Chùa Cầu (Bridge Pagoda) in Hội An City, Quảng Nam Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Đoàn Hữu Trung

QUẢNG NAM — The Hội An People’s Committee in the central province of Quảng Nam on Wednesday started work to restore Cầu (Bridge) Pagoda, an iconic tourist attraction of the ancient city.

The restoration work, expected to cost VNĐ20.3 billion (nearly US$861,000), includes reinforcing the foundation system, abutments, and piers; repairing the floor system, wooden frame, and roof; renovating electrical system; treating termite; digitalising relics using 3D technology for archiving and restoration work; organising seminars; making scientific records; embellishing landscape; and improving technical infrastructure and security camera system.

All the preparations were studied, reviewed, and agreed upon by the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Quảng Nam Province's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the provincial Department of Construction, the UNESCO Office in Hà Nội, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan General Administration of Culture before they submit the dossiers on the work to competent agencies for appraisal and approval.

The restoration work is expected to complete by the end of next year.

The pagoda was originally built by Japanese tradesmen in the 17th century.

It was not until 1653 that a tile-roofed structure was erected, connecting to the northern railings, protruding between the bridge, that’s why local people often call the covered bridge Chùa Cầu (Bridge Pagoda).

Although it is a pagoda, it is not worshipping the Buddha like other typical pagodas in Việt Nam, but a spirit that protects and brings happiness to the local people.

The pagoda was renovated many times in the past. — VNS