Project Background
Yuandang, located on the border between Shanghai and Jiangsu, lies adjacent to Dianshan Lake. Due to siltation from Lutan, it has effectively become a sub-lake of Dianshan Lake. The region features a dense water network and numerous villages. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are separated by only a narrow water channel, transportation and communication have historically been inconvenient.
Today, the Yuandang Bridge (hereafter referred to as “Yuandang Bridge”) connects Qingpu in Shanghai and Wujiang in Jiangsu, accelerating the development of the Yangtze River Delta Integration Demonstration Zone. Notably, this bridge is the first newly constructed slow bridge within the demonstration area.
Design Concept: Integrating Local Elements
The Yuandang Bridge spans 586 meters in total length and is designed around the concept of a “concentric structure,” representing the collaborative governance vision between Qingpu and Wujiang. The bridge’s body resembles a flowing ribbon, with railings inspired by the gentle waves of the lake. These soft wave motifs echo the natural water movement on Yuandang Lake.
The pavilion features Taihu Lake stones, drawing inspiration from traditional local sculpture. The design utilizes contemporary digital modeling and fabrication techniques to create a porous wall that doubles as a sculptural element and a playful space.
The bridge incorporates green planting both on and beneath its structure, continuing the ecological planting themes of the parks on either side. Local flora and fauna were carefully considered, blending trees and shrubs into the bridge to create a floating garden linking both banks. This thoughtful integration with the surrounding environment makes the bridge a unique landscape feature on Yuandang Lake.
Additionally, Yuandang Bridge connects nearby tourist attractions such as Qianfan Guidu, Xianmeng Yuntai, and Fenhu Eye, forming a continuous ecological trail.
Experience Unique Scenery: Distinct Linear Layout
The standard cross-section of the Yuandang Bridge deck measures 6 meters in total, divided into three linear sections: a 2-meter pedestrian walkway, a 2-meter green belt, and a 2-meter bicycle lane. These sections accommodate cycling, slow traffic, and greenery, interweaving various atmospheres and scenarios along the bridge deck.
Along the travel direction, pedestrians and cyclists follow separate routes divided by the green belt, enhancing safety and supporting healthy lifestyles for local residents. The bridge features three widened sections where the paths merge, each equipped with leisure benches, observation platforms, and landscape pavilions for visitors to rest and enjoy the lake views.
This route design reflects the dynamic visual culture of the Jiangnan region, blending tourism, natural beauty, and cultural richness. The alternating experiences of sightseeing and movement fully capture the enchanting scenery of Yuandang Lake.
Conclusion
Yuandang Bridge is a dynamic integration of ecology, transportation, landscape, and culture. Its construction maintains the continuity of ecological landscapes between Wujiang and Qingpu, creating a harmonious blue-green slow-movement network that enhances the environmental quality around Yuandang Lake.
This bridge not only connects the blue-green systems of the two regions but also fulfills local residents’ needs for tourism, leisure, and sightseeing.
Project Drawings
△ General layout plan
△ Landscape Pavilion
Project Information
Status: Completed in 2020
Location: Qingpu, Shanghai and Wujiang, Jiangsu, China
Year: 2020
Type: Urban Design, Public Landscape
Functions: Slow Bridge, Landscape Pavilion, Bicycle Path
BAU Project Team:
Project Leader: Huang Fang
Team Members: Pan Linlu, Zhu Qizhen, Yan Xiaoqian, Guo Liexia, Shi Zhengting, Sheng Bailu, Zhao Zhen, Peng Li (Structure), Kong Yang (Structure)
Investor and Builder: China Three Gorges Corporation
Clients: Construction Bureau of Fenhu High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Jiangsu Province; Water Resources Management Office of Qingpu District, Shanghai
General Coordination: Executive Committee of the Yangtze River Delta Ecological Green Integration Development Demonstration Zone
EPC Lead: Shanghai Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd
Construction Unit: CCCC Shanghai Navigation Bureau Co., Ltd
Photography by Zhu Runzi
Video by Dera (Construction materials from CCCC Shanghai Navigation Bureau Co., Ltd.)
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up