One of the first places you "must" visit when you
go to Hoi An Ancient Town is the Pagoda Bidge. It is also called "Japanese
bridge" due to the history. Constructed in the early 1600s, the Hoi An Pagoda Bridge
is a symbol of the town and a beautiful reminder of a time long ago. Without question, it is one of the most
famous Japanese bridge in Vietnam - if not all of Southeast Asia, found in the
historic riverside town of Hoi An.
Hoi An Pagoda Bridge
With a close proximity to the East Sea, Hoi An was an
important trading port for Chinese, Dutch, Indian, and Japanese merchants up
until the 17th century. Spice traders would retire to an upstairs eatery to
enjoy local cao lau noodles while their wares were unloaded from ships below.
The Japanese traders were the dominate force at the time; many of the old
houses in Hoi An reflect their influence with a blend of both Chinese and
Japanese architecture.
Today, the Hoi An Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and draws thousands of tourists who come to step back in time for a brief
visit.
In the night light
The Hoi An Pagoda Bridge
The Hoi An Pagoda Bridge remains a symbol of the significant
impact that the Japanese had in the region. The bridge was originally
constructed to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese quarter -
separated by a small stream of water - as a symbolic gesture of peace. Although
his work has been appreciated for centuries, the builder of the bridge still
remains anonymous.
Roughly 40 years after the Hoi An Pagoda Bridge was
constructed, the Japanese were demanded by the Tokugawa Shogunate to return
home to Japan under order of Sakoku - officially closing Japan to the rest of
the world.
Renovation of the Pagoda Bridge in Hoi An
The Pagoda bridge has undergone relatively few modifications
over the centuries. The French removed thresholds and leveled the road across
the bridge to support motorized vehicles during their colonization. The changes
were later undone and the bridge pedestrianized again during major restoration
in 1986.
Early days
The wooden sign at the entrance of the bridge was hung in
the early 1700s, changing the name from "Japanese Covered Bridge" to
"Bridge for Travelers from Afar". The Hoi An Pagoda Bridge has been
known by various names throughout the past including: Lai Vien Kieu
"Pagoda in Japan"; Chua Cau "Covered Bridge"; and Cau Nhat
Ban "Japanese Bridge".
Although the designer and original builders remain unknown,
a new sign notes all the Chinese and Vietnamese people which were involved with
restoration work.
Shrines in the Pagoda Bridge
The small shrine inside of the Hoi An Pagoda Bridge pays
tribute to the northern deity Tran Vo Bac De who reputedly controls the weather
- an important thing considering the seafaring traditions and notoriously poor
weather around Hoi An.
Reasoning for the conspicuous statues of a dog and a monkey
on opposing sides of the bridge is disputed. Some local guides claim that
construction of the Pagoda bridge began in the year of the dog and was
completed in the year of the monkey. Others say the two animals were chosen to
guard the bridge because many Japanese emperors were born either in the year of
the dog or monkey - lending them sacred significance.
Visiting the Hoi An Pagoda Bridge
The Hoi An Pagoda Bridge crosses a small canal on the west
end of the Old Town, connecting Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street to Tran Phu Street
- the main thoroughfare along the river. Art galleries and cafes line both
sides of the peaceful street beyond.
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