Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge
Hubei Sheng
The Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, also known as the Wuhan First Yangtze Bridge, is a landmark double-deck road and rail bridge spanning the Yangtze River in Wuhan, Central China. Completed in 1957, it was the first bridge to cross the Yangtze River and served as a vital transportation link connecting the northern and southern parts of China. The bridge stretches approximately 1.6 kilometers, linking Turtle Hill in Hanyang on the northern bank to Snake Hill in Wuchang on the southern bank. The upper deck carries a four-lane highway facilitating vehicular traffic, while the lower deck supports a double-track railway on the Beijing-Guangzhou railway line. The bridge’s construction overcame decades of delays due to wars and economic constraints, symbolizing China's post-revolution engineering achievements and national unity. Its strategic location in Wuhan, a city formed by the amalgamation of Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang, makes it a critical infrastructure piece that replaced the hazardous ferry crossings previously used for rail transport. The bridge’s design was influenced by early 20th-century British engineering, and its completion marked a milestone in modern Chinese civil engineering. Today, it remains a prominent tourist attraction and an iconic symbol of Wuhan’s urban landscape and industrial heritage.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the bridge during clear weather for the best views of the Yangtze River and Wuhan’s skyline. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer pleasant lighting and cooler temperatures. While the bridge itself is accessible year-round, checking local traffic and railway schedules can enhance the experience. Tickets are not required to view the bridge, but guided tours focusing on its engineering and history may be available in the city. No specific discounts apply, but combining the visit with nearby cultural sites in Wuhan is recommended for a fuller experience.
Interesting facts
- •At its completion in 1957, it was the easternmost crossing of the Yangtze River and was often called the 'First Bridge of the Yangtze'.
- •The bridge is a double-deck structure with an upper highway and a lower railway track, supporting both road and rail traffic simultaneously.
- •The bridge connects Turtle Hill in Hanyang to Snake Hill in Wuchang, spanning about 1.6 kilometers.
- •The design was influenced by the British Forth Bridge, completed in 1890.
- •Before the bridge’s construction, railway cars had to be ferried across the Yangtze, which was dangerous and inefficient.
History
Plans for a bridge over the Yangtze at Wuhan date back to 1910, with multiple surveys conducted between 1913 and 1948 to find a suitable location.
However, construction was delayed by economic limitations, World War II, and the Chinese Civil War.
After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the project was revived as a symbol of the new government's achievements.
Construction began in September 1955 and was completed in October 1957.
The bridge was the first to span the Yangtze River, replacing the previous ferry system that was laborious and risky for rail transport.
The design drew inspiration from the Forth Bridge in Scotland, and engineers like Li Wenji and Mao Yisheng played crucial roles in its realization.
Since its completion, the bridge has been a vital transportation artery and a symbol of Wuhan’s modernization.
Place Guide
Upper Level Highway1957
A two-way, four-lane automobile highway that facilitates vehicular traffic between Wuhan’s northern and southern districts, offering views of the Yangtze River and city skyline.
Lower Level Railway1957
A double-track railway line on the Beijing-Guangzhou railway that allows trains to cross the Yangtze River directly, replacing the former ferry system.