An ongoing exchange event on the heritage and development of traditional Chinese wooden arch bridge craftsmanship is running in Taishun county, Wenzhou – a coastal city in East China's Zhejiang province – to Feb 26.
At the event, Olympic champion swimmer Pan Zhanle and Italian sinologist and Wenzhou college professor Bonino Gabriella – whose Chinese name is Tang Yun – were officially appointed as covered bridge ambassadors.
Triumphant moment: A jubilant Pan Zhanle punches the air in victory after a race. [Photo/People's Daily]
Born in Wenzhou in 2004, Pan is a Chinese swimming icon who has represented Zhejiang and the national team. He became the first Asian swimmer since 1932 to win Olympic gold in the men's 100-meter freestyle – holding Olympic, world, Asian and national records.
"Timber arch bridges are a pinnacle of engineering and a treasure of Chinese culture," Pan said, inviting more people to experience their unique charm.
Studious and passionate about covered bridges: Bonino Gabriella, whose Chinese name is Tang Yun. [Photo/ZICC]
Tang, an Italian sinologist and honorary citizen of Wenzhou, is a professor at Wenzhou Business College.
A former producer at China Radio International's Italian-language programs, she won the China News Column Award in 2012 and was named one of Wenzhou's Top 10 Inspiring Figures in 2023.
Both ambassadors will use their influence to raise awareness and support the preservation of these historic bridges.
