Guardians of living history: how Hikvision is preserving an ancient covered bridge constructed in 1574

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The arch-covered bridges in China's Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces are cultural treasures not just of the country, but of the world. Unfortunately, being constructed from wood, they are highly vulnerable to fire hazards. Now, thanks to Hikvision, one of these — the world famous Lanxi Bridge — is safer than ever before.

Guardians of living history: how Hikvision is preserving an ancient covered bridge constructed in 1574

Check out our video to see how Hikvision supports local conservators in preserving Lanxi bridge.

Deep in the valleys of Qingyuan, Zhejiang, an ancient bridge arches like a rainbow over the flowing river. Built at the end of the 16th century, the Lanxi Bridge is the largest single-span ancient covered bridge in China. The designs of these traditional structures have been recognized by UNESCO for their global contribution to cultural heritage. Like the others, Lanxi Bridge is constructed with zero nails or steel, using traditional Chinese mortise and tenon joints.

More than just a bridge, it records the vibrant lives of Qingyuan people, linking them to their enduring cultural heritage — it's where their roots lie.

Three decades of silent devotion

At 5:30 a.m., 75-year-old Wang Jiawu begins his daily routine. For three decades, he has patrolled the Lanxi Bridge, tirelessly checking for damage, weathering, and hidden dangers. Sometimes, he does this four times a night. Always, he does this on his own.

When asked if he ever feels tired or lonely, he reflects, "I am not just guarding a piece of wood; I am guarding the roots of Qingyuan people. I feel obliged to preserve the culture of our ancestors and pass it on to future generations. In this case, I believe I am not all alone."

A single spark can destroy centuries

However, not all bridges are as fortunate as the Lanxi Bridge. In August 2022, the millennial Wan'an Bridge in Fujian was reduced to ashes in a blink. "I was extremely shocked," recalls Chen Huacheng, head of the Cultural Heritage Protection Institute of Qingyuan County.

Chen spent his childhood here in the mountains. When it came time to go to college, he studied how to conserve these precious buildings and, after graduating, returned to his hometown where he became responsible for protecting its cultural heritage. Here, he faced a stark reality: Qingyuan has over 130 ancient covered bridges, but only a handful of these have guardians like Wang Jiawu. "Wooden bridges are fragile," he says. "A single spark can easily erase hundreds of years of history."

Modern innovation preserves ancient legacy

Learning of the situation, Hikvision offered to support this treasured, yet fragile, bridge with its STAR Program for Social Good. Through this program, Hikvision offers technological support to NGOs dedicated to community, nature and cultural preservation. This is how, in 2024, the Lanxi Bridge underwent a 'digital rebirth'.

Several Hikvision technologies were used to protect the bridge against fires. Multispectral fire detectors are installed at four locations to ensure comprehensive protection of the entire bridge. These detectors enhance visible and thermal imaging technologies with infrared flame detection, enabling them to penetrate darkness and detect even the slightest temperature anomalies. Meanwhile, the fire prevention solution can automatically alert individuals smoking on the bridge to stop and immediately notify conservators to conduct onsite inspections.

A letter to tomorrow

"The Hikvision technologies provide assurance for our conservation work, and also relieve the pressure on our conservators," said Chen. "This is critical because the Lanxi Bridge and others like it are, in a sense, letters from our ancestors to the future," he says. "By integrating Hikvision's fire prevention technology with traditional Chinese craftsmanship, we have ensured that these messages—first conveyed in 1574— are well-preserved and will be passed on to future generations."

As night falls, Wang still patrols on the bridge. However, his footsteps are echoed with the green signal lights of the detector under the bridge eaves. This time, he is truly not alone—the Lanxi Bridge he has protected for three decades is now under the watchful care by Hikvision's advanced technologies.

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To learn more about our commitment to communities through innovative technologies for a sustainable future, please read our 2023 ESG Report or visit our Global STAR Program for Social Good page.

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