Shanghai is full of spectacular night scenes but Nanpu Bridge is the most fascinating with its distinct structure. This spiral bridge is identified as a wonder in the bridge construction of the world.
The distinctive feature of the Nanpu Bridge is its spiral design, which corkscrews up to great views along the Huangpu River. Drivers often remark that they can feel the G force pulling them from side to side as they wind around the bridge. The two meter wide sidewalks on each side of this bridge are useful for people to go sightseeing. Visitors can also take the elevator to the main bridge to enjoy the beautiful scenery on the Huangpu River, especially at night.
The Nanpu Bridge is the world’s fourth longest cable stayed bridge. This is also the first girder bridge of Shanghai with a structural composition of steel and concrete. The purpose of the circular design of the bridge was to reduce the amount of land used.
To support main girders, two “H”-shape concrete towers, each of 150m high are set up on both banks, with 22 pairs of steel cables being arranged in fan pattern.
The bridge is divided into six vehicle lanes with sidewalks on both sides along the bridge. The speed limit is 40 kms per hour on Nanpu Bridge.
The Nanpu Bridge is also called as the sister bridge of the Yangpu Bridge, which is also one of the main bridges in Shanghai. With total length of 8,346 meter, Nanpu Bridge looks like a dragon lying across the Huangpu River.
