According to the People’s Daily (China), the uniquely designed and magnificent droplet-shaped tower of the Bai Cu Zi Bridge over the Yangtze River in Chongqing City – designed by the Chongqing Urban Design Institute under the Chongqing Design Group – resembles something straight out of the famous Hollywood science fiction film “Interstellar.”
Bai Cu Zi Bridge has become a popular topic among Chinese internet users, attracting many locals and tourists to snap photos and check-in, experiencing the charm of Chongqing – often referred to as the “City of Bridges.”
Bai Cu Zi Bridge over the Yangtze River. (Photo: Chongqing Design Group).
As reported by the People’s Daily, the construction of the Bai Cu Zi Bridge is a key project in Chongqing, significantly contributing to the completion of the multidimensional urban transportation system in the city.
Since its opening in January 2022, the Bai Cu Zi Bridge has effectively improved traffic for residents of the Ba Nan and Da Du Kou districts of Chongqing, shortening travel time between the two districts from over 30 minutes to just 10 minutes, promoting cultural exchange and integration in the Yangtze River Cultural and Arts Bay Area of the city, while accelerating the development of Chongqing as a national central city in China.
Bai Cu Zi Bridge over the Yangtze River. (Photo: Chongqing Design Group).
The Longest Bridge Span in the World
The Bai Cu Zi Bridge has a total length of 1,384 meters, with a main span of 660 meters, making it the longest cable-stayed bridge that combines road and rail in the world. The upper level features an 8-lane, two-way urban expressway, while the lower level is part of Chongqing’s Line 18 railway.
The Tallest Bridge Tower in Chongqing
According to the People’s Daily, the Bai Cu Zi Bridge’s tower stands at 236 meters, making it the tallest bridge tower in Chongqing, equivalent to the height of an 84-story building. The droplet-shaped design of the tower reflects the culture of “born from water, thriving through water, and beautiful because of water” in Chongqing, representing a modern design that fully understands the city’s long-standing water culture.
The Bai Cu Zi Bridge also enhances the reputation of Chongqing as the “City of Bridges,” ushering in a new era of modern and artistic bridges.
Tourists taking photos under the bridge. (Photo: Xinhua).
More Steel Used Than the Bird’s Nest Stadium
The People’s Daily reports that approximately 45,000 tons of steel were used to construct the Bai Cu Zi Bridge, surpassing the amount used in Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium. This includes thousands of steel bars divided into 16 types and nearly 1,000 steel beams categorized into four types.
Since the Bai Cu Zi Bridge was completed and put into operation, this architectural marvel has brought substantial economic and social benefits to the Yangtze River Cultural and Arts Bay Area. The movement of goods and the commuting of residents have become significantly more convenient, boosting trade and economic development not only in Chongqing but also spreading to the entire Southwestern region of China.
Additionally, the Bai Cu Zi Bridge has become a new check-in spot, attracting many locals and tourists eager to admire its engineering and architectural beauty reminiscent of the famous science fiction film “Interstellar.”
According to the People’s Daily, the bridges – unique landmarks of Chongqing – are always associated with the city’s development. In recent years, the Chongqing Design Group has continuously worked to enhance its bridge design capabilities, having designed over 10 river-crossing bridges, including the Bai Cu Zi Bridge, Huang Jiao Da Bridge, and Huang Jiao Ping Bridge over the Yangtze River, as well as the Chai Jia Bridge over the Jia Lang River, setting numerous records in China and worldwide.
