Zhongshan Bridge is located in Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, spanning the Yellow River. It is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level and a core scenic spot of the 4A-level national tourist attraction Lanzhou Yellow River Custom Line. First built in 1907, the bridge has a total length of 233.33 meters and a total width of 7.5 meters, featuring a 5-span arched steel beam structure. Its piers are constructed with granite ashlar stones, with a single span of 45.9 meters. The overall controlled area of the scenic spot stretches along both banks of the Yellow River, covering the bridge proper, north and south bridgehead squares and supporting riverside walkways, with a total sightseeing area of approximately 28,000 square meters. As the earliest modern steel bridge built over the Yellow River, Zhongshan Bridge is reputed as "The First Bridge over the Yellow River". It integrates Western modern bridge construction techniques with the unique humanistic scenery of the Yellow River in Northwest China. Serving as a carrier of transportation heritage, historical research and riverside sightseeing, it stands as a city landmark of Lanzhou and an iconic building of Yellow River culture.
History and Culture
In the 33rd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty, the Qing government signed a construction contract with Germany's Tai Lai Foreign Firm. American bridge engineer Jacob Melvin and German engineer De Rohr were hired to oversee the design and construction. All steel materials for the project were imported from Germany, while stones were quarried locally from green stone mountains around Lanzhou. The bridge was completed and opened to traffic in 1909, originally named "Lanzhou Yellow River Iron Bridge". The total construction cost reached 306,691 taels, 9 maces, 3 candareens and 4 liangs of silver.
In 1928, to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Gansu Provincial Government officially renamed the bridge Zhongshan Bridge, a name that has been used to this day. The bridge underwent multiple reinforcement and maintenance works between 1942 and 1954. Large-scale reinforcement and reconstruction were carried out in 1954, with curved steel frames added to improve structural stability and address problems including steel beam corrosion and insufficient deck load capacity.
In 1986, the Lanzhou Municipal Government issued control regulations banning motor vehicles from passing over Zhongshan Bridge, transforming it into a pedestrian-only sightseeing bridge. In 2006, Zhongshan Bridge was included in the sixth batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level by the State Council. Over more than a hundred years, the bridge has witnessed the changes in commerce, transportation and urban development of Lanzhou. It is a physical relic embodying the integration of the Silk Road and Yellow River civilizations, bearing historical value for modern Northwest industry and Sino-Western engineering technology exchanges.
Main Attractions
Main Body of Zhongshan Bridge
The bridge is a five-span through steel truss arch bridge with a total length of 233.33 meters. Its deck is paved with solid wood, flanked by cast iron carved railings. The piers are trapezoidal stone bases sinking deep into the Yellow River riverbed. Markings cast by the original German manufacturer are carved on steel beam components, and the century-old steel structure remains well-preserved. Only pedestrians are allowed on the deck. Standing on the bridge, visitors can get a close view of the surging Yellow River and overlook the White Pagoda Mountain as well as urban building clusters on both river banks, making this the core viewing spot.
North Bank White Pagoda Mountain Viewing Platform
Located at the northern end of Zhongshan Bridge and directly connected to the bridge, this open viewing platform is built at the foot of White Pagoda Mountain, covering an area of about 1,200 square meters. It offers unobstructed panoramic views of the entire Zhongshan Bridge and the main stream of the Yellow River. Equipped with antique-style covered corridors and stone steps for rest, the platform leads straight to the White Pagoda Temple Scenic Area to the north and is the optimal spot for full-shot photography of Zhongshan Bridge.
South Bank Yellow River Mother Cultural Square
Situated in the square area at the southern end of Zhongshan Bridge, the square spans approximately 11,000 square meters. It features Yellow River cultural reliefs, stone carvings recording the century-long history of the iron bridge and leisure green walkways. The stone carvings fully document the complete historical timeline of Zhongshan Bridge’s construction, renaming and renovations. Furnished with rest benches and cultural tourism display billboards, the square serves as the main hub for tourist gathering and photo-taking.
Yellow River Riverside Walkway
The walkway winds around Zhongshan Bridge along both banks of the Yellow River with a total length of around 1.6 kilometers. Its pavement is laid with anti-slip stones, lined with viewing stone steps and waterfront platforms. The walkway connects scenic spots including Zhongshan Bridge, Waterwheel Expo Park and Yellow River Cableway. Visitors can experience the charm of the Yellow River up close while walking, and supporting night landscape light strips deliver outstanding views at dusk and night.
Tour Route
Tourist Distribution Center → South Bank Yellow River Mother Cultural Square → Main Body of Zhongshan Bridge → North Bank White Pagoda Mountain Viewing Platform → Footpath at the Foot of White Pagoda Mountain → Southern Section of Yellow River Riverside Walkway → Exit for Return Trip
Travel Tips
- The best visiting hours are 7:00–9:00 in the morning and 18:00–21:00 in the evening. Soft morning light is ideal for full-bridge photography, while visitors can admire Yellow River sunsets and the bridge’s light scenery at dusk.
- A full tour of Zhongshan Bridge and surrounding supporting landscapes takes about 1.5 to 2 hours; reserve 3 hours if planning to climb White Pagoda Mountain as well.
- Bring wide-angle photography equipment. The north bank viewing platform offers the best angle for full views of Zhongshan Bridge, while the deck suits close-up shots of steel structure details and Yellow River currents.
- Visit the historical stone carvings on the south bank during the tour to read century-old construction records of the bridge, suitable for cultural research-themed sightseeing focused on Yellow River culture.
- The Yellow River enters flood season from June to August with rapid currents. Prioritize viewing from the gentle middle section of the deck and avoid lingering by the railing edges for long periods.
Precautions
- All motor and non-motor vehicles are prohibited from entering Zhongshan Bridge. Bicycles and electric scooters must be parked in designated parking zones at the north and south squares.
- The cast iron railings of the bridge bear century-old weathering marks. Climbing or shaking the railings is forbidden, as is littering or throwing stones into the Yellow River to protect the aquatic environment.
- The bridge deck is crowded with visitors during the nightly lighting hours (19:00–23:00). Keep close watch on the elderly and children to prevent stampedes and crowd-related accidents.
- The wooden deck surface becomes slippery when raining. Wear non-slip footwear and walk slowly during rainy visits.
- Low-altitude drone shooting is banned on the bridge and square areas. Drone flights within controlled zones require advance registration.
- The Yellow River has fast-flowing currents. Wading, swimming on river shoals and approaching unprotected waterfronts are strictly prohibited.
Transportation
- Public Bus: Take Bus No.4, 6, 9, 15, 25 or 131 to White Pagoda Mountain Park Bus Stop, then walk 300 meters to the north entrance of the bridge. Take Bus No.1, 31 or 44 to Xiguan Crossroads Stop, then walk 600 meters to the south bank square.
- Self-driving: Navigate to Zhongshan Bridge South Square Parking Lot.
- Water Transport: Yellow River Water Bus Line 1 stops at White Pagoda Mountain Wharf; walk 200 meters after disembarking to reach the northern end of Zhongshan Bridge.
- Taxi / Online Car-hailing: Set the destination as White Pagoda Mountain Park or Zhongshan Bridge South Square. The ride takes 10 to 20 minutes from core urban areas of Lanzhou.
Opening Hours
The main body of Zhongshan Bridge, north and south bridgehead squares and riverside walkways are open to visitors all day all year round without closing hours. The supporting cultural display billboards on the south bank open daily from 9:00 to 21:00, and the viewing covered corridor on the north bank stays open all day. The connected White Pagoda Mountain Scenic Area nearby opens from 6:00 to 22:00 for combined sightseeing. The bridge’s night landscape lighting system turns on at 19:00 and shuts down at 23:00, and adjustments may be made temporarily in rainy or snowy weather for equipment safety.
Ticket Information
The main body of Zhongshan Bridge, north and south squares and supporting riverside walkways are all open to the public free of charge with no entry fees. Tour guide services are chargeable.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.