Chua Cau restoration discussed in Hoi An ancient town

Thursday, 18/08/2016 11:13
An international scientific workshop on the restoration of Chua Cau (Bridge Pagoda), a tourist attraction in Hoi An ancient town, has taken place in the locality.

The event which was held by the central Quang Nam provincial People’s Committee drew the participation of more than 100 Vietnamese and Japanese scientists, experts and managers.

Participants assessed the historical and cultural value of the bridge and its condition, and proposed ways to restore and preserve it in order to sustainably promote its historical, cultural and architectural value and boost Hoi An city’s socio-economic and tourism development.

Chua Cau, also known as the Japanese Bridge or Lai Vien Kieu, was built by Japanese tradesmen in the beginning of the 17th century. It is is a symbol of Hoi An ancient town. It attracts many tourists everyday who come to admire the old Japanese architecture and the romanticism of the place. It is composed of two parts: the bridge and the pagoda, which are all in painted wood.

The bridge is covered by a tiled roof. It is about 18 meters long and spans a stream entering the Thu Bon river, near the intersection of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Tran Phu streets.

The pagoda was renovated many times, making it a hybrid of architectures of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese.

The gate of the pagoda is engraved with the three words “Lai Vien Kieu” (bridge of friends from afar). That name was given by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu during a visit to Hoi An in 1719.

Chua Cau in Hoi An ancient town (Photo by Nguyen Truc)
An average of 4,000 people visit the bridge every day, and this has weakened it despite several conservation efforts, including the most recent one 30 years ago, officials said at the workshop.

Japanese cultural experts said they would provide technical advice if needed, assuring that it can be repaired without affecting its appearance.

Members of the Vietnam Culture Heritage Association suggested that the number of visitors on the bridge at any given time should be limited to protect it./.

Compiled by BTA

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