There are many famous storm-proof bridges in the Dong villages in Guizhou and Guangxi provinces. The constructions flourished from the late Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and are known for their delicate structure and unique shape exhibiting strong Chinese folk characteristics. No nails or other steel pieces were used in the building's construction, and all the durable Chinese fur timbers are connected with tenons which demonstrate the advanced construction techniques of the period.

The storm-proof bridge, also called a gallery or pavilion bridge was equipped with a corridor on the wooden cantilever flat bridge and a bridge tower on the stone bridge pier and bridge abutment. The bridge tower closely resembles a drum tower, but its plane is shaped like a square or rectangle without a polygonal form.

The Dong national district, which is crisscrossed by streams, contains storm-proof bridges in almost every village -- some containing multiple bridges. Not only does it keep the wind and rain at bay, but the bridge also serves as a gateway to the village and a place for villagers to rest and discuss matters. On grand occasions, relatives and friends from other villages come for a get-together. People from the whole village, dressed in their holiday best, assemble on the bridgehead to welcome the guests. They sing songs, propose toasts and dance Lusheng (reed pipe wind instrument) dances, demonstrating strong ethnic customs and features. In selecting a site for a storm-proof bridge, great attention is paid to natural scenery. The bridge should compliment the landscape and enable visitors to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Chengyang Bridge

The largest and most famous storm-proof bridge is the Chengyang Bridge in Maan Village, Sanjiang, Guangxi, which spans the Linxi River. The bridge is 78 meters long and consists of two platforms, three piers and five towers. The middle tower is the highest, capped by a hexagonal finial pavilion. The lower part is square with three eaves; the left and right towers are also square with four eaves and a finial. The outermost two towers are rectangular with four eaves and a Chinese-hip-and-gable roof. Under the bridge balustrade is a long, through split eave covering the four-layered wooden cantilever beam below the bridge.