Apart from Huanxiu Bridge, 47 other historical sites protected at national level in Chengkan village were also damaged by the flood in varying degrees. The Zhongchuan River upstream is about 200 meters wide but it narrows to just 50 meters at the point where Huanxiu Bridge stands. In ancient times, houses were not allowed to be built on one bank so that there would be a buffer flood zone on the other side should the river overflow in the rainy season. In the last decade, however, there has been a build-up of residential and construction projects on both sides of the river, making it impossible for flood waters to disperse when it reaches the bridge.

(China Daily 08/04/2013 page3)