Written by Jasmine Miao |
China is globally recognized as an infrastructure powerhouse. And the bridge is one of the most representative sectors. In the world’s top 10 longest bridges, there are 7 bridges in China. These bridges span rivers, bays and even seas. All are engineering wonders and beyond imagination. They are not only the transportation arteries but also symbols of modern China. For travelers who are obsessed with human engineering achievements, these bridges are unmissable attractions during their China tours.
In this guide, we will take you to explore both the top 7 longest bridges in China and other representative longest bridges. Get ready to learn the astonishing data and travel tips behind these engineering wonders.
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- Summary Table: China’s Longest Bridges at a Glance
- Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge (丹昆特大桥)
- Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct (彰化-高雄高架桥)
- Tianjin Grand Bridge (天津特大桥)
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZM Bridge, 港珠澳大桥)
- Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge (舟山跨海大桥)
- Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge (青岛胶州湾大桥)
- Hangzhou Bay Sea-Crossing Bridge (杭州湾跨海大桥)
- Other Longest Bridges in China
- Beyond Length: Other Famous & Highest Bridges in China
- Planning Your China Tour with China Xian Tour
Summary Table: China’s Longest Bridges at a Glance
Name |
Length |
Location |
Feature |
Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge (丹昆特大桥) |
164 km |
Jiangsu Province |
World’s longest bridge, high-speed railway bridge |
Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct (彰化-高雄高架桥) |
157 km |
Taiwan |
Longest railway bridge in China |
Tianjin Grand Bridge (天津特大桥) |
113 km |
Tianjin |
Second longest railway bridge in China |
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (港珠澳大桥) |
55 km |
Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Macao |
World’s longest sea-crossing bridge-tunnel system |
Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge (舟山跨海大桥) |
48 km |
Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province |
World’s largest island-land connection project, composed of 5 bridges |
Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge (青岛胶州湾大桥) |
42 km |
Qingdao, Shandong Province |
First super-large cross-sea bridge cluster in the icy waters of northern China, popular cruise tour |
Hangzhou Bay Sea-Crossing Bridge (杭州湾跨海大桥) |
36 km |
Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province |
World’s third longest cross-sea bridge with world’s first offshore leisure and sightseeing complex |
Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge (丹昆特大桥)
- Length: 164 km
- Location: Jiangsu Province
Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge is actually a high-speed railway bridge and is a part of the Beijing – Shanghai high speed railway. The bridge spans Danyang, Changzhou, Wuxi, Suzhou and Kunshan, a total of five cities in Jiangsu Province. Now, it has become an important transportation hub connecting the east and the south of China. Its total length is as long as 164 km, holding the Guinness World Record as the world’s longest bridge. It looks like a giant silver dragon meandering through the province.
Given the soft soil and the dense network of rivers and lakes, engineers adopted a brilliant idea of “replacing roads with elevated bridges”, which not only provides stability but also saves a large amount of high-quality cultivated land.
How to Visit
Essentially, it is a high-speed railway bridge rather than a tourist viewing bridge, so taking a high-speed train is the only and best way to experience this longest bridge in China. A good idea is to book a bullet train ticket from Suzhou North to Nanjing South. In this one-hour journey, you will have nearly half an hour traversing this bridge. To enjoy a better view of the water town scenery in South China, it is highly recommended to choose a window seat (seat A or F).
Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct (彰化-高雄高架桥)
- Length: 157 km
- Location: Taiwan, China
During your tour in Taiwan, you may have experienced this viaduct without even realizing it. Because it is the core part of the high-speed railway network in Taiwan and has connected several major cities in western Taiwan. It is not a normal bridge, but an amazing engineering wonder. The total length is 157 km, making it the longest railway bridge in China. It once held the record of the longest bridge in the world when it was completed in 2004.
A special feature of the viaduct is the combination of continuous rigid frames and box girders, which allows it to adapt to different spans and loads. Even if an earthquake occurs during the operation, the trains can still stop safely.
How to Visit
The best way to experience the viaduct is to buy a ticket from Changhua to Kaohsiung (or in the opposite direction). Your journey is spent on the bridge. Sitting in the comfortable and stable carriage, you will see the farmlands, towns and distant mountains flashing by rapidly before your eyes. This feeling is like speeding along an “aerial track”. It is a very unique experience.
Tianjin Grand Bridge (天津特大桥)
- Length: 113km
- Location: Tianjin
Same as Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge, Tianjin Grand Bridge is also a part of the Beijing – Shanghai high speed railway. It starts from Langfang, Hebei Province, passes through Tianjin, and extends to Qing County in Cangzhou, Hebei Province. With a length of 113 km, it has been the second-longest railway bridge in China.
The bridge has a very distinctive design – the Tianjin South Train Station is built atop the bridge. It is the first elevated station in China and the only station that integrates the station and bridge along the northern section of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. If your train pulls in here, you can clearly see this awe-inspiring fusion structure.
How to Visit
Also, taking a train is the best way to experience it. You can take any train that passes Tianjin, such as Beijing South – Tianjin West. During the ride, you can enjoy the boundless field scenery of the North China Plain.
As you head up from the main concourse to the boarding platforms of Tianjin South Train Station, you’ll notice something interesting: the platforms aren’t built on the ground—they are integrated directly into the elevated bridge structure. Looking up, you can see the high-speed railway tracks; looking down, you can overlook the cityscape.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZM Bridge, 港珠澳大桥)
- Length: 55 km
- Location: Hong Kong, Zhuhai, Macao
From its name, it is not hard to tell that the bridge is built to connect the three cities: Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao. It is the world’s longest cross-sea bridge and integrates bridges, islands and tunnels. Also, it boasts the world’s longest underwater highway immersed tube tunnel (about 6.7 km). There are three iconic bridge towers on the bridge, which are shaped like a sail (Jiuzhou Bridge), a dolphin (Jianghai Bridge), and a Chinese knot (Qingzhou Bridge), respectively.
Hailed as the “Mount Everest” of the bridge world, HZM Bridge stands as the world’s largest and most challenging cross-sea bridge-tunnel project with the world-class standard. During construction, the engineers have overcome numerous difficulties, like complex geological conditions and harsh marine environments. And it took about 9 years to finish this world-class project. With its opening on October 24, 2018, the travel time from Zhuhai to Hong Kong has shortened from 3hours to 30 minutes, promoting communication in the Greater Bay Area.
How to visit
While foreign travelers can cross the bridge via shuttle buses or private cars with proper permits, pedestrian sightseeing on the bridge itself is restricted. The best way to admire its scale is via a sightseeing cruise from Zhuhai. The cruise departs from Jiuzhou Port Terminal or Hengqin Terminal. The price is about CNY 138+ and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. For the best view, you can stand at the bow on the upper deck.
The cruise will also go through the bridge arch, allowing you to take a close look at this second-longest bridge in China. You can book the ticket at the WeChat account HZM Bridge Tour (港珠澳大桥游).
If you are not interested in the cruise tour, you can have a distant view of the bridge from the viewing platform on the 3rd floor of Zhuhai Port.
Special Note:
If you need to enter Hong Kong or Macao via the bridge, customs clearances are required. The detailed process is as follows:
- Arrive at the vehicle inspection channel at Zhuhai Port
- Get off and walk to the “Vehicle Personnel Release Hall” to handle exit procedures
- The driver drives through the vehicle inspection channel
- Meet the driver and cross the bridge
- Handle entry procedures at the entry port.
Starting from June 9, 2025, foreign tourists who meet the visa-free polices for Macao can take a car with 9 seats or fewer and handle entry and exit procedures without getting off the car at the Macao Port.
Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge (舟山跨海大桥)
- Length: 48 km
- Location: Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province
Different from other longest bridges in China, Zhoushan Sea-Crossing Bridge is not a single bridge, but is composed of five connected cross-sea bridges. Why? The bridges are built to link the several islands in Zhoushan and Ningbo. Since its opening in 2008, Zhoushan has transformed from an isolated island into a peninsula. With a total length of 48 km, the bridges resemble a silver necklace that strings the islands together. Ferry used to be the only way to travel from the islands to Ningbo, but now people living there can take a car and the travel time has shortened from 3 hours to 1 hour.
The designs of the five bridges are also in diverse structural forms, like suspension bridge, cable-stayed bridge, etc. Thus, it earns the reputation of “Bridge Museum”. Till now, it has also been the world’s largest island-land connection project.
How to Visit:
Taking a car is the only way to visit the bridge. Parking, pedestrians, or non-motorized vehicles are not allowed on the bridge. Along the way, you will pass through the 5 distinctive bridges one by one. On both sides of the car window are scattered islands and the scenery of the vast East China Sea, providing an extremely stunning experience. The toll for a small passenger car is approximately CNY 100. If you want to stop for photos, the only official and safe viewing spot is the viewing platform in Jintang Bridge Service Area. Here, you can have a distant view of the bridges.
Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge (青岛胶州湾大桥)
- Length: 42 km
- Location: Qingdao, Shandong Province
Visiting Jiaozhou Bay Bridge is definitely one of the top things to do in Qingdao. It is the first super-large cross-sea bridge cluster in the frozen sea area of northern China. The bridge spans over both banks of Jiaozhou Bay and connects the three main urban districts of Qingdao in the east, west and north, achieving a “triangular” connection. In the past, local people needed to spend 1.5 hours traveling from Huangdao District to the main urban area. Now, only 20 minutes are enough.
The bridge mainly consists of three parts: Cangkou Shipping Channel Bridge, Hongdao Shipping Channel Bridge and the Dagu River Shipping Channel Bridge. Each is in a unique design and Dagu River Shipping Channel Bridge is the world’s first large-span self-anchored suspension bridge over the sea. Jiaozhou Bay Bridge was once listed among the world’s most outstanding bridges by Forbes of the USA and has also won the George Richardson Award, the highest honor in the engineering field.
How to visit
A very popular and highly recommended way to visit the bridge is to take a cruise. Qingdao Marine Tourism WeChat mini-program offering the ticket-booking service. It mainly operates round-trip routes departing from Qingdao Ferry Terminal and circular cruises departing from Hongdao Dongdayang Terminal. The price is also affordable, from CNY 40 – 50. When the ship passes through the bridge, you can look up at the magnificent bridge from the sea. During the journey, you may find thousands of seagulls circling around with the ship. If interested, you can try to feed them. A cruise offers one of the most impressive ways to experience the bridge.
About the observation points onshore, we recommended the Huanwan Road and Bainidi Park in downtown area and the Golden Beach and Phoenix Mountain Park in Huangdao District.
Hangzhou Bay Sea-Crossing Bridge (杭州湾跨海大桥)
- Length: 36km
- Location: Hangzhou
Renowned as a remarkable engineering achievement, Hangzhou Bay Sea-Crossing Bridge is the world’s third-longest cross-sea bridge that is built to connect Jiaxing and Ningbo. It was opened to traffic on May 1, 2008. At that time, it was the longest cross-sea bridge in China and the world. Its unique design and offshore viewing platform will impress you.
Taking into account driving safety and aesthetic appeal, it adopts an “S” -shaped curve design. And the color of the bridge guardrail changes every 5 kilometers, presenting a total of seven colors throughout the journey, just like a rainbow. When driving on the bridge, you can feel the sea breeze, and see the distant sea sparkles, giving a refreshing and pleasant feeling.
Hangzhou Bay itself is one of the world’s three major tidal bays, with surging and spectacular tides. You can appreciate the natural scenery safely on the offshore viewing platform, called The Sky and The Sea Scenic Area. It is the world’s first leisure and sightseeing complex over the sea and mainly consists of a tour tower (145.6 meters) and annex buildings.
How to Visit
The most recommended way is to cross the bridge by self-driving and have a stopover at the Sky and Sea Scenic Area for 1 – 2 hours. In the middle section of the bridge, there is an exit that will guide you to drive off the expressway and enter the scenic area. You can board the viewing platform at the top of the tour tower, where you can overlook the entire bridge and Hangzhou Bay. The cost of the viewing platform and tour tower is CNY 50 and 60, respectively, and a ticket package is CNY 100. Inside the nearby annex buildings, there are facilities like restaurants, hotels and exhibition halls. Here, you can have a rest and learn about the story and culture of the bridge.
Other Longest Bridges in China
Name |
Length |
Location |
Feature |
Taizhou Yangtze River Bridge |
62 km |
Taizhou, Jiangsu Province |
The longest bridge in China that across the Yangtze River. Its elegant “V” shaped bridge tower is a landmark on the Yangtze River. Self-driving is the best way to experience its charm. |
Cangde Grand Bridge |
53 km |
Cangzhou, Hebei Province – Dezhou, Shandong Province |
One of the five grand bridges along Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway. Taking a high-speed train is the most direct way to experience. Or capture the scene of a high-speed train speeding across the bridge on the bank of the South Canal. |
Donghai Bridge |
32.5 km |
Shanghai |
The first sea-crossing bridge over open sea in China, transforms the Yangshan Deep-Water Port from an isolated island into the world’s largest container port.
You can drive across the bridge to see the windmill arrays on both sides or overlook the bridge at the observation deck in Yangshan Deep-Water Port. |
Beyond Length: Other Famous & Highest Bridges in China
Highest Bridges in China:
Huajiang Canyon Bridge(Expected completion in 2026, will be a New record-holder): it is a key project of the expressway from Liuzhi to Anlong in Guizhou Province, which has shortened the travel time between the two cities from over two hours to about two minutes. The bridge is 625 meters above the water surface, exceeding that of the Beipanjiang Bridge by nearly 60 meters, making it the world’s new highest bridge. Its main body spans 1,420 meters, also ranking first in the world for bridge spans in mountainous areas. The 207-meter fully transparent sightseeing elevator can take you to the top of the bridge in one minute.
Beipanjiang Bridge: The Beipan River in the Wumeng Mountain separates Yunnan and Guizhou. The Beipanjiang Bridge is constructed at the junction of Xuanwei, Yunnan and Shuicheng, Guizhou to link the two provinces. Its vertical height from the bridge to the river surface is 565.4 meters, and the total length is 1,341.4 meters. There are viewing platforms at both ends of the bridge for tourists to take the best panoramic photo.
Longest Glass Bridge in China: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
Thrill-seeking travelers can not miss Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, one of the highest and longest glass bridges in China. It is inside Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. It is not the traditional transportation bridge, but a landscape bridge for tourism. The bridge is approximately 300 meters above the valley and is about 430 meters long. When walking on it, you can clearly overlook the deep canyon beneath your feet and experience the thrill and excitement of “walking in the air”.
Planning Your China Tour with China Xian Tour
If you want to explore the longest bridges in China or plan a China tour, China Xian Tour will be your trustworthy choice. We have been engaged in inbound tourism for nearly 20 years. We offer all-inclusive tours to over 100 cities in China, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, etc. Besides, we are experienced in customizing a personalized travel based on the tourists’ needs. Travelling with us, you do not need to worry about comfort. Just contact us now.
