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.
Everyone Should Visit These Gorgeous Romanian Castles
We have curated a list of the top nine most remarkable castles and fortresses in Romania and their fascinating histories.
Relive History In These Incredible Mansions Across the US
Historic estates are living museums filled with history, amazing architecture, and artifacts. Here are 10 such beautifully preserved mansions across the US.
A Highway Under Water? Not That Farfetched
Learn about Norway's ambitious project of building a first-ever underwater floating tunnel highway.
Come and See the Largest Cruise Ship in the World
Join us as we explore this gigantic cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, and what this huge ship is all about.
Everyday Life is South Korea is Truly Something Different
Let us share with you these 13 photos of everyday culture in South Korea.
Paper Cutouts Turn the World Into Small Scale Scenes
15 paper cutouts on world-famous monuments.
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.
In Photos: 15 Gorgeous Cities from Around the World
We have curated a collection of 15 stunning photographs that capture the essence of these cities or showcase their breathtaking sights in a single frame.
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.
14 Before & After Cleaning Pics That'll Satisfy Your Eyes
Here is a look at some before and after cleaning photos of everyday things that will make you go on a cleaning spree.
Now THIS is My Idea of Great Nature Photography
The following series of photos was taken by professional photographers at great effort, enjoy!
These Multi Portrait Photos Date Back to the Late 1800s!
Back in the early 1900s this new technology, known as 'trick-mirror' photos, were thought to be the future of portraiture.
The Wonders of Modern Architecture are a Joy to Behold
Modern architecture has gone a long way towards defining what the world we live in looks like. Here are 15 wondrous examples from around the world.
WATCH: The Inner Workings of London's Big Ben
Big Ben is probably the world's most famous clock tower, having stood in Westminster, London for over 150 years Watch this video to see how it works.
27 Wintry Log Cabins to Escape to During the Holidays
If you've already got your dream home, chances are you haven't imagined your dream log cabin yet. Have a gawp at these 27 winter wonders.
A Collection of Ancient Trees 14 Years in the Making...
This beautiful project took a decade and a half to complete, but what beauty was captured will live on forever. Take a look for yourself.
These Vintage Celebrity Photos From the Past Are a Delight
Time for some nostalgia! Check out these rarely seen photos of old school celebrities.
I Can't Believe People Go to Such Lengths For a Photo!
Get ready to see some of the most epic and creative photos ever snapped!
An Amethyst Gemstone Comes to Life in Real-Time
Take an in-depth look at how a hyper-realistic creation is made, from start to finish.
Admire the World Up Close with Macro Photography
Beauty is in the details, and you can take a really close look at the world around you with these incredible professional macro photos
Stunning Underwater Photography That'll Make Your Jaw Drop
A selection of stunning photos taken from the Underwater Photography Contest 2017.
Polish Castles: Having a Look at Some Architectural Beauty
Flying above the beautiful castles of ancient Poland.
This Dark Underground Chamber Contains Millions of Shells
This winding underground passageway contains millions of beautifully arranged shells. But why?
21st Century Architecture is Really Stunning to Behold...
While modern architecture can be divisive, there's no denying it makes you sit up and take notice. Here are 14 stunning examples of 21st Century architecture.
These Natural Optical Illusions Are Stunning!
Sometimes, chance creates better compositions than any art director ever could. All of these stunning nature photos will make you look twice.
Could You Imagine Waking Up to These Rooms with a View?
Wouldn't you love to own a room with a view like this?
Can You Believe Someone Actually Built These? Amazing!
These architects created something a bit difference...
Here Are 15 Rare Sights You Won't See More Than Once!
Here are 15 rare sights that you're practically guaranteed to never see more than once in your lifetime!
Striking and Brilliant Astronomical Photography, a Collection
Take a trip to the farthest reaches of the universe and back to our home planet with this ultimate collection of astronomical photography
25 Photo Restorations of US Presidents Who Lived Long Ago
This talented artist created a series of incredible photo restorations of the portraits of US presidents who lived and served before colored photography
See Vintage Post-War New York in All Its Photogenic Glory
Take a trip down memory lane with some fabulous and fascinating vintage photos of New York City as it used to be in the glory of the post-war period...
Fascinating Doors of London! The Beauty is Remarkable
This photographer has a curious eye for the remarkable doors of London.
You Won't See These Rare Sights Twice in Your Lifetime!
Here are 20 rare and unbelievable sights that you certainly won't end up seeing twice in you lifetime!
Take a Look At These Truly Beautiful Dog Photos!
Kristýna Kvapilová's first love in life is photographing dogs, and that's highly evident from her stunning images. Take a look at her best work here.
Feel the Solitude: These Photos of the Arctic are Breathtaking!
Step inside one of the most solitude places on Earth. Finnish Photographer Tiina Törmänen captures the vast, icy beauty of this most remarkable and breathtaking place.
22 New and Beautiful Colorized Vintage Photos
Enjoy this amazing new collection of colorized historical photos.
The 25 Coolest Movie Posters Ever Made
Movie posters from the 1900s had a different charm. Let’s check out the best ones from that era.
Ancient Wonders of Archaeology & Architecture – 16 Pics
These fascinating things from the past continue to inspire wonder and awe.
12 Gorgeous Churches That Reveal France's Beautiful Past
France's rich culture is not built on food, shopping or fashion, but centuries of Christian worship. These 12 magnificent churches remind us of France's gifts.
When Celebrities Met Their Younger Selves (20 Pics)
Enjoy this fun collection of pictures where famous celebs hang out with their younger selves.
The 2023 German Society for Nature Photography Competition
A remarkable collection of 15 photographs unveiled during the 2023 German Society for Nature Photography competition.
15 Amazing Images Documenting the Wonders Found Underwater
These photos won the 2018 World Photography Competition and after you see them you'll understand why....
The Wildlife of Britain Has Never Looked More Amazing
It's unbelievable how much biodiversity a relatively small country like Britain contains. These 9 photographs capture the island's stunning natural beauty.
The Universe's Greatest Photographs: 12 Contest Winners
Have a look at these stunning photograph winners from Wikipedia's tenth annual photography contest. They'll blow your mind.
These Lighthouses Are Each More Beautiful than the Last...
Used since ancient times, the lighthouse was both a guide and a warning. These monuments are so sturdy, they take nature's beating without a flinch!
These Pics Were Taken On a 40000 Km Journey Through Europe
This Belgian photographer traveled no less than 40,000 kilometers to photograph the peaks of Europe. Take a look at his amazing photos right here.
50 Years This Man Built and Built.. And Here's the Result!
This cathedral is slowly being built by an amazing 90 year old man, using discarded waste. Read on to here this inspiring story, and see a glorious church.