Bridges are not only a connection between buildings or roads but also a connection between individuals and between past and present. Some bridges have a long history and some are new, Chengdu in particular is a land full of beautiful bridges showcasing unique modern and traditional architecture, they are not only practical but feature as iconic ornaments enhancing the look and style of the city. With Mid-Autumn Festival and National Holiday upon us, we’re going to look at some of the must-see bridges of Chengdu that you can visit during the festivities.
1. Anshun Lang Bridge (安顺廊桥)
The big daddy of them all is the iconic Anshun Lang Bridge of Chengdu, which crosses the Jinjiang River. Any searches of Chengdu on the net and this is sure to be one of the first views you see of the city. The name of the bridge literally translates as ‘the bridge of peace and propitiousness’ meaning to flow peacefully and smoothly without obstacles. And it is indeed a great spot to relax and for a lovely stroll by the riverside.
The bridge has a long history and was originally built in 1746 during the Yuan Dynasty. During the 13th century the great explorer Marco Polo came here and noted in his diaries how the bridge left a deep impression on him. The bridge’s design is typical of traditional Chinese architecture and it features waterbeast statues on either side which were believed to prevent floods by the ancient Chinese.
After being damaged by a flood, the bridge was reconstructed in 2003 and now houses a fancy restaurant. The bridge looks even more beautiful lit up at night and is located in one of the most popular areas for night life in the city – the Jiuyanqiao area. Besides the bridge is a street filled with bars and restaurants, and it's usually very busy and lively in the evening. On some days, you can even take a boat tour across the river to see the bridge.
2. Wuchazi Bridge (五岔子大桥)
The Wuchazi Bridge only opened on the eve of 2020 and immediately became popular and went viral across China due to its unique and elegant design. The pedestrian bridge consists of two bridges to form the infinity symbol, inspired by the moebius strip, creating an infinite meandering path crossing the Fuhe River in the High-Tech Zone of Chengdu. It is representative of the unlimited possibilities that lie in the area and upward trajectory of the city as a trendy and fashionable world location. From above it also looks like the number 8 which is very lucky in China.
The bridge connects the Century City Convention and Exhibition Center with the surrounding areas and is a wonderful part of the urban landscape, inviting many phtoographers and internet celebrities. Each evening and particularly on weekends the bridge is flocked with people. The bridge’s purpose was not just to be a practical piece of engineering but a recreational destination. Locals gather here to sit on the steps and relax, listen to music and dance, or cycle on their bikes. A stroll across the higher route of the bridge offers a nice panoramic view of the nearby Global Center. Of course during the night the bridge is also wonderfully lit up, it’s well worth a visit.
3. Chengdu Jiaozi Ring（交子之环）
Another of the more recent bridges in Chengdu making it one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country is the enormously popular Chengdu Jiaozi Ring bridge. In typical China red colour and as the name suggests, the bridge is a ring constructed above a four-way junction in the financial district of the High-Tech Zone, crossing Jiaozi Avenue and Yizhou Avenue. The bridge’s design takes its inspiration from ‘jiaozi’, the earliest paper money in the world, originating in Chengdu during the Northern Song Dynasty. The elegant design of the ring resembles the pattern of the copper coins printed on the ‘jiaozi’ banknotes, and the curves and lines of the bridge show the lightness and softness of the notes.
The Chengdu Jiaozi Ring is a multipurpose bridge, not only a landscape bridge for pedestrian crossing but also a public art installation with a thriving art scene. Located opposite the Chengdu Jiaozi Twin towers, forming a new lansdacpe of a ring and two towers on Jiaozi Avenue, the bridge has become a municipal landmark for visitors to come to take photos and watch the extraordinary pyrotechnic light show adorning the twin towers in the evening.
4. Mushroom Bridge（蘑菇桥）
You can decide if the next bridge is beautiful or ugly but it’s certainly unique. The Old Chengren Bridge otherwise known as the Mushroom Bridge by locals is not actually old at all but is located next to Old Chengren Road of the High-Tech Zone and crosses the Jinjiang River. Constructed in 2019, it was given its nickname due to its design of two mushroom shaped umbrellas on the bridge deck which are both ornamental and practical. During the summer months you can escape the sun by sitting in the shade on the benches beneath the umbrellas. The unique mushroom umbrella shape is more prominent under the lighting in the night. The pedestrian bridge has solved the pedestrian traffic problem in Zhonghe District and High-Tech Zone, now it takes less than 10 minutes to cycle from Zhonghe to the Software Park, greatly facilitating residents on both sides of the Jinjiang River.
For even more bridges in Chengdu, try cycling along the Tianfu Greenway.
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