Xinghai Bay Bridge Dalian China | Travel Guide, Night View & Viewpoint Spots

Xinghai Bay Bridge

Stretching elegantly across the blue waters of Dalian, the Xinghai Bay Bridge (星海湾大桥) is more than just a transportation link; it is a defining symbol of modern Chinese engineering and a breathtaking masterpiece of architecture. This iconic bridge has become a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Liaoning Province, offering unparalleled views and incredible photo opportunities.

If you're planning a trip to Dalian or are simply fascinated by world-class bridges, this ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about the magnificent Xinghai Bay Bridge.

Basic information of Xinghai Bay Bridge

Completed in 2015, the Xinghai Bay Bridge was designed to alleviate city traffic and connect the bustling downtown Dalian with the developing area of Huangpu Road. Its construction was a monumental task that resulted in a world-record holder.

Record-Breaking Structure: Upon its completion, it was recognized as the world's longest cross-sea bridge built with offshore piling foundations, a testament to its innovative engineering.

Impressions Dimensions: The bridge spans an incredible 6.8 kilometers (over 4.2 miles) across Xinghai Bay. It features a dual-level design, with the upper deck for outbound vehicles and the lower deck for inbound traffic, efficiently managing a high flow of cars.

Stunning Architecture: The bridge's design isn't just functional; it's beautiful. Its sweeping cables and towering piers create a harmonious silhouette against the Dalian skyline, making it especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

Visiting the Xinghai Bay Bridge is a highlight of any Dalian itinerary. Here’s what you can do:

1. Drive Across for Panoramic Views

The most direct way to experience the bridge is by driving across it. The journey offers sweeping, 360-degree views of the vast Yellow Sea, the modern skyscrapers of Dalian, and the surrounding green hills. It’s a thrilling and scenic drive.

2. Walk the Pedestrian Pathway

For a more immersive experience, take advantage of the dedicated pedestrian walkway. A walk across the entire bridge takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but even a short stroll provides some of the best vantage points for photography and sightseeing in the city.

3. Capture Stunning Photography

The bridge is a photographer's dream. Key spots to capture its grandeur include:

Xinghai Square: The large public square at the bridge's northern end offers a classic, wide-angle shot of the entire structure stretching out to sea.

The nearby hills: For an elevated, panoramic view, hike up one of the small hills in the surrounding area, such as in the Forest Zoo.

At night: The bridge is adorned with an impressive LED light show after dark. The colorful, dynamic lights reflecting on the water create a truly magical spectacle.

4. Enjoy the Surrounding Attractions

Your visit to the bridge can easily be combined with other top Dalian attractions:

Xinghai Square: The largest city square in the world, perfect for kite flying and people-watching.

Dalian Forest Zoo: Located near the south end of the bridge.

Dalian beaches: Relax on the sandy shores beside the bridge.

Location: Xinghai Bay, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.

How to Get There: The bridge is easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services from anywhere in Dalian. Public buses also stop near Xinghai Square.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn offer the most comfortable weather and clear skies. For the best light for photography, aim for early morning or late afternoon. Stay after sunset to see the spectacular light show.

How long is the Xinghai Bay Bridge?

The bridge is approximately 6.8 kilometers (4.2 miles) long.

Can you walk on the Xinghai Bay Bridge?

Yes, there is a safe, designated pedestrian walkway for visitors to walk or cycle across.

What is the best time to see the Xinghai Bay Bridge lights?

The LED lights typically turn on after dusk and remain on for several hours every night.

Why was the Xinghai Bay Bridge built?

It was primarily built to reduce traffic congestion in downtown Dalian and to improve connectivity between the urban center and the areas south of the bay.

The Xinghai Bay Bridge is a powerful symbol of Dalian's progress and ambition. It seamlessly blends raw engineering power with stunning aesthetic beauty. Whether you drive across it, walk its length, or simply admire it from the shore, the bridge promises an unforgettable experience and a quintessential Dalian moment.

Ready to explore Dalian's iconic landmark? Start planning your trip today and witness the majestic beauty of the Xinghai Bay Bridge for yourself!

The main bridge is 820 meters, of which the main span is 460 meters and the side spans on both sides are 180 meters. It is the longest sea crossing bridge project in Northeast China and the first sea crossing bridge with ground anchor suspension in China. The bridge starts from jinyinshan on the east side of Dalian Golden Beach in the East, crosses Xinghaiwan in the west, and lands in the reclamation area of high tech park. After completion, it will become an important part of Dalian's "seven vertical and seven horizontal" road network. Xinghaiwan bridge was officially opened on October 30, 2015.

Xinghai Bay Bridge

Xinghai Bay Bridge is a cross sea passage connecting Shahekou District and Xigang District in Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China. It is located in the Yellow Sea and is a part of the main urban road in Eastern Liaoning Province.

The construction of Xinghaiwan bridge started in October 2011;

The closure project was completed on January 5, 2015;

It was put into operation on October 30, 2015.

Xinghaiwan bridge starts from Huantao road in Ganjingzi District in the west, crosses the Yellow Sea in the upper part, and ends at Binhai West Road in Xigang District in the East. The total length of the line is 6 km, and the total length of the main bridge is 460 M. the two deck is a two-way four lane urban expressway with a design speed of 60 km / h.

Construction process

In October 2011, the construction of Xinghai Bay Bridge started.

On February 8, 2012, the excavation of caisson foundation trench of Xinghaiwan bridge was carried out.

On December 6, 2013, the girder box installation project of Xinghaiwan bridge was carried out;

On December 26, the main tower capping project of Xinghaiwan bridge was completed.

On May 24, 2014, the cable installation project of Xinghaiwan bridge was carried out.

On January 5, 2015, the closure project of Xinghaiwan bridge was completed;

On June 24, Xinghaiwan bridge was completed;

On October 30, Xinghaiwan bridge was put into operation.

Bridge location

Xinghaiwan bridge is located in Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China, 1 km south of Xinghai Square. The bridge starts from the intersection of Renshui street, Huantao Road, Ganjingzi District in the west, crosses the Yellow Sea in the upper part, and ends at the east side of Jinshan Beach on Binhai West Road, Xigang District in the East. The upper deck runs from east to west, the lower deck runs from west to East, and the west entrance and exit is located in the high tech park. The main line of the east section of the bridge connects with the northeast through the tunnel The ramp in the east section is connected with Binhai Road, and the west section can connect Lushun South Road, high tech park and other roads.

Architectural design

building structure

Overall layout

Xinghai Bay is composed of main bridge on water, East approach bridge, East connecting line, west approach bridge and its interchange ramps. The section of main bridge runs in S-shape curve on the sea surface and is arranged from west to East.

Design concept

Xinghai Bay Bridge passes through the southern sea area of Xinghai Bay Square. As Xinghai Square is the main tourist attraction of Dalian City, the landscape effect of the bridge occupies an important position. Therefore, in the design process of the bridge, the landscape and environmental protection requirements are considered on the basis of ensuring the use function and not increasing the cost. Firstly, the main bridge is about 1km away from Xinghai Square, and the main bridge is parallel to the sea In this way, the traffic on the bridge will not interfere with the tourists and the environment on the shore. At the same time, for tourists, the Xinghaiwan bridge has a suitable distance and can become a landscape.

Design features

Design parameters

Xinghaiwan bridge is 6 km long and 460 m long, with a span arrangement of (180 + 460 + 180) M. the bottom of the beam in the middle of the span is 30 m away from the sea. The upper deck of the main bridge is 21 m wide and the lower deck is 17 m wide. In the approach part, the span of the double deck approach bridge is 50 m, the other part is 44 m, and the span of the single deck approach bridge is 44.5 M. The pylon is 114.31 meters high, and the bearing platform under the pylon is supported by 12 bored piles of 2.5 meters. The size of the bearing platform is 17.2 meters x 23.5 meters x 6.0 meters. The total weight of the main cable is 2560 tons, and each main cable has 7747 wires, about 949 meters in length. Each main cable is composed of 61 parallel wire strands with a diameter of 5.2 mm, and the suspender is made of 73 parallel wire strands with a diameter of 7 mm.

Equipment and facilities

Traffic monitoring

As of March 2019, the main bridge of Xinghaiwan bridge has been equipped with automatic capture equipment to realize 24-hour intelligent patrol and automatic capture function, and the monitoring range basically covers the whole upper section of the main bridge.

lighting

On October 1, 2015, Xinghaiwan bridge staged the light show of the cross sea bridge, decorated with 30000 landscape lights, all of which are led full-color lamps. Through computer control, it can adjust the light intensity according to the different collocation of red, green and blue primary colors, realizing more than 16 million colors.

Operation

Fare system

Since October 30, 2015, Xinghaiwan bridge has been put into operation, and the toll system will not be implemented for the whole bridge section.

Traffic matters

As of May 2019, the Xinghaiwan bridge will be closed to trucks of 4.5 tons and above all day long, and restricted to trucks of 4.5 tons and below from 6:30 to 8:30, and from 16:30 to 19:00 (morning and evening peak).

Construction achievements

Technical problems

In the design and construction of the main bridge of Xinghaiwan bridge, many advanced technologies are adopted

1. The anchorage foundation adopts integral caisson and gravel grouting technology, which can bear the huge horizontal force and seismic force of the main cable;

2. The steel truss adopts integral joint, which has simple connection and good anti fatigue performance;

3. In order to improve the durability of the cable system, the main cable adopts the anti-corrosion system combined with the traditional anti-corrosion system.

Cultural characteristics

Xinghai Square

Xinghai Bay Bridge is located 1 km to the south of Xinghai Square, and together with it, it will build a scenic spot in Dalian city.

Xinghai Square is located in the coastal scenic spot in the south of Dalian City, Liaoning Province. It was built in 1997. The design fully integrates the traditional Chinese culture. It is a key project to commemorate the return of Hong Kong to China at that time.

Value significance

Xinghaiwan bridge is the first large-span double deck suspension bridge with anchorage built on the sea in China. After completion, it will become a new tourist attraction in Xinghaiwan and a new landmark building in Dalian. The project of South Binhai Avenue has a large scale and complex site conditions, especially the construction of anchorage on the sea is very difficult, the design work involves many aspects and the task is arduous Construction of suspension bridge in the sea provides valuable experience.

Address: Binhai Avenue, Shahekou District, Dalian

Longitude: 121.82473933862

Latitude: 39.379218973154