Minority architecture: Tujia people build world''s longest wind-rain bridge
By admin on 2014-12-15

    As precious fortune of Chinese wisdom and representative of regional culture, Chinese minority architecture always displays unique style. 

This undated photo shows a glimpse of the world’s longest wind-rain bridge, spanning 288.8 meters in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hunan Province.

    The world's longest wind-rain bridge had been completed in central China's Hunan Province.  

    The Laoche Reba wind-rain bridge was built by the Tujia ethnic minority in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. The wind-rain bridge, so named because it shelters people from the wind and rain, spans 288.8 meters, 41.1 meters longer than the previous record holder, the roofed Longjin Bridge by Dong ethnic minority in Zhijiang of the same province.

This undated photo shows a glimpse of the world’s longest wind-rain bridge, spanning 288.8 meters in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hunan Province.

    The bridge is Y-shaped and connects three ancient Tujia villages - Laoche, Liangjiazhai and Rebala in Longshan County.

    The architecture consists of corridors and pavilions. Wooden boards line the corridor and both sides are inlaid with railings. Flying eaves and painted beams also add a touch of unique ethnic flavor.

This undated photo shows a glimpse of the world’s longest wind-rain bridge, spanning 288.8 meters in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hunan Province.

    The bridge has become a hotspot for tourism. Reports say that after it was finished in early September, it drew crowds from both home and abroad to experience the life of the Tujia people.