Images capture timeless beauty of wooden covered bridges in Zhejiang, Fujian

A major milestone came in December 2024, when "traditional designs and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges," listed in 2009 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, were transferred onto UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Su Xudong, a scholar of Chinese wooden arch bridges in Fujian's Pingnan county, who participated in drafting the nomination materials for the heritage's UNESCO designation, emphasizes what makes these bridges truly special. "While covered bridges exist around the world, wooden arch bridges of this sophistication are unique to China," he said.

"The core technology lies in 'beam-weaving' — an ingenious system to ensure components of the bridge arch interlock tightly and securely," Su explained. "This has allowed Chinese craftsmen to create the world's largest timber-only arched structures. UNESCO experts also praised this heritage for embodying the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature."

Today, these ancient engineering wonders have become favorite subjects for photographers and a growing draw for cultural tourists. From the mist-shrouded mountains of Taishun to the scenic river valleys of Ningde, each bridge tells a silent story of resilience, craftsmanship, and living heritage.