SAEDNEWS: Shanghai’s Nanpu Bridge, 8,346 meters long, features a unique circular spiral ramp that rises 46 meters, connecting east and west Huangpu River. A symbol of the city’s modern growth, its night lighting creates a stunning spectacle.
According to the Science Service of SaedNews, the Nanpu Bridge in Shanghai, China, is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering and urban architecture in the world.
Nanpu Bridge, Shanghai’s first concrete cable-stayed bridge, connects the Pudong and Puxi districts across the Huangpu River. Completed and opened in 1991, its design and construction posed a major engineering challenge while offering an ingenious architectural solution to the city’s limited space.
Cable-Stayed Design: The main bridge is a cable-stayed structure, spanning a total of 8,346 meters, including access ramps, with a central section measuring 846 meters. At the time of construction, it was one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world.
H-Shaped Towers: The bridge is supported by two 150-meter-tall H-shaped towers. Strong steel cables suspend the bridge deck 46 meters above the river, allowing uninterrupted maritime traffic on the busy Huangpu River.
Steel and Concrete Construction: The bridge deck combines steel and concrete, providing high strength and durability.
Spiral Approach Ramp: The bridge’s most distinctive feature is its spiral access ramp, visible in aerial views. This circular ramp was a creative architectural solution to overcome the limited urban space in the Puxi district.
Space Management: To achieve the necessary 46-meter clearance for ships while connecting to the main bridge in a confined urban area, engineers designed a 423-meter-diameter circular ramp instead of a long, straight incline. This clever approach concentrated the elevation gain within a small footprint, preserving valuable land.
Symbolism: From above, the bridge’s design is said to evoke two dragons at play—a meaningful symbol in Chinese culture.
Illumination: At night, artistic lighting highlights the bridge’s unique form, transforming it into one of Shanghai’s most iconic and visually stunning landmarks.
