Wanzhang Yanqiao Bridge (Ten-Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge, 万丈盐桥) is an extraordinary roadway located above the Quarhan Salt Lake in the southern region of the Qaidam Basin, Qinghai Province, China. Spanning an impressive 32 kilometers, which can be translated to ten thousand zhang, a traditional Chinese unit of measurement, this unique bridge is aptly named “Ten-Thousand Zhang” due to its length.
What sets Wanzhang Yanqiao Bridge apart is that it is not a conventional bridge supported by piers or railings; rather, it is a wide highway constructed on a thick layer of salt, measuring between 15 to 18 meters deep. The road’s surface is exceptionally smooth and flat, resembling asphalt highways found in urban settings. This unique construction allows vehicles to traverse the bridge comfortably, but caution is advised. The smoothness of the road can lead to vehicles skidding if driven too fast, prompting the installation of wooden signs at the bridge’s entrance, which limit the maximum speed to 80 kilometers per hour.
Maintaining the bridge is a fascinating process. When depressions or potholes appear on the road surface, workers repair them using a traditional method: they collect salt from nearby salt deposits and mix it with brine from specially dug pits along the roadside. This mixture is then poured onto the damaged areas, where the salt quickly dissolves and solidifies, restoring the surface to its original condition.
The scenic beauty surrounding Wanzhang Yanqiao Bridge adds to its allure. As vehicles glide across the bridge, passengers are treated to stunning views of the expansive salt lake, which seems to stretch endlessly in all directions. On either side of the bridge, visitors can see the facilities of potassium fertilizer plants, housing, and deep mining sites. The famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway runs nearby, with long trains snaking across the landscape, belching steam and creating a sense of movement and life amid the serene salt flats.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 30 minutes |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
The Ten-Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge is located in Golmud City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. It is situated approximately 60 kilometers south of Golmud, spanning the Quarhan Salt Lake.
To reach the bridge, you can take a minibus from Golmud City to the Quarhan Salt Lake scenic area. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from the Hexi Roundabout; A taxi from the city center for a single passenger will cost around 150 RMB.
