Society

Ancient city to limit tourist access to symbolic bridge

Facing the possible collapse of the 400-year-old Cau Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An city, the central province of Quang Nam, and a popular destination among tourists, local authorities have announced they will soon put a limit on the number of visitors touring the site.
Ancient city to limit tourist access to symbolic bridge ảnh 1Cau Bridge in Hoi An (Photo: VNA)

Quang Nam (VNA) – Facing the possible collapse ofthe 400-year-old Cau Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An city, the central province ofQuang Nam, and a popular destination among tourists, local authorities haveannounced they will soon put a limit on the number of visitors touring thesite.

There will be a maximum of 20 persons allowed to be on thebridge at a time, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Kieu Cu saidon May 14.

He added the authorities have taken into considerationcomments and solutions to preserving the historical site from local and foreignexperts, but careful and comprehensive assessment of renovation measures shouldbe done first.

The bridge was built by Japanese businessmen in the 17thcentury. In 1653, a pagoda was built adjacent to the northern corridor of thebridge. Since then it has been called the Japanese bridge.

Listed as a national culture relic in 1990, it measures20.4m long, 5.7m high and 13m wide, and receives 4,000 visitors each day.

Although it has been restored many times, the bridge is nowdamaged and at risk of collapsing. Cracks in the foundations and mainstructure, timber girders, beams and rafters have been found in recent yearsand the situation continues to degrade.

According to the Hoi An Culture Heritage Preservation andManagement Centre, wood pillars have been added to support the bridge’s body. However,a complete renovation focusing on upgrading the bridge and pagoda parts is yetto be implemented as no agreement on a suitable solution has been reached amongscientists, experts and authorities.

A symposium among leading experts in the field is expectedto be held in Hoi An this year to review all risks facing the bridge and putforth the best renovation option.-VNA  
VNA
#Cau Bridge #Japanese bridge #Lai Vien Kieu #restoration of Cau Bridge #Hoi An Culture Heritage Preservation and Management Centre #Hoi An #Quang Nam #Vietnam News Agency #vietnamplus Quang Nam
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