The authorities of Hội An will limit the number of visitors to its iconic Japanese Bridge to 20 at a time. - VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — The authorities of Hội An will limit the number of visitors to the town’s iconic Japanese Bridge to 20 at a time.

The 400-year-old bridge, built by Japanese traders in the 17th century, is a national relic that appears on VNĐ20,000 notes.

The bridge, which attracts 4,000 visitors a day, is one of the top tourist attractions in Hội An. In recent years, it has suffered serious deterioration, even after seven restorations, and is on the verge of collapse.

Scientists and experts at home and abroad have discussed many ways to protect the bridge, including a grand conservation plan to dismantle and rebuild it.

The bridge was recognised as a national, cultural and historical relic in 1990.

The ancient town of Hội An was recognised as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1998 and has become one of the top holiday destinations in Việt Nam, attracting nearly five million visitors last year, including 3.7 million foreigners. — VNS