An ancient technique for building wooden arch bridges—without using a single nail or rivet—has been added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage sites. The bridges found, found in China’s Fujian and Zhejiang provinces “combine craftsmanship, the core technologies of “beam-weaving,” mortise and tenon joints, an experienced woodworker’s understanding of different environments, and the necessary structural mechanics,” according to UNESCO’s listing.
“This signifies that the protection, inheritance and promotion of China’s traditional wooden arch bridge craftsmanship have gained global recognition,” according to Hu Junfeng, who, along with his father, Hu Miao, has dedicated over 40 years to preserving the traditional skill, and is responsible for maintaining dozens of bridges in the Zhejiang province.
“I’ve enjoyed making ‘wooden arch bridges’ with chopsticks since childhood. Amazingly, with just 15 chopsticks, I could build a ‘bridge’ capable of supporting more than 1 kg,” Hu Junfeng said.
Hu Junfeng, who has built sozens of wooden arch bridges in the Zhejiang province.
Wood Central understands that the bridges – covered last year – serve as a hub for gatherings, entertainment, trade and other events. Locals even hold events like weddings, funerals and birthdays on these bridges: “During the Dragon Boat Festival, locals believe that the more times one crosses the bridge, the more prosperous their life will become, expressing hope for the future,” said Lu Zeqi, an intangible cultural heritage expert in Pingnan County, Ningde City of Fujian Province.
Wooden arch bridges were first added to the UNESCO’s list in 2009
First added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2009, the industry has declined in recent years due to rapid urbanization and the scarcity of lumber and construction space.
In 2016, Typhoon Meranti ruined three wooden arch bridges in Zhejiang. This disaster reminded the public of the importance of protecting and restoring these treasures and the need to pass down the craftsmanship of bridge building. Since then, Zhejiang has established a themed museum, included information on the bridges in primary school curricula, organized academic seminars, and produced TV documentaries to showcase the bridges’ history, craftsmanship, and culture:
“UNESCO’s recognition marks a transition from ‘endangered’ to ‘revival’ for the craft, signifying an endorsement of our conservation efforts,” said Chen Huawen, a professor at Zhejiang Normal University, with Chen Shaofeng, a Peking University professor and vice-chair of the China Culture Promotion Association, adding that the bridges have become a popular tourist destination. “With the AI technology, we can create featured products and immersive experiences that go beyond the bridges themselves,” he told Chinese media yesterday.
- To learn more about China’s wooden arch bridges, click here to view UNESCO’s updated list of Intangible Cultural Heritage sites.
