Nujiang Bridge in Lushui County, Nujiang
Overview
Nujiang Bridge (怒江大桥) is located in Liuku Town (六库镇), Lushui County (泸水县), Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Construction began in January 1988, and it was completed and opened for use in June 1991. The bridge spans a total length of 678 meters and has a width of 15.8 meters. It is a single-box, variable-section, three-way prestressed reinforced concrete continuous bridge, boasting the longest single-span in China and the second longest in Asia. This bridge serves as the only vital transport link connecting the east and west banks of Liuku City.
- Chinese Name: Nujiang Bridge (怒江大桥)
- Location: Liuku Town (六库镇), Lushui County (泸水县), Nujiang Prefecture (怒江州), Yunnan Province (云南省)
- Total Length: 678 meters
- Construction Time: January 1988
Bridge Overview
Since its opening, Nujiang Bridge has been handling the heavy traffic demands of vehicles crossing between the two banks. Over the years, the railings and pedestrian walkways have shown varying degrees of cracks and surface wear. To extend the bridge’s lifespan and facilitate public transit, the reinforcement and repair work officially commenced on June 20, 2010, with the approval of the provincial and state governments, and the support of the Lushui County government. The work period was set for four months, during which traffic control measures were implemented, prohibiting vehicle access.
Closure Times
Nujiang Bridge has undergone three complete closures:
- June 20 to June 22: Technical parameter testing for bridge reinforcement—no motor vehicles or pedestrians allowed.
- August 28 to October 2: Bridge surface construction—no motor vehicles or pedestrians allowed.
- October 18 to October 21: Load testing after reinforcement—no motor vehicles or pedestrians allowed.
During these closures, vehicles must detour to the Mabu River (麻布河), increasing the crossing time from 1 minute to 15 minutes.
One-Day Tour of Nujiang Bridge
Start your day early from Liuku Town and take National Highway 318 (318国道) straight to Nujiang Bridge! This road is known as “The Pride of the Chinese,” featuring picturesque scenery along the way. Interestingly, this bridge is the only one in the country where photography and stopping are prohibited, owing to its profound historical significance.
The construction of Nujiang Bridge was accomplished by a platoon of the People’s Liberation Army, who worked tirelessly. Legend has it that during construction, a soldier fell into a concrete pier and could not be rescued, ultimately being covered by cement. Every year, countless visitors come to pay their respects.
On this trip, we decided to walk across the bridge and experience its historical atmosphere firsthand. The sculptures of great figures and the inscribed texts on the bridge transport us back to that specific era. Although the bridge is narrow, it is steeped in history, with vehicles barely passing by. This personal experience is truly unique.
Travel Tips
- Transportation: It’s recommended to drive for flexibility. If you are short on time, consider taking the Hangrui Expressway (杭瑞高速).
- Weather: The wind can be strong on the bridge, so remember to bring a jacket.
- Photography: Be prepared for the prohibition on photography and stopping on the bridge.
- Souvenirs: You can buy local souvenirs at service areas to take back home and share.
How to Get There
To reach Nujiang Bridge, drive to Liuku Town, where the bridge is clearly marked. You can use National Highway 318 for a scenic route through the region.
List of Attractions and Names
- Nujiang Bridge (怒江大桥)
- Liuku Town (六库镇)
- Lushui County (泸水县)
- Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州)
- Mabu River (麻布河)
This guide provides a comprehensive look at Nujiang Bridge, its significance, and the experience of visiting this remarkable structure.
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