Abstract: A 7. 4 magnitude earthquake occurred in Maduo County,Qinghai Province on May 22,2021,which exceeded the local seismic design parameters of bridges,during which many bridges have been badly damaged. In this paper,the typical bridge damages cases in Maduo earthquake were investigated,which includes falling beam,bearing off,abutment damage,squeezing and arching of the end of the abutment slabs,etc. The design methods of bridge in cold region are then proposed which are as follows. If prestressed concrete girder is used in superstructure,corresponding measures of seismic isolation and anti-falling beam measures should be set up,and the influence of adverse factors such as low temperature and ultraviolet light on the durability of accessory structures such as bearing should be considered. Lighter composite beams including prefabricated steel-concrete composite bridge,MVFT girder and GFRP-concrete composite structure are recommended in the superstructure. A much further study in the design and structure of anti-falling beam should be taken. The concept of“fusible”bridge deck construction layer is proposed and its seismic mechanism in simply supported beam bridge is analyzed. The research can be used as reference for bridge design in cold regions.