To prevent covered bridges from becoming “a lost dream”, Guizhou has completed a comprehensive investigation on the current status of covered bridges.

Recently, a survey team from the Guizhou Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Research Center completed an extensive investigation and mapping of the historic covered bridges in Tongren City, marking a significant milestone in Guizhou’s efforts to document and protect these structures. The aim is to ensure that these bridges do not fade into memory. Through rigorous field research, Guizhou is working to establish a comprehensive “Guizhou Covered Bridge Database” that will include foundational information, mapping data, and photographic records. This initiative will support interdisciplinary studies related to local communities, traditional customs, cultural heritage routes, as well as disaster prevention and mitigation.

Covered bridges, often referred to as “wind and rain bridges,” “cool bridges,” or “flower bridges,” are historical structures featuring a roofed walkway over them. Their origins in Guizhou can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty. As wooden structures that span waterways, the preservation of covered bridges faces numerous challenges, including the threat of time and natural disasters like fires and floods.

In April 2024, the Publicity Department of the Guizhou Provincial Party Committee and the Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism launched a three-year action plan for the protection of covered bridges, leveraging the results of the third national cultural relics census. This initiative aims to conduct a thorough assessment of these structures’ condition.

“This is the first comprehensive and systematic planning effort in Guizhou to protect, study, and promote covered bridges,” said Dong Xin, the head of the survey team from the provincial cultural relics protection research center. He emphasized that this investigation highlights the importance of these bridges and the urgency of their preservation.

Data shows that among the over 1,400 ancient bridges in Guizhou, nearly 200 are covered bridges, with the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture having the highest concentration, housing 113 of these structures. Some of the bridges have been continuously documented since the Qing Dynasty.

“The initial survey is all about quantifying and categorizing these structures. We’re capturing structural data through architectural mapping so that even if a bridge were to collapse, traditional construction techniques could be employed to reconstruct it, preserving these invaluable skills,” explained Lou Qing, a research fellow at the Guizhou Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Research Center.

During the survey, the team discovered five previously unidentified covered bridges in regions such as Zheng’an, Tongzi, and Liping, and examined over 100 ancient bridges to observe their internal structures and gather precise measurements. They utilized modern technologies like drone mapping and satellite remote sensing to ensure accurate data collection, while also incorporating relevant historical material and local residents’ testimonials to enrich their database.

“Many covered bridges have significant historical and cultural value, such as bridge inscriptions, structural features, wood carvings, and the names of their builders, which are rich in information, yet investigations in this area have been limited,” Lou noted. He remarked that most of the existing covered bridges prioritize transportation functionality and mainly feature simple beam structures.

Lou further pointed out that the primary challenges faced by Guizhou’s covered bridges are their inadequate fire and flood resistance. After conducting risk assessments, enhancing the protection status of these cultural heritage sites and strengthening their routine maintenance and care must become top priorities.

Covered bridges represent a unique sample for studying China’s traditional bridge-building techniques and the diverse cultures of rural regions. They not only serve as objects of preservation but are also integral to modern rural civilization. “The survey team is committed to filling these gaps and will propose comprehensive measures for the reasonable preservation, restoration, and protection of Guizhou’s covered bridges,” Lou concluded.