An incredible 22.4 mile-long bridge which is a remarkable feat of modern engineering connects two major beautiful cities. The Hangzhou Bay Bridge is one of the longest trans-oceanic bridges in the world.
Located in eastern China, it spans 36 kilometers (22.4 miles) across Hangzhou Bay, connecting the cities of Jiaxing and Ningbo in Zhejiang Province.
The bridge significantly shortens travel time between Ningbo and Shanghai, promoting economic integration in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Opened in 2007, the bridge was built at a cost of whooping £1.2 billion. However, it was made operational for the public from 2009.
The bridge is a six-lane highway designed to endure strong tidal forces, high winds, and seismic activity. It includes a mid-span service platform with a rest area, observation deck, and facilities for tourists.
One of the most distinctive features of the bridge is the loose S-shaped curve that enhances its structural stability against strong tidal forces and winds while providing aesthetic appeal.
The bridge is divided into nine parts, including approach roads at both ends and incorporates two cable-stayed bridges for navigation clearance.
The bridge's 33-metre-wide deck accommodates six lanes (three in each direction) and handles over 50,000 vehicles daily.
Several facilities are placed in and around the bridge including a fuel station, rest areas, a restaurant, hotel, conference venue, and a viewing tower for observing tidal movements.
Commuters who have been on the bridge have shared their experiences on the TripAdvisor forum. One person wrote: “The bridge is really something in terms of length – 36 km and the time it took to build – 4 years and 4 months. Sure, there are no real views due to it being relatively low above the bay and also the pollution – but still worth traveling across – if you want to get to Ningbo! If you are traveling across, stop at the viewing platform half way.
“Don't go up the tower as you can't see too much, but go on the platform and DO go to the museum which tells you all about the bridge construction, the planning, materials, funding and some local history. I think you will understand more not only about the bridge but about the national pride that these big engineering projects mean in the hearts and minds of the Chinese people.”
A secone user said: “Undoubtedly this is a great engineering and technological achievement, and if you're in Shanghai area, definitely worth seeing. I have crossed it 4 times so far, and because I'm doing some business with factories in the area, I'm going to cross it again soon in the future. Definitely I'm looking forward to it, although it bothers me the fact that many times there is fog, that covers a big part of the bridge, and blocks your view.”