Hoi An’s beaches aren’t the only tourist attractions threatened by erosion. The town’s famous Chùa Cầu Bridge (aka the Japanese Bridge) is in poor condition, leading authorities to consider a number of solutions, including encasing the structure in a glass cage.
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Under the glass cage proposal, the bridge would be put into a class cage and cut off to tourists, over 100 of whom can currently be found strolling the bridge/pagoda at any given time. A separate bridge would be constructed along side its ancient counterpart that was built by Japanese merchants in 1590.
Some have rejected the proposal, saying that it would alter the area’s charm, instead suggesting that the bridge be totally restored and continue its role as a pedestrian conduit.
The inside of the box idea is just one being considered by the town in an effort to keep the 400-year-old bridge intact. However, a consensus on a long-lasting solution has proven to be elusive, reports Thanh Nien.
That may change later this year when an international conference about the bridge’s preservation will be held and attended by Japanese experts.
"We need to restore the bridge urgently, but we cannot be hasty since any carelessness will distort the historic site," Dinh Hai, director of Quang Nam Province's culture department told the paper.
Things have gotten progressively worse for the structure since 1999 when a historic flood hit the town and nearly swept it away.
Hopefully, experts can identify a way to keep the ancient gem in good architectural health while maintaining its utility as a pedestrian bridge.
