The bridge structures 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 use its ancient wooden arch bridges, integrating the heritage sites with rural tourism and craft inheritance.

The bridge structures feature a unique, nail-less mortise and tenon design, and their covered corridors serve as active 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 inscribed on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage.

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

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

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

People talk about the traditional craftsmanship of wooden arch bridges. [Photo by Wei Peiquan/For chinadaily.com.cn]