During more than 100 years, Truong Tien bridge still charmingly reflects on thePerfume River. It has witnessed ups and downs historical events and the “scar” of time. Truong Tien is a typical symbol of ancient capital land.
In 1897, Truong Tien bridge was given to Eiffel firm (known for building the Eiffel Tower of Paris) of France to design and complete by the Chinese envoy Levecque in 1899. Until now, the bridge has connected the two banks of the Perfume River during the 114 years and has the longer age than Long Bien Bridge of Hanoi (1899-1902).
Truong Tien Bridge has many names: Thanh Thai bridge (the name of Nguyen dynasty contemporary), Clemenceau bridge (name of a prime minister of France during the First World War), Nguyen Hoang bridge (name of Nguyen Lords who has mined to Thuan Hoa from the mid 16th century to early 17th century) and Truong Tien Bridge (Trang Tien) due to its location near the bridge over the Perfume River near mint factory of Nguyen dynasty.
When completed, the bridge with steel girders coronary 6 paces, 402 m long, 6 m wide, bridge deck paved ironwood planks. Over 100 years of history, Truong Tien bridge is still charming on the romantic land and undergone many changes and the painful and ups and downs events of the ancient capital land.
In 1904, the historic storm overturned the steel bridge. Many parts were knocked down to the river. In1906, the bridge was refurbished and sphere was molded in reinforced concrete. In 1937, during the reign of Bao Dai King, the bridge was widen the corridor 2 sides for bicycles and pedestrians, the wide balconies bulge to have sightseeing or avoid the traffic. In 1946, the bridge was collapsed by mine in the Vietnam War – France. In1953, the bridge was completed and repaired. In 1968, Truong Tien bridge was again collapsed to the Perfume river. Until 1991, the Truong Tien bridge was rebuilt again, lasted for 5 years ( 1991-1995 ). In 2002, the bridge was installed lighting system which is modern discolored.
Its location and fate for over 100 years has made Truong Tien bridge become a part of the history of the ancient capital land. Although there are many other bridges spanning the river such as White Tiger Bridge, Phu Xuan Bridge, Bai Dau bridge… Truong Tien bridge is still the most iconic bridges of Hue.
Passing Hue today, tourists still want to go through the Truong Tien bridge to see graceful arched bridges reflecting on the river with the graceful ao dai, the quiet boats under the bridge, the red phoenix flower of Hue.
Source: All Vietnam