Heritage experts are at a loss at how to preserve an iconic landmark in Hoi An, the Chua Cau bridge, which is both historic and at the same time still in use.
Heads scratched in Hoi An about how to preserve ancient bridge
Thanh Nien News, 03 July 2015
Authorities in the ancient town of Hoi An have yet to find a solution for the preservation of an iconic 400-year-old bridge though its state of repair has been worsening for at least 16 years.
Nguyen Chi Trung, director of the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management Preservation, said experts are divided over how to restore Chua Cau (Pagoda Bridge) — a complex consisting of a bridge over a small canal and a pagoda on one end.
Trung said on one hand, they suggested “placing the site in a glass cage”, meaning that it should be put under restriction and a new bridge should be built next to it so that visitors can admire it without using it.
But others said that the addition of a new bridge would change the whole view, he said.Yet others said the bridge should be restored but used because it is also a traffic facility.
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