Chongqing Tongnan Dafosi Wetland Emergency Escape Skywalk

Project Profile

Located along both banks of the Fujiang River in the heart of Tongnan District, the Dafosi Wetland Park is a rare urban riverine oasis adjacent to the renowned Dafosi Scenic Area. The emergency escape skywalk, stretching 370 meters in its main section, connects elevated municipal roads, parking areas, and a visitor center on the south end to the internal slow-walking paths of the wetland on the north. Elevated above the flood warning level, the bridge integrates scenic riverside walking with emergency evacuation functions.

Given the complex geological conditions of the floodplain and the seasonal flood constraints of the Fujiang River, a lightweight steel structure was adopted to minimize construction duration and ensure completion before the flood season. A triangular truss system enables longer spans and reduces the number of piers, minimizing visual intrusion. Mirror-finished stainless steel clads the piers, allowing them to blend into the surrounding landscape through reflection. The deck and cladding use suspended timber panels, evoking the image of a delicate branch growing naturally along the river.

Drawing inspiration from the topography and Buddhist Zen aesthetics, the bridge features a meandering profile with variable widths and a shaded pavilion at its center for rest and shelter. The overall structure meets the 20-year flood standard and functions as a key evacuation route. Its expressive form is inspired by the abstracted motif of a withered branch in Zen culture, merging structure with landform. Open wooden pergolas offer panoramic views of the lotus pond and resting spaces for visitors, combining poetic spatial experience with practical emergency function.