The bridges feature a unique, nail-less mortise and tenon design. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Pingnan county in Ningde, East China's Fujian province, has stepped up efforts to protect and make use of its ancient wooden arch bridges, integrating the heritage sites with rural tourism and craft inheritance.

The bridges feature a unique, nail-less mortise and tenon design, and their covered corridors serve as vibrant public spaces where elders chat, children play, and villagers gather for traditional festivals.

The county boasts 13 wooden arch bridges designated as cultural relic protection units at or above the county level. Among these architectural masterpieces, five have been included on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage.

Villagers head home through the covered corridor of an ancient wooden arch bridge in Ningde, East China's Fujian province. [Photo by Wang Zhiling/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Pingnan has stepped up efforts to preserve its ancient wooden arch bridges. [Photo by Zheng Xiao/For chinadaily.com.cn]