Text by MOOK Scenic Spots / Compiled and Reported
One of China’s UNESCO intangible cultural heritages, the “Zhejiang Taishun Covered Bridges,” has made its way to Taiwan. This Chinese-style bridge is located right next to Wuchang Temple in Jiji Township, Nantou, and took three years to complete before finally opening to the public. Its unique architectural style has become a new highlight for Nantou County.
The Taishun Covered Bridge next to Wuchang Temple in Jiji Township (Photo / Nantou County Government, the same below)
Zhejiang’s Taishun is known as the “Hometown of Chinese Covered Bridges.” These bridges have a long history of 600 years, and the traditional craftsmanship used to build them has been listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage—making them truly precious. Now, this special type of bridge can also be found in Jiji Township, Nantou County. The Taishun Covered Bridge here was donated to Nantou County by Wenzhou City, China, and constructed by the team led by Zeng JiaKuai, a master of Taishun bridge-building. All materials were transported from Wenzhou to Nantou and assembled on-site. The entire bridge features a wooden arch structure, and its most distinctive feature is that it was built entirely using mortise-and-tenon joints without a single nail.
Inside the covered bridge.
The value of China’s Taishun Covered Bridges lies in their unique geographical environment and historical culture. The one in Jiji Township also showcases the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture. However, this special Chinese bridge has sparked some controversy. Some locals feel that the bridge lacks cultural ties to Jiji, the surrounding area hasn’t yet been landscaped, and there are still unresolved land issues regarding its location. It is hoped that the county government will improve the landscape around the bridge in the future and manage it well, so this new attraction can successfully boost tourism in Jiji Township.
[Info]
Taishun Covered Bridge at Wuchang Temple, Jiji Township
Location: No. 181, Bazhang Street, Jiji Township, Nantou County (next to Wuchang Temple, Jiji)
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https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=20034