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Lishui craftsman carry forward traditional arcade bridge techniques

chinadaily.com.cn| Updated : Apr 21, 2020 L M S

Hu Miao, a carpenter in Lishui, Zhejiang province, has been immersed in his workshop for decades perfecting his craft. In 2018, he was recognized as a representative inheritor of the traditional wooden arcade bridge construction techniques, a national intangible cultural heritage.

Hu was born in 1967 in Zuoxi town in Qingyuan county. The town is known as the "hometown of carpentry". After graduating from junior high school, Hu followed his father and started building houses for the villagers.

In 1983, the relocation of Lanxi Bridge in Qingyuan started, giving Hu an opportunity to gain practical experience and learn the craft of wooden arcade bridge construction.

Hu has been involved in the construction and maintenance of as many as 40 arcade bridges. His team has been active in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, where arcade bridges are commonly seen.

"Now that I am the inheritor, I must inherit and carry forward the culture," Hu said.

After becoming an inheritor, Hu has participated in various intangible cultural heritage activities at all levels, and taught local primary and secondary school students the culture and history of arcade bridges.