“Have you ever wondered,” I ask, gesturing toward the magnificent Xinyang Bridge, “how modern engineering can transform a city’s landscape?”
The Xinyang Bridge, or Xinshougang Bridge, is not just a crossing. It is an epic display of modern engineering. It spans the Yongding River in western Beijing. Inaugurated in September 2019, the Xinyang Bridge quickly became one of Beijing’s must-see places.
This bridge represents the last stretch of a 600-year-old road. It connects Beijing’s urban and suburban areas. The aim was speeding up transit to the city center. The bridge is 639 metres long. It is almost 55 metres wide at its broadest point. It has eight lanes. Its main span reaches a height of 280 metres.
Looking north from the Xinyang Bridge, you can spot the industrial relics of Shougang Park. You can see the Big Air Shougang. This is a ski jump used in the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. To the south, you can spot the Yongding Tower. It stands tall in Beijing Garden Expo Park.
The Xinyang Bridge was built by China Railway Baoji Bridge Group. It is under the China Railway Group Limited. The bridge crosses Shougang Industrial Park. This park was once the hub of China’s steel industry. Now, it is the new site of the 2022 Winter Olympics.
The design team implemented the application technology of curved steel sheeting. They used the digital design of the entire process and digital manufacturing technology. The result is a new rigid-structure composite system with tie rods. It consists of two asymmetrically-inclined steel towers. These symbolize gates connecting the city with nature. The bridge also features separate steel beams in varying profiles.
The lighting project was curated by the Beijing Municipal Engineering Design Research Institute. They collaborated with the Frontera Lighting Design studio in Beijing. They used Linea Light Group professional solutions. On both sides of the spans, Prolamp RGBW projectors create plays of light. These lights create evocative multicolour scenographies.
Beret recessed ground spotlights illuminate the pedestrian passageway. They are small and robust. They utilize AquaStop technology. Paseo transparent polycarbonate bars shine light on the entire lower part of the bridge. These bars are also found along the handrails of the lateral stairways.
Following a rain shower, many people flock to the Xinyang Bridge. They come on their bikes and by foot to enjoy the sunset. Photographers and cyclists alike love this spot.
The Xinyang Bridge received the Award of Merit in the Bridge/Tunnel category in July 2020. This authentic jewel represents the connection between urban life and natural beauty. Take a moment to appreciate this blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal before we move on.