The world’s longest sea crossing bridge, Hangzhou Bridge stands firmly on the Qiantang River. Connecting to Zhenjiadai, Jiaxing, Haiyan city to the north and Ningbo, Located in Shuiluwan city, south of Cixi, Zhejiang region, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge is currently the world’s third-widest trans-oceanic bridge, behind the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge in China, Chengdu and the American Lake Pontchartrain Bridge.
Hangzhou Bay Bridge Facts
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Here are some interesting facts that you should know about the grand bridge, which is an example of grand and amazing architecture.
- Its construction was started on 14 November 2003, and then the Hangzhou Bay Bridge was inaugurated on 26 June 2007 and put into use on 1 May 2008.
- The Hangzhou Bay Bridge has 6-lanes, a maximum speed of 62 miles (100 kilometers) per hour and an estimated lifespan of approximately 100 years.
- The bridge reduces the length between Shanghai and Ningbo by approximately 75 miles (about 120 km), significantly relieving pressure on the congested Ningbo-Hangzhou-Shanghai Highway and the Shanghai-Zhejiang-Jiangsu Highway, while focusing on Shanghai. A 2-hour traffic circle is established.
- It is currently an essential part of the Haikou–Shenyang Highway, the main line of China’s national highway, and the Hangzhou Bay Circle Highway (G92).
hangzhou bay bridge appearance
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The idea of landscape pattern was first adopted in bridge designing. Inspired by the Sudi Bridge on Hangzhou’s West Lake and taking into consideration the mental exercise of drivers, the water conditions of Hangzhou Bay, and passengers, the designers proposed the appearance and location of Hangzhou Bay Bridge. When viewed from above, the bridge appears to be a strong, graceful and dynamic “S”. When viewed from the shore, there are 2 large raised channels to the north and south, where the tide of the Qiantang River and craft can pass, making the deck appear to be actively swaying. The bridge tracks are in rainbow colors, sequentially from north to south purple, blue, blue, green, yellow, orange and red, each color spanning about 3 miles (5 km).
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hangzhou bay bridge leisure platform
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On the southern shore of the South Channel, about 11 miles (18 km) from the south coast, there is a twelve thousand square meter (3 acre) giant leisure platform called “the land between the sea and the sky”. Serving as a shelter stand for maritime operators during the construction phase of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge, so far, this platform is the only scenic spot in the world above the sea. Decorated in white and blue, it includes a tower and a beautiful stage. For the platform, the ticket is CNY50, the tower is CNY60, and the combo is CNY100.
The viewing platform is an approximately 79 feet (24 m) high structure made of stainless steel, surmounted by an eagle with outstretched arms. It has 6 floors: the first and second floors are parking units; The third floor is the central scenic space which houses an open-air spectacular area, a multi-media theatre, an indoor café, a museum, etc. There are restaurants and shops on the fourth floor, and a 5-star hotel on the fifth floor. floors, equipped with a banquet hall and conference room. Access to the sixth floor is restricted to employees only.
The viewing tower is approximately 477.7 feet (145.6 m) tall and is connected to the platform by a 46-yard-long (approximately 42-meter) bridge. Climbing the grand corridor to the 5th or 6th floor, visitors can view the Qiantang River tide, the nearby Hangzhou Bay Wetland and Jiaxing Port.
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Things to do near Hangzhou Bay Bridge
Apart from seeing the bridge and taking rides on it, here are other interesting things that you can do near the bridge on your sightseeing trip.
1. Head to the parks
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About a 5-minute walk away, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge Wetland Park has been beautifully landscaped and maintained since its formation in the 18th century. Children will love traversing the winding paths, crescent-shaped bridges and pavilions, while adults can enjoy the locals’ tradition of “tea sipping” (tai chi) in the adjacent café.
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2. Walk the Su and Bai Causeway
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No trip to West Lake is worth it if you miss a few miles on the famous Su and Bai Causeway. Named after two former governors, Bai Juyi and Su Dongpo, both of China’s favorite poets of literature, the avenue is lined with cherry and plum trees, and is surrounded by lakes on both sides. Take a morning walk, take a ride on an electric visitor shuttle or board a boat for a personal ride across the lake. See traveling rock carvings left by Emperor Qianlong, depicting ten gorgeous views of Hangzhou. Do not plan a trip here on weekends as large numbers of people gather, and hence try to schedule your visit on a weekday.
3. Experience a boat trip in the XIXI Wetlands
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The pleasant weather tempts you to visit Xixi Wetlands, located about a 15-minute walk from West Lake and a 1-hour 30-minute walk from Hangzhou Bay Bridge. This nature reserve is a spectacular expanse of beautiful shady ponds, waterways, fields and an ancient fishing village. Take a boat trip through a network of channels to the community, which is now turned into a beautiful museum. Wander down the quiet streets, see an old village kitchen and visit a sericulture exhibition.
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4. Go back in time
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If your kids want to understand what it feels like to breathe in ancient China, walk down “Qinghefang Old Street” – a historic series of ancient store buildings. The 4-centuries-old Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors Store sells elegantly embedded cuisine knives, and the Hangzhou Wangxingji Fan offers a variety of legendary Chinese fans, from paper to silk and feathers. This bustling street is home to everything that will entertain even children: the slow beating of cobblers with giant hammers, maltose lollipops molded in the shape of sugar figurines and animals drawn by an old artist.
5. Sample the local food
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The regional cuisine at the Jin Sha restaurant inside the hotel is surprisingly kid-friendly. Overlooking a beautiful millpond with old Shanghai decor, the eatery has eleven beautiful separate rooms. Enjoy local dishes like the favorite dongpo pork, steamed pork dumplings with crab meat, crispy spring onion pancakes, crab claw with sturgeon caviar, and stewed, chilled pears with wild rice globules.
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6. Hang out at the pool
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When visiting Hangzhou, take time to enjoy the many amenities the hotel has to offer. Both adults and children have two swimming pools – one indoor and one outside. While the kids play, bask in the hollow steam chambers near the indoor pool; Or reserve a therapy at the gorgeous spa.
walking around hangzhou bay bridge
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Tourists need to reach the service range on the north or south side of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge and then board a shuttle bus. Bus frequency is about 30 minutes, and a ticket is CNY 15 for a round trip.
For self-direct visitors, you need to go to any service area to obtain a parking license and entrance ticket, and then proceed to ride the land between the sky and the sea. The parking fee for heavy vehicles is CNY 15 per hour and CNY10 per hour for light vehicles during weekdays; On holidays and weekends, CNY30 for heavy vehicles and CNY20 for light vehicles.
The normal bridge custom duty is CNY 80. Since there is some length within the entry/exit and the price of the bridge is high, the fee to pass through Hangzhou Bay Bridge is collectively around CNY 135.
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Hangzhou Bay Bridge is a piece of amazing architecture that you must see on your trip to Hong Kong and China. Discover what this part of Asia has to offer you. From quirky cuisine to spectacular attractions, a plethora of unique experiences await you. Plan a trip with your family or friends and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.
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