Chongqing—"Chongqing now boasts over 20,000 bridges, which serve as vital transportation routes. About 60% of our residents cross at least two bridges daily during their commute," said Xi Hong, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Commission, at the Press Conference for "This is Chongqing, China's Bridge Capital," held on April 26 at the Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge.
Chongqing now boasts over 20,000 bridges. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)
Xi emphasized Chongqing's impact globally, highlighting its 17 world records in bridge construction. Notable examples include the Chaotianmen Bridge, the world's largest steel arch bridge span, and the Huangjuetuo Bridge, soon to be the largest dual-use suspension bridge for road and rail.
Xiang Zhongfu, a professor at Chongqing Jiaotong University, clarified why Chongqing is known as China's Bridge Capital. He noted that the city's landscape, split by the Yangtze, Jialing, and Wujiang rivers, requires many bridges for effective land transport, making them crucial to its infrastructure.
Besides, Xiang emphasized Chongqing's significant progress in bridge technology, aesthetics, and cultural integration over the last twenty years, affirming that the city has rightfully earned its title as China's Bridge Capital.
Hongyan Village Jialing River Bridge. (Photo/T. Y. Lin International (China))
The press conference, led by Jiang Zhonggui, Chief Designer at T.Y. Lin International (China), discussed Chongqing's bridge design innovations. Jiang explained, "Innovation in our bridges stems from the unique needs created by our geographic and urban layout. Being a mountainous city requires us to think creatively to meet transportation demands."
Jiang also outlined Chongqing's specific engineering challenges, including the need for large bridge spans due to the city's narrow rivers and fluctuating water levels. He added, "The complexity of integrating rail, slow traffic, and rapid transit systems across these spans illustrates our unique approach to urban transport infrastructure.”
Earlier in the year, the Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge caught the public's imagination with its futuristic design, drawing comparisons to "Star Trek" and becoming a viral sensation.
As dusk settled, the lights at the Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge began to illuminate. (Photo/Zheng Ran)
Du Chunlin, the Bridge Chief Engineer from Chongqing Municipal Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., detailed the design philosophy. "The concept was inspired by water, which is essential to life and symbolic of wealth, fitting Chongqing's identity. The design features a water droplet-shaped tower, which tapers from top to bottom, creating a visually impactful structure," he explained.
To further modernize the Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge's appearance, the design includes a "time travel hole," adding a contemporary twist and new meaning to the bridge. Du also noted the bridge's nighttime appeal, enhanced by over 1,000 strategically placed lights highlighting its dynamic structure and vibrant colors.