Taishun Covered Bridges

A collection of ancient timber covered bridges deep in the mountains southwest of Wenzhou — some of the finest in China

Taishun County in the mountains southwest of Wenzhou contains the highest concentration of ancient covered timber bridges in China — over 30 surviving examples dating back to the Song Dynasty, built in a distinctive style that uses woven timber arches to span rivers without stone piers or metal joints. The bridges are covered with wooden roofs to protect the timber from rain, giving them the characteristic appearance that has made them famous among Chinese architectural historians.

Getting to Taishun requires commitment: about 3 hours from Wenzhou by bus into progressively steeper terrain. But the landscape itself justifies the trip — deep mountain valleys, farming terraces, and traditional villages where the bridges are still used daily. The Xitu and Sixi bridges are the most celebrated examples, separated by a short walk through paddy fields. Accommodation in simple guesthouses is available in Taishun town. This is a trip for independent travellers willing to navigate without English-language facilities.

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A story
The covered bridges of Taishun County were built during the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, using a technically sophisticated timber arch system that distributes loads without metal fasteners or stone piers in the river. The builders were specialist carpenter families who passed the techniques through generations; by the Qing Dynasty, Taishun bridge-builders were employed throughout the region. Several of the bridges survived floods that destroyed the surrounding villages and have stood for over 600 years.