Models of covered bridges in different styles are exhibited at the cultural hall in Sixi town of Taishun county, Wenzhou. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

With the display of 33 covered bridge models, the cultural hall in Sixi town of Taishun county, Wenzhou has been playing the role of a window to present the local profound bridge culture to the world.

Located near Beijian Bridge which is dubbed the most beautiful covered bridge in the world, the cultural hall has a special exhibition area for bridge models. In different styles, these models showcase the elaborate craftwork which has been passed on from one generation to another in Taishun. The models tell the stories of cultural inheritance.

Taishun is described as the hometown of China's covered bridges. Currently, there are 46 bridges of this kind in the county and their history can be traced back to the middle of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The models at the cultural hall were donated by Zhou Wangong, 89, a local resident dedicated to the promotion of bridge culture. Zhou spent many years visiting architects, reading classics and asking experts in culture and finally made these models. Now he is also a docent at the hall to tell stories of bridges to visitors.

"Covered bridges represent Taishun's culture and we should promote these time-honored arts," Zhou said. He feels happier these days as more and more people come to savor the charm of bridges.

Models of bridges are just one feature of the cultural hall. Lin Ruozhen, Party chief of the Xiaqiao village in Sixi town, where the hall is located, said villagers gather here for various celebrations. There are performances of puppet shows, displays of stone sculptures and other art forms at festivals, making the hall a platform for cultural presentation and folk exchanges.