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08 02

What Secrets Lie Behind Qiansimen Bridge, Star of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala?

On the evening of January 28, Qiansimen Bridge over the Jialing River dazzled audiences worldwide as one of the venues for the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala’s Chongqing segment. Stretching over 1,600 meters, what does this bridge mean to the city and its residents? What secrets are hidden behind its grandeur?

 

A Bridge Steeped in History and Modernity

Qiansimen, one of Chongqing’s oldest city gates, was historically a vital hub for goods distribution. Its name originates from *The Book of Songs*: “Seeking a thousand granaries, seeking ten thousand chests,” symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Completed in 2015, Qiansimen Bridge is the world’s largest single-tower, single-cable-plane cable-stayed bridge and a critical link between Yuzhong and Jiangbei districts, slashing travel time between the two from 30 minutes to just five.

Beyond its transportation role, the bridge has become a modern icon of Chongqing. Its shuttle-like silhouette—combining bold verticality with sleek, harmonious lines—blends seamlessly into the city’s mountainous riverside landscape, embodying Chongqing’s reputation as the “Bridge Capital.” Adjacent to the traditional stilted houses of Hongya Cave, the bridge juxtaposes ancient architecture with contemporary design, showcasing the city’s layered history and dynamic urban fabric.

Joining Qiansimen Bridge in the Spring Festival Gala was its “twin,” Dongshuimen Yangtze River Bridge. Together, they form the “Two-River Bridges of Chongqing,” distinguished by their matching shuttle-shaped towers, cable-stayed designs, and the unique passage of Metro Line 6 through their structures—a globally unparalleled feat.

A City of Bridges

Chongqing, renowned as China’s “Bridge Capital,” boasts over 20,000 bridges, including 105 mega-span structures across the Yangtze and Jialing rivers—a density unmatched in China.

 

Nightscapes: Where Bridges Illuminate the City

As the saying goes, “You haven’t truly seen Chongqing until you’ve witnessed its nightscape.” This year’s Gala transformed the “Two Rivers and Four Banks” into a canvas, with Qiansimen Bridge as its centerpiece. At night, the bridge’s illuminated outline mirrors on the river, while Hongya Cave’s glowing tiers evoke the fantastical world of *Spirited Away*. From the bridge’s viewing platforms, visitors take in panoramic vistas of bustling commercial districts and serene hillside neighborhoods—a testament to Chongqing’s duality.

To elevate its nightscape into a global brand, the city has orchestrated a symphony of lights: downtown skyscrapers, bridge decorations, and residential windows converge into a mesmerizing sea of illumination. Raffles City’s crimson cyberpunk-inspired lights and the Landmark International Center—Chongqing’s tallest building, adorned with heart-shaped and lantern motifs—add festive flair. Recent upgrades to the riverside lighting have further enhanced this dazzling display.  

 

Fan-Friendly Initiatives Fuel Cultural Tourism

Qiansimen Bridge exemplifies Chongqing’s “fan-pampering” ethos. During holidays, traffic restrictions transform it into a pedestrian-only “world’s largest skywalk,” while spontaneous night markets offer visitors a taste of local life. On January 28, the bridge again “yielded to the people,” hosting performances ranging from traditional dances to intangible cultural heritage displays, with celebrity guest Guan Xiaotong joining the Lunar New Year revelry.  

 

Bridging the local and the global, Chongqing’s unique “slow living” appeal—blending natural wonders, modernity, and grassroots culture—has propelled its rise as a top international destination. Following the viral fame of the futuristic Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge, nearby observation decks and night markets were swiftly added for tourists. Jiangbei District’s upgraded Guanyinqiao Overpass now features a 280-square-meter viewing platform, optimizing safety and sightlines.  

 

By fusing its mountainous terrain, rich heritage, and urban vibrancy, Chongqing invites visitors to explore both its natural grandeur and everyday charm. According to Ctrip data, the city now ranks among China’s top 10 destinations for international travelers—a testament to its magnetic allure.

 

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