In West Newbury, Vermont, a 26-foot wooden covered bridge inspired by traditional Chinese design is nearing completion, aiming to serve as both a functional crossing and a community gathering space. The project, expected to be finished this autumn, is the result of a collaboration between American timber framers Adam Miller and John Nininger.
The idea took root about two years ago when Miller, a 55-year-old timber framer, encountered articles on Chinese langqiao while editing Timber Framing magazine. Fascinated by these structures, which have existed for over two millennia—particularly in southern China’s Fujian and Zhejiang provinces—Miller and his friend Nininger, 70, decided to explore building one in Vermont.
Chinese langqiao bridges are distinguished by their intricate timber framing and cultural significance. Traditionally, they served not only as crossings but also as communal spaces where people rested, met, and participated in rituals. While the United States also has a history of covered bridges dating back to an 1805 structure in Philadelphia, those served mainly practical transportation purposes, according to Miller.
To better understand the craft, Miller reached out to Ronald Knapp, a scholar of traditional Chinese architecture. Knapp connected the team to Liu Jie, an architecture professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In June 2025, Miller, Nininger, Liu, and Liu’s students toured more than 50 bridges in Fujian and Zhejiang, meeting several artisans who continue the traditional craft of building timber arch bridges.
The visit highlighted not just the bridges’ engineering but also their integration into daily life. Miller observed locals resting on shaded benches above flowing rivers, noting how the structures blend naturally into their surroundings. The bridges utilize a distinctive woven-timber technique, with interlocking wooden elements relying on weight and compression rather than nails or fasteners.
Recognized by UNESCO for their cultural importance, traditional Chinese wooden arch bridges were placed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2009 and later added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024.
Back in Vermont, Miller and Nininger studied engineering principles and built scale models before beginning construction. Although they did not replicate the original Chinese design exactly, they sought to preserve key features, including the all-timber main structure and integrated seating under the cover.
Nininger has demonstrated the bridge model at local events to gain community support and funding. Initially met with skepticism over cost and complexity, attitudes have shifted as the project progressed, with many now expressing enthusiasm.
The bridge will be part of an accessible trail through the town’s forest, accommodating walkers and potentially hosting community events such as weddings. Currently, builders are adding a green roof designed to support soil and vegetation including flowers and sedum.
As Nininger reflected, the project represents a small yet meaningful effort to foster community and harmony in a rapidly changing world. The bridge stands as a symbol of connection—both between cultures and among local residents.