Thanh Toan Tile Bridge – A 250-year-old architectural masterpiece blending upper-class elegance with rustic charm.

Acknowledged as a National Historical Landmark on July 14, 1990, Thanh Toan Tile Bridge is not just a historical site but a work of art seamlessly fusing Japanese architecture (upper class) with intricately crafted dragon motifs, reminiscent of Vietnam during the reign of Emperor Nguyen Hoang. The bridge is woven into the fabric of significant historical events in the Thanh Toan village.

Despite undergoing numerous repairs and renovations, Thanh Toan Tile Bridge has retained its original architecture and ancient beauty, aged gracefully over time. Its unique design and timeless allure continue to captivate visitors from around the globe, offering a tranquil scene of a quaint turquoise canal and still waters, embodying the serene essence of rural Vietnam.

The history of Thanh Toan Tile Bridge 

In the 16th century, Lord Nguyen Hoang, along with a group of migrants from Thanh Hoa, established a defensive post in Thuan Hoa. Among them, 12 tribal leaders decided to choose the land of Thanh Toan as their settlement, a peaceful haven. Simultaneously, these leaders initiated the cultivation of this tranquil village. Witnessing the difficulty of villagers moving around, Mrs. Tran Thi Dao, the wife of a high-ranking official in the court, generously contributed funds to build a bridge, facilitating easier transportation. She is also the 6th generation descendant of one of those 12 tribal leaders. Later, this place became the site of the Thanh Toan tiled bridge.

Source: @burakbshr

Back then, villagers had to row boats every time they crossed the river to work in the fields, consuming much time and effort. Therefore, with a compassionate heart, Mrs. Dao used her own money to construct this bridge, helping the villagers save time and energy in their daily commute. This bridge later became a vital lifeline for the village, a place to rest and relax every sunny afternoon. Additionally, it was a source of pride for the local residents.

Not only did she contribute money to build the Thanh Toan tiled bridge, but Mrs. Dao also regularly assisted those villagers facing difficulties - spreading her kindness far and wide. Touched by her humanitarian spirit, in 1776, King Le Hien Tong praised and exempted various taxes for the villagers to remember her virtues. In 1925, King Khai Dinh instructed the villagers to establish an altar on the bridge to worship and honor Mrs. Dao, conferring upon her the title of Virtuous Guardian of Central Prosperity.

Source: @takenbyhimawariri

Where is the Thanh Toan tiled bridge located?

The bridge spans across a small canal in Thanh Thuy Chanh village, part of Thuy Thanh commune, Hương Thủy town, Thừa Thiên Huế province, situated 8km east of Huế city.

How to get to the bridge? 

Additionally, travelers can also rent motorcycles in Hue for more flexibility when visiting Thanh Toan tiled bridge and nearby locations:

Explore the Thanh Toan tiled bridge 

Architectural Features of Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge

The bridge is constructed in the style of 'upper house, lower bridge' with a total length of 18.75m (43 wooden steps), a width of 5.82m (14 wooden steps), and divided into 7 different spans. The entire roof of the Thanh Toan tiled bridge is covered with lulu tiles - a popular type of tile in that era with vibrant colors and unique patterns. Combined with delicately crafted dragon motifs, the bridge displays a rich and vivid palette. The bridge has a system of 3 rows of wooden pillars, with each row consisting of 6 columns, all made of sturdy stone. Additionally, these column rows are interconnected with a solid stone block to prevent subsidence.

Source: @thanhbinh_luong

At both ends of the Thanh Toan tiled bridge, two stone abutments are placed with continuous connections to the support pillar system and the pine beam bars. The support pillars of the bridge are constructed using large horizontal wooden beams, providing a robust foundation for potential residential structures. The sides of the bridge feature 4 rows of columns, with the central area serving as a walkway. Furthermore, railings made of wood are added for additional safety.

Both ends of Thanh Toan tiled bridge are adorned with intricate floral patterns and unique ceramic ornaments in vibrant colors. The sides of the roof feature delicately crafted dragon motifs, with a central section displaying a raised dragon emblem. The entire bridge frame, surface, and railings are crafted from natural wood, making it susceptible to damage over time due to weather, war, and natural disasters. To preserve its original appearance, the bridge has undergone 5 restoration projects:

From an external perspective, visitors can observe the bridge resembling the shape of a house, divided into 7 sections equivalent to 7 small rooms of a traditional dwelling. Inside, there is a small altar dedicated to Mrs. Tran Thi Dao - the person credited with the construction of this bridge. On both sides, each of the 3 sections is transformed into elevated platforms resembling tables and chairs for seating.

Source: @huonggiang_company

In the center, the altar of Thanh Toan tiled bridge is enclosed, while the remaining areas are left open. The crossbeam system is constructed with intersecting beams, the lower beams passing through the core of the columns, and the upper beams placed at the column heads. These crossbeams are devoid of intricate carvings and feature simple square and circular shapes. The bridge's roof is adorned with carvings depicting the traditional Four Mythical Creatures theme - Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix. Currently, the roof showcases a pair of phoenixes in the center, with stylized dragon figures at both ends; previously, it was decorated with a Coiling Dragon motif.

Source: @ahotuavietnam

Experience the festival at Thanh Toan tiled bridge

Throughout the year, major festivals organized by the Thanh Thuy Chanh villagers take place at the bridge, offering visitors a chance to witness and partake in various activities including:

Mrs. Tran Thi Dao Memorial Day: Annually on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, locals commemorate the contributions of the individual responsible for the construction of Thanh Toan tiled bridge. The community parades her from the ancestral shrine to the bridge for rituals and then returns her to the shrine. After the solemn ceremonies, festivities commence, featuring traditional folk activities such as tug-of-war, boat racing on the river, and rice pounding contests.

Mrs. Tran Thi Dao Memorial Day - Source: @ahotuavietnam

Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge Countryside Fair: An annual event held biennially. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, experience the rural market ambiance featuring various simple yet remarkable Hue specialties. Additionally, they can participate in engaging activities such as boat racing, tug-of-war, and more.

Countryside Fair - Source: @ahotuavietnam

Bai Choi Festival at Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge: Every year on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year, the Bai Choi card game tradition takes place, embodying cultural richness without the aspect of gambling. The game spreads meaningful verses about the homeland and the nation to everyone in attendance. It also serves as a platform for gatherings, cultural exchange, and the distribution of lucky prizes at the beginning of spring. Bai Choi is intricately tied to the art of performance involving folk artists, each carrying its unique cultural imprint, a testament to the local traditional heritage.

For an even more exciting journey, travelers exploring Thanh Toan tiled bridge can combine their visit with nearby attractions such as Phu Cam Church, An Dinh Palace in Hue, Trang Tien Bridge in Hue, and more. Those intrigued by the unique 'upper house, lower bridge' architecture can immerse themselves in the serene and picturesque surroundings, experiencing the essence of Hue, or join in the vibrant activities during the festival season.

Posted by: Tac Tu Thai

Keywords: Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge - The architectural beauty of the 'upper house, lower bridge' design over 250 years old