The Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An - A Historic Vietnamese-Japanese Landmark Revitalized

The historic bridge has been revitalized after two years of restoration, preserving its unique architecture and cultural significance as a symbol of Vietnamese-Japanese relations. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huyền một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

Hoi An, an ancient city in Quang Nam province, Vietnam, is well-known for its historical sites, ancient architecture, and diversified culture. Among them, the Covered Bridge, also known as the Lai Vien Bridge, is a unique architectural achievement and a symbol of the relationship between Vietnam and Japan. After nearly two years of restoration and maintenance, the Covered Bridge has received a new coat of paint, drawing the attention of tourists visiting Hoi An's ancient town.

                                                                                      Source: Colector
The Covered Bridge is the only intact Japanese architectural achievement in Hoi An's ancient town today. Built in the 17th century by Japanese traders, the Covered Bridge is more than just a plain bridge; it has deep cultural and historical value. It is seen as a symbol of "the past and the present" in Vietnam's long relationship with Japan spanning hundreds of years.

The Japanese Covered Bridge has a unique architectural style. The pagoda was built on an 18-meter-long wooden bridge over a deep brook that flows into the river. A straight path for horse-drawn carriages runs through the center of the bridge, with two donkey-back pedestrian walkways on either side. The pagoda's main front faces the poetic Hoai River. The pagoda and bridge are both painted red and intricately carved with a variety of stunning designs. The pagoda houses a statue of Bac De riding a dragon. At both ends of the bridge, on one side are two dog statues, and on the other side are two monkey statues. At both ends of the bridge, there are two dog statues on one side and two monkey statues on the other; according to legend, these are animals that the Japanese have worshiped from ancient times.
                                                                                      Source: Colector
After nearly two years of restoration, the Japanese Covered Bridge relic has been given a new coat of crimson paint. This hue has existed since before 1985, when the Japanese Covered Bridge was designated as a national treasure. The restoration technique aims to not only conserve but also improve the aesthetic value of the relic. During the renovation, there was substantial debate over whether the floor of the Japanese Covered Bridge should be "curved or straight". Finally, after careful thought, the floor of the Japanese Covered Bridge remained curved, preserving the structure's essential qualities.

On the weekend, I was able to take my family to Hoi An to roam around, enjoy the cuisine, and admire the hundreds of years old antiquities. However, I was very startled to find a different Japanese Covered Bridge than before. Looking at the Japanese Covered Bridge with a new, darker coat of paint gave me the impression that it was modern rather than antique. This made me and my family, particularly my tiny child, very happy. This alteration not only gave the relic a new look, but it also accentuated its architectural splendor.

After almost 400 years of history, the Japanese Covered Bridge has become a symbol of Hoi An's ancient town, helping to make it a World Cultural Heritage site. The Japanese Covered Bridge was designated a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1990, which marked a watershed moment in the preservation and promotion of this work's cultural worth. The image of the Japanese Covered Bridge is also printed on Vietnam's current 20,000 VND polymer currency, demonstrating the relic's prominence and unique value in national culture.

                                                                                      Source: Colector
The Japanese Covered Bridge continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, making it a must-see location while visiting Hoi An's ancient town. Under the new coat of paint, the Japanese Covered Bridge appears to have been given new life, connecting the past with the present, and promising to remain a significant feature in travelers' cultural and historical exploration journeys.

The Japanese Covered Bridge is a tourist site and part of the world's cultural heritage, helping to preserve and promote Hoi An's cultural and historical qualities. The repair and maintenance of the Japanese Covered Bridge demonstrates the local people's and authorities' relentless efforts to safeguard cultural assets, leading to Hoi An's classification as a World Cultural assets site.

04 Tháng 08, 2024 222

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