The restoration of the iconic Chùa Cầu (Japanese Bridge) in Hoi An, approved by the city’s People’s Committee on December 28, 2022, has been successfully completed with a budget of over 20 billion VND. This historic structure, which had previously undergone seven restorations, faced severe deterioration by 2022. The bridge’s abutments and piers were cracked and sinking, while numerous columns and beams were damaged. The restoration process extended beyond the initial timeline by over a year due to debates regarding the bridge’s curvature and related architectural features. Consequently, the Hoi An Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation Center temporarily suspended work for a detailed examination.

Phạm Việt Tâm, Head of the Relic Restoration Department at the Hoi An Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation Center, confirmed the comprehensive restoration of the Chùa Cầu. This included the foundation, abutments, piers, flooring system, wooden framework, roof, electrical systems, and termite prevention measures. The team is now dismantling the scaffolding and temporary roofing, restoring the landscape, and cleaning the site in preparation for its reopening to visitors.

Mr. Tâm announced that the Chùa Cầu is scheduled to reopen on August 3, coinciding with the 20th Hoi An – Japan Cultural Exchange events in 2024.

This restoration project has been pivotal in preserving and enhancing the unique cultural heritage of the Chùa Cầu while accommodating the needs of tourists. The reopening of the Chùa Cầu marks a significant milestone in Hoi An’s cultural heritage preservation efforts, bringing immense joy to both local residents and visitors. This event is expected to attract a substantial number of tourists in the near future.

Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999, along with the ancient town of Hoi An, the Chùa Cầu is among the most valuable architectural and cultural heritages in Hoi An. As an iconic symbol of the ancient town, it remains a popular tourist destination. With the completion of the restoration and the reopening of the bridge, visitors to Chùa Cầu and Hoi An will benefit from a more convenient and enriched experience.