Xi'an Sanheyishan Bahe Landscape Bridge

Project Profile

1. Project Statement

Bahe Landscape Bridge is located in the center of Olympic sports center area. Due to the upcoming National Games in Sep 2021, there is an urgent to build a landscape bridge over Bahe river to ease the flow of people from four landmark buildings and the whole Olympic sports area. Besides, it also can improve greenway connections on the east and west sides of Bahe River to complete 295km “Sanheyishan Greenway” connections.

The total length of Xi'an Bahe Landscape Bridge is 1478m (including the main bridge structure is 867m), and the width of the standard section is 7m. Xi'an Bahe Landscape Bridge connects the greenway on both sides of the Bahe River and connects the central green axis of the port district. In the principle of "Landmark buildings as pearl and jade in the front, landscape bridge as icing on the cake", the design not only meets the needs of pedestrian and cycling, but also provides the best spectacular views toward the four landmark buildings which are Xi'an Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Xi'an City Exhibition Center, Xi'an Cultural Center and Chang'an Library. Xi'an Bahe Landscape Bridge provides different viewing experience through walking and cycling process.

2. Objective and Challenge

Xi'an Bahe Landscape Bridge is located in the center of Olympic sports center area. The project acts as a pearl of “Sanheyishan Greenway” which complete Bahe river connections. It is also as an important media on the east and west sides of the Bahe River in the Olympic sports center area.

1) " Landmark buildings as pearl and jade in the front, landscape bridge as icing on the cake": Minimize the visual impact of the bridge of the four important buildings which are Xi'an Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Xi'an City Exhibition Center, Xi'an Cultural center and Chang'an Library.

2) Greenway connection + barrier free pedestrian and cycling connections: The landscape bridge connects with “Sanheyishan Greenway” on both riverbanks and with riverside footpaths. At the same time, it also link the island in the middle of the river.

3) Viewing corridor + the best viewing experience: In addition to allowing people to fully sense the magnificent urban landscape during riding and walking, viewing platforms with different perspectives are also set up to reserve the best viewing points for pedestrians.

3. Design Strategy

The design inspiration comes from Xi'an, which was the starting point of the Silk Road in ancient times. Taking silk as the main design element, the side of bridge is designed with double-layer perforated aluminum panels which reflect the abstract meaning of the luster from the silk. Combined with lighting design, the whole bridge is like a white silver silk belt floating on the Bahe River at night.

The landscape bridge is for cycling and walking mainly, and it also meets the loading requirement of electric car. The width of the main bridge is 7m (including 3m for pedestrian and 4m for bicycles). The bridge location and bridge span meet the relevant avoidance requirements of the existing subway tunnel and Xiangdong road tunnel. In addition, the future cruise ship channel (net width not less than 50m and net height not less than 7m) and kayaking training needs are reserved. Meet the pedestrian clearance height requirement under the bridge.

In terms of viewing experience, pedestrian and cycling are separated partly. And make the level of pedestrian higher to provide the better viewing toward surrounding. In terms of color, the low-key and calm white was selected to fully show the respect for four landmark buildings and the coordination of the surrounding environment.

4. Conclusion

Xi'an Bahe Landscape Bridge not only meets the requirement of pedestrian and cycling, but also provides the best spectacular viewing platforms toward the four landmark buildings which are Xi'an Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Xi'an City Exhibition Center, Xi'an Cultural center and Chang'an Library and its surrounding. Xi'an Bahe Landscape Bridge provides different viewing experience through walking and cycling process.