Taisun Covered Bridge Introduction
The Zhejiang Taishun Covered Bridges refer to the covered bridges located in Taishun County, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, primarily featuring wooden arch bridges. There are more than 30 ancient covered bridges from the Ming and Qing Dynasties still existing in Taishun, and due to their large number and diverse forms, Taishun is known as the "Kingdom of Covered Bridges" and "Hometown of Covered Bridges in China." The covered bridges of Taishun serve as tangible evidence of Chinese local culture, resembling the Bian River Rainbow Bridge depicted in the famous Northern Song Dynasty painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." For centuries, the people of Taishun have referred to the covered bridges as "Centipede Bridges." Mainly constructed from wooden arches, these bridges are built using mortise and tenon joints without a single nail, and their unique construction techniques have been included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The combination of arch structures and eaves affords the covered bridges additional functions beyond basic transportation, such as providing structural support, protecting wooden bridges from wind and rain, offering resting places, serving as venues for folk beliefs, and acting as gathering and trading places. Currently, visitors can admire the appearance of the Zhejiang Taishun Covered Bridge at Wuchang Palace in Jiji Town, Nantou County. This covered bridge is modeled after the Beijian Bridge in Xi Village, Lower Si Creek Town, and at its central location, there is a statue of the Moon Elder, allowing those who wish for a fulfilling love to step onto the bridge of love and sincerely pray for a good marriage.
