The 164.8 km long Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge connects China with the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. The bridge is considered to be the world’s select few engineering marvels presently. Linking popular metropolitan cities of China, namely Shanghai and Nanjing in the Jiangsu Province, this overpass bridge is the lifeline of the nation. In operation since 2011, Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge runs parallel to China’s renowned Yangtze River for approximately 8 to 80 kilometers in the southern side of the river. This bridge touches many populated areas, namely Danyang, Changzhou, Wuxi, Suzhou, and Kunshan, among others.
About The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge
The construction of the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge was completed in 2010. A robust team of 10,000 men, including core laborers, engineers and rest professionals, worked tirelessly and dedicatedly to ensure that its construction of the longest bridge in Asia could complete in the stipulated time frame. As of June 2011, Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge in China held the Guinness World Record for being the world’s longest bridge.
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Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge Construction
The construction of Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge wasn’t an easy task. Being a mega dream project, it was expected to bring a boom in China’s communication infrastructure. China gave a boost to its industrial capabilities from early 2000 by planning to construct several long bridges. To fulfill that ambition, building the longest bridge in Asia was the need of the hour. With the construction of Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, China easily overcame its massive public and industrial transportation system. This bridge plays a pivotal role to connect the country’s prominent industrial hubs.
By 2006 though, a concrete plan was made and the construction work began thereafter. Here are some of the notable facts related to the construction of this famous bridge:
1. It took 4 years extensive efforts to construct Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge
2. Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is 164.8 kilometers long
3. An approximate height of this bridge from the ground is 100 feet
4. This bridge has already broken the record of the world’s largest water bridge Louisiana, which is 24 miles long in the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
5. A specific portion of this bridge at 5.6 miles passes across the Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou open waters
6. A huge amount of steel cables and 450,000 tons of steel structure were used to construct this portion of the bridge
8. This bridge has been constructed in a way that it is capable to bear natural disasters like typhoons and at least 8 magnitude earthquakes
9. This bridge can bear the direct impact from naval vessels weighing 300,000 tons or less
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Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge Tourist Attraction
Being a longest-ever bridge in the world passing through the dangerous zones, Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge remains a great choice for the adventure lovers and travelers willing to travel 102.4 miles from Shanghai to Nanjing and vice versa through this bridge. Earlier it was meant to be a rail bridge solution for the premier high-speed rails in China but with the construction of an overpass, it is now also offering roadways solutions.
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Places To Visit Around Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge
The metropolitan cities and the nearby attractions on both the sides of this longest bridge in the world appeal to each and every visitor. Your tour of this region in China would remain incomplete without visiting these places:
1. Shanghai
The attractions in this city include the places to explore nearby the Huangpu River where a futuristic skyline and famous Shanghai Tower at its 632m height is a popular landmark in the region. During a visit to Shanghai, you shouldn’t forget entering into the sprawling Yu Garden. Its traditional pavilions and ponds keep the travelers hooked. Overall, it is a modern city with traditional values.
Highlights: Shanghai's Promenade, Yu Garden, The Jade Buddha Temple
Famous food: Xiaolongbao or Soup Dumplings, Smoked Fish Slices, Steamed Crab
Best For shopping: Yuyuan Bazaar, Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road
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2. Nanjing
The capital city of China’s Jiangsu Province, Nanjing is a popular urban area that remains connected to Shanghai on the other side through the world’s largest bridge Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge. This East Chinese city is located on the famous Yangtze River Delta region, Nanjing. This area is known for rich traditions and cultural vibrancy.
Highlights: Qinhuai River, Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing City Wall, Confucius Temple
Famous food: Tangbao, Sesame pancake, Pidu noodles
Best For shopping: Aqua City Mall, 9 Dragons, Deji Plaza
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Both the endpoints of Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge have two bustling Chinese cities with global recognition. This bridge is always filled with travelers and tourists. You feel the beauty of Shanghai and its surrounding areas. Your trip to China will definitely leave an imprint on your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Danyang Kunshan Grand Bridge
What is the purpose of the Danyang Kunshan Grand Bridge?
In June 2011, Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge was open for the public to cut down the traffic from the railway routes. It took around 4 years to be finally constructed. It is located in Nanjing and is also the longest bridge in the world.
What kind of bridge is Danyang Kunshan Grand Bridge?
Danyang Kunshan Grand Bridge falls under the category of viaduct bridges. These types of bridges are composed of several small spans made to cross a valley or gorge. This longest railway bridge in the world was also constructed similarly.
How many miles long is the Danyang Kunshan Grand Bridge?
This place is approximately 164,800 meters long and has an average height of 328 feet. Its construction took somewhere around 8.5 billion dollars.
Where is the Danyang Kunshan Grand Bridge?
Ever since its completion, it has been bridging the gap between Shanghai and Nanjing. Moreover, since it is the longest railway bridge in the world, it has also been cutting a major load of railway traffic.
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