Traditional construction techniques of Chinese wooden arch bridges

China
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The Chinese craft of building wooden arch bridges with braided beams uses logs, traditional wood construction tools and manual techniques, and core technologies such as "braided beams" to connect and build extremely stable arch bridges with mortise and tenon joints. The construction of wooden arch bridges is directed by a master carpenter and completed by other carpenters. The construction process of carpenters follows strict procedures and is passed down from generation to generation through oral instruction from the master to the apprentice or as a family craft. These families play an irreplaceable role in the construction, maintenance and protection of wooden arch bridges. As a carrier of traditional crafts, wooden arch bridges are both a communication tool and a communication venue. They are important gathering places for local residents. People exchange information, carry out entertainment activities, and hold worship ceremonies on wooden arch bridges, which deepens their feelings and highlights cultural characteristics. In recent years, factors such as accelerated urbanization, scarcity of wood, and insufficient available building space have threatened the inheritance and survival of wooden arch bridge craftsmanship, causing the loss of this traditional craft.

Intangible culture related to the heritage

China tourist attractions related to the heritage