , criss-crossing over the solid stone piers . These multi-layer wooden beams not only allow a larger span , but also increase the bearing capacity of the composite beams with the cushioning effect to the wooden decks above from the vibrating loads created by the traffic above . The five pavilions are not only symbolic of Dong ’ s culture and art , but also contribute to the gravity balance of the structure .
Overall , the bridge has two stone abutments , three stone piers , five bridge pavilions and 19 bridge corridors . The pavilion rises upward with layer upon layer of tiled roofs . The pavilion in the center is a 4-layer hexagonal pagoda style pavilion ; the two adjacent pavilions east and west are 4-storey 4-corner pagoda style pavilions with multiple eaves and pinnacles and the east and west pier pavilions are 4-floor palace style pavilions with multiple gable and hip roofs . It is distinct from other Chinese bridges by virtue of the defining elements of pagoda , pavilion and gate tower combined with a conventional configuration . These auxiliary features are both ornamental and functional as they provide shelter during south China ’ s frequent heavy rains and strong winds .
This bridge is 64.4m long , 3.4m wide and 10.6m high . It stretches across the Linxi River . Both sides of the bridge are fitted with railings , giving the appearance of the whole bridge looking like a long corridor . There are also five tower-like kiosks with many eave horns at the tips . Long benches were installed on both sides of the bridge for people to rest and gather . Visitors can have a good panoramic view of the of the Linxi River winding it ’ s way through the scenic plain of padi fields , lotus ponds , vegetable farms and wooden houses . Rolling hills of tea plantations and green woods appear over the horizon beyond the plain . Peasants working in the fields are a common sight at the plain .
These bridges represent the Dong people ’ s cultural heritage and their harmonious relationship with nature . Constructed using interlocking joinery techniques , these wooden structures are sturdy and durable , relying on the Dong people ’ s woodworking skills and the availability of locally sourced timber . The Dong tribe ’ s architectural tradition of construction of Wind and Rain Bridges extends beyond Sanjiang area to other regions where the Dong tribe settled .
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