A storm-ravaged bridge in the Dong ethnic style is provided with advantages to resume its original appearance, said an expert on cultural heritage restoration in
Guiyang on Sunday.
The 121-year-old bridge, located in Liping County of Miao-Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou province, has been a major destination for both Chinese and foreign tourists. It was severely damaged by river floods in July this year. Experts are now designing a detailed plan for the repair work, which is expected to be finished by the end of this year.
After the bridge collapsed, local residents along the river tried to salvage broken pieces. After over 20 days of seeking, salvaging and collecting, most of which was done voluntarily by local villagers, 73 percent of the structure of the bridge had been gathered, including 28 main pillars and most of its accessories.
"This timely rescue and salvage provides the foundation to recreate the bridge's former appearance, since some accessories of the original bridge are unavailable today," said Hou Tianyou, director of the provincial cultural heritage administration.
Experts finished recording the bridge in details last year, which will supply scientific evidence for the repair work, Hou said. Put on file are a picture, measurements and specific location.
Hou said the traditional workmanship of the ethnic Dong people will be used to repair the bridge, and experts from all over the country, together with local artisans, will be invited to guide the repair work.
"Thanks to these advantages mentioned above, it is highly possible to restore the original style and appearance of the bridge," he said.
The current task is to take protective flood-fighting measures with the precondition to preserve the bridge's original style, Hou said, noting that measures might be taken during the repairing process such as increasing the bridge's height, and reinforcing the bridge pier.
The repair work, co-funded by the local government and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH), will start as soon as the repair plan is approved by SACH.
Wang Jun, an official with SACH, said the administration will support and urge the local government to restore the bridge and will provide assistance in funds and techniques for the repairs.
Built in 1883, the bridge is the largest one of Dong ethnic style in Guizhou Province. With a corridor 57.61 meters long and a floor 5.2 meters wide, the bridge has three towers, all of which were built without nails or rivets. As a representative of the Dong ethnic architecture, the bridge was listed as a cultural heritage site and was put under state protection in 2001.
Considered an important symbol of the Dong people and an inseparable part of the Dong culture, the bridge is also a place for local ethnic people to hold social activities.
