海洪桥

Slipping through time, imagine Guangzhou in 1933. Excitement crackled in the air. Crowds thronged the banks of the Pearl River. They were witnessing the birth of Haizhu Bridge, the city’s first bridge to span the mighty river. Haizhu Bridge, a marvel of engineering, connected Haizhu District with Yuexiu District. Its steel trusses, stretching 435 meters, symbolized progress and unity. The bridge was more than just a crossing. It was a lifeline, a testament to human ingenuity. Originally called the “Great Iron Bridge over the Pearl River,” its name changed to Haizhu Bridge due to its proximity to Haizhu Rock. The bridge was officially opened with a grand ceremony. Mayor Liu Jiwen delivered a speech, and a plaque inscribed by Kuomintang veteran Hu Hanmin was unveiled. The characters on the plaque, each ten feet tall, proudly declared the bridge’s name. Four times a day, the bridge would open, its electric locks raising the middle section in just five minutes to allow large ships to pass. This innovative feature kept the river traffic flowing while connecting the city. But Haizhu Bridge’s story is not just one of progress. It’s a story of resilience. The bridge endured bombings during the Anti-Japanese War. The Japanese even stole the opening mechanism, shipping it back to Japan. In 1949, the retreating Kuomintang army blew up the bridge, a devastating act that scarred the city. Yet, the people of Guangzhou rebuilt. Despite scarce resources, they salvaged steel and secretly procured more from Hong Kong. By 1950, Haizhu Bridge stood tall once more, a symbol of the city’s indomitable spirit. The bridge continued to evolve, undergoing expansions in 1974 and 1995. Bicycle lanes were added, and the bridge was transformed into a three-hole continuous self-anchored suspension bridge. Even in 2012, Haizhu Bridge received another overhaul, reinforcing its structure and adding features like sidewalks for the blind and commemorative walls. Today, Haizhu Bridge stands as a testament to Guangzhou’s enduring spirit. It’s a bridge through time, carrying the weight of history and the promise of the future.