The Yellow River Iron Bridge (黄河铁桥), also known as Zhongshan Bridge (中山桥), is a landmark in Lanzhou, Gansu Province. It is renowned for being the first bridge to span the Yellow River and was constructed using foreign technology, marking a significant event in the modern history of northwestern China. The bridge was designed by an American bridge company, built by the German firm Telge & Co., and constructed by Chinese workers. All materials were imported from Germany.
Construction of the Yellow River Iron Bridge began on May 9, 1908, during the 34th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign in the Qing Dynasty. The bridge was completed and opened for use on August 19, 1909, in the first year of the Xuantong Emperor’s reign. In 1928, during the 17th year of the Republic of China, the bridge was renamed Zhongshan Bridge in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, also known as Sun Zhongshan.
The Yellow River Iron Bridge is 233.5 meters long and 8.36 meters wide. It consists of four piers and five spans, each spanning 45.9 meters. The upper structure is a trapezoidal through truss, with each span forming a statically indeterminate truss system divided into five rectangular sections by vertical steel frames. The south end of the bridge features a plaque with the golden characters “中山桥” and an ancient stone stele, which attract numerous tourists for photos as a memento of their visit to Lanzhou.
Walking across the bridge, one can enjoy the serene flow of the Yellow River below, along with picturesque views of the surrounding areas. The southern end of the bridge connects to Binhe Road, a well-maintained street in Lanzhou, while the northern end leads to the famous Baita Mountain. The mountain is home to numerous historical buildings and relics, offering a spectacular vantage point for panoramic views and photographs of the bridge and the city.
At night, the Yellow River Iron Bridge transforms into a stunning sight, with colorful lights illuminating its structure and outlining its contours clearly against the dark sky. One side of the bridge offers views of the bustling Yellow River Bund business district, while the other side reveals the brightly lit Baita Mountain, making it an ideal location for capturing the nightscape of Lanzhou. The combination of the bridge’s historic significance, architectural beauty, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit destination in Lanzhou.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 30 minutes |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
Location and Transportation
The Yellow River Iron Bridge is located in the central section of Binhe Road in Lanzhou, Gansu Province. To get there, you can take bus 4, 6, 9, 15, 21, 25, 37, 74, 82, 105, 109, 137, 139, 142, or Y2 and get off at Zhongshan Bridge Stop (中山桥站).
