China has as many as 56 different ethnic groups residing in it. Belonging to one of these are the Dong people. The dong are one of many groups left over from ancient China, when it was divided into many different territories. They migrated from east china and today ocan be found in small pockets and villages. They mostly live in eastern Guizhou, western Hunan, and northern Guangxi. |
|||
The dong are known for their carpentry skills, their native-bred sweet rice and their unique architecture, especially when it comes to their type of bridge building. |
|||
The 'wind and rain bridge', as it is known to the dong, is so called because it has pavilions built on top of it. Often, the structures are quite beautiful, and that is why they are also known as "flower bridges" by some.
|
|||
These bridges are used for more than just crossing. On rainy days, they make for a great place to relax and meet with other people and travellers until the train abates.
|
|||
The bridges are mostly made of wood. Both sides will have railings and benches so that pedestrians can rest under the roof. Many are decorated and carved with dragon and pheonix images.
|
|||
One of the most interesting thing about these bridges, is that they use absolutely no nails to construct them. Rather, the dong carpenters use grooves in a very precise manner to get the wood to cling in an unbreakable bond, acheving stability.
|
|||
Most famous of these bridges is the Chengyang Bridge. Built in 1916, it is 64 meters(210 ft) long, 3.4 meters (11 ft) wide and 10.6 meters (34 ft) high.
|
|||
|
Submitted by: Rajesh Sourash.
6 Striking Lesser-Known Ancient Ruins From Famous Places
Ancient ruins of old cities provide a great glimpse into their past. Here is a look at 6 ancient ruins that are less well-known.
Visit Houtouwan, the Abandoned Village Conquered by Nature
Visit Houtouwan, the village swallowed by nature
Enjoy a Night at the Opera at the World's Finest Halls...
Opera houses are iconic symbols of a city's cultural & financial status. They represent the pinnacle of high society and architectural achievement. Take a look.
This Magical Town Is the Most Beautiful Place in China
In the south of China, a small, peaceful and picturesque town lies on a fertile cliff from which several waterfalls flow in perfect harmony.
What an Amazing HD Tour of the Great Wall of China!
This drone tour of the Great Wall of China doesn't disappoint at all. In fact, the HD footage is so crystal clear that it's (probably) better than going there!
"Presence in Hormuz": an Architectural Pearl
Presence in Hormuz: a beautiful architectural wonder in the Persian Gulf.
Learn About Photography's History Through These Old Photos
In celebration of the incredible history of photography, here are 12 outstanding photographic 'firsts' that span the last couple of centuries.
Nature Used All Possible Colors to Create These Animals
Nature is filled with beautiful animals, plants and insects, with magnificent colors and shapes. The dazzling colors of these animals can only be found in nature, see for yourself in the photos below.
Some Mishaps Are More Expensive Than Others...
These photos bring you the most expensive mishaps you ever saw.
These Pictures Perfectly Capture the Magic of the 1970s
Time for some good old ‘70s nostalgia…
This Photographer Really Captures the Beauty of the Ocean...
Gorgeous Underwater Life by Alexander Semenov.
See Just How Much Women's Fashion Changed In 200 Years
Fashion changes all the time, but how much it does change is even more remarkable when viewed from the perspective of centuries. Take a look.
16 Stunning Photos That are Worth 1000 Words
They say that a picture can paint a thousand words, but we feel that the following pictures can paint 10,000 words.
Some People Go Completely Overboard On Halloween...
While some people just love Halloween, there are others who don't bother with it at all. The owners of these houses certainly do though! Take a look.
20 Stunning Photos of Women in the Most Gorgeous Dresses!
Get ready to appreciate a showcase of the most outstanding pieces of fashion along with some of the most picturesque locations on the planet. Enjoy!
22 Celebrities Who Make Getting Older Look So Cool
These celebrities are ageless!
15 Mind-Bending Photos That Seem Fake but are 100% Real
It’s hard to believe these astonishing pictures haven’t been photoshopped.
These Crazy Statues Will Really Mess with Your Head...
Check out these 15 bombastic sculptures that simply appear to defy the laws of physics. Take a look for yourself!
These Photos Were Captured Just at the Right Moment...
These amazing photos were each shot at exactly the right moment for hilarious, beautiful and incredible photographs. Take a look!
These Photos Tell Us Some Amazing Stories About the World
The world, as these pictures prove, is full of amazing sights and stories.
24 Photos Highlight the Beauty of Buildings in the World
This fascinating photo contest celebrates some of the most outstanding architectural marvels worldwide, both ancient and modern...
20 Decorating Ideas for Hiding Unsightly Household Items!
Some household items are necessities that create an eyesore in your otherwise beautiful living space. Transform your living space with these ingenious ideas for camouflaging ugly items.
10 Show-Stopping Photos of the Sunbirds of South Africa
Admire the magnificent, regal beauty of South African sunbirds in 10 stunning photos in this article
These Photos Show the Hustle and Bustle of a WWII Shipyard
Old photos from the war remind us of the effort undertaken by our forefathers to secure our future. Take a look at the hustle and bustle of a wartime shipyard.
These Wonderful Pictures Are Proof of Nature’s Wonders
If we don't preserve and defend it, nature may disappear - this is why the Nature Conservancy holds an annual photography competition.
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
Macro Photography: The Majestic World of Tiny Creatures
Tri Setyo Widodo is a talented macro photographer who specializes in taking photos of insects and other tiny creatures. Here are some of his stunning photographs!.
The Best of Black & White Photography: Award-Winning Pics
Marvel at the astonishing winners of the Monochrome Photography Awards 2023.
These Photos Well Deserve to Be Called "Best of the Year"
The National Geographic has been sharing brilliant photography with the world for years, and 2016 has certainly been no exception. Take a look at some here!
21 Jaw-Dropping Optical Illusions That Make Your Head Spin
The optical illusions will try to confuse your brain, so much so that you will think these photos are edited. But don’t be deceived...
23 Incredible Photographs Taken at Just the Right Moment
These scarcely believable pictures have NOT been doctored. They were just taken at the perfect time.
Welcome to the Most Beautiful Library in the World
I would give a lot to be able to spend a few hours in this amazing place.
The Breathtaking Views of The Polish Tatra Mountains!
Wait until you see how gorgeous the mountains look during the spring season! Here are 16 extraordinary images of the Tatra Mountains.
Japan's Nature Comes Alive in Gorgeous Photo Collection
The immense beauty of Japan's nature is presented through a huge collection of sublime photographs.
Step Back in Time With These Rare Historical Photographs
Enjoy this new collection of historical photos!
20 Amazing Animal Photos that'll Leave You Breathless
If you love photography and animals, then this will make your day. Here are 2015's 20 best pieces of animal photography!
In Pictures: Different Cultures, Different Childhoods
Photographer Massimo Bietti captures the innocence of children from all parts of our world through his lens.
Some Ceilings Keep You Dry, Some Make You GASP
Some ceilings were meant to be admired...
These Old Photos Showcase Some Major Changes in Ireland
The last few decades of the 19th century and the first few of the 20th were periods of major change for Ireland. These photos capture that wonderfully.
Now THIS is My Idea of Great Nature Photography
The following series of photos was taken by professional photographers at great effort, enjoy!
There’s So Much We Still Don’t Know About Titanic’s Making
Discover how James Cameron filmed the sinking scene in his iconic film Titanic.'
See the 1890s Through the Lens of a Hidden Camera
These candid photos of 19th-century Oslo are truly remarkable. Check them out here.
These Photos of Space Will Make You Feel Really Small!
The 2015 winners of the Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition have just been announced, and their images are incredible...
20 Pictures That Are Worth MORE Than a Thousand Words
From pictures of unique historical artifacts to natural phenomena and human wonders, this epic collection of captivating photos is worth watching!
11 Unforgettable Mansions from the Gilded Age
The Gilded Age launched an American Architectural Renaissance, and testaments of it are scattered across the map of the United States to this day.
15 Photographs Showcasing Architecture Like Never Before
Here is a look at some of the best photographs of building art from all over the world that will make you appreciate their beauty.