Quzhou Xiafei Bridge

Project Profile

The project is located in Quzhou City, Hubei Province. It is a landscape bridge crossing the Qujiang River. On the south bank lie Xiafei Road, Quzhou Citizens’ Park, and commercial areas, while the north bank currently consists of rural settlements and farmland slated for future development. The bridge is designed as a crossing for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles, while motor vehicles will pass underneath the river via a tunnel. The bridge will bring in foot traffic from urban green spaces, parks, and the existing pedestrian, greenway, and riverside slow-traffic networks.

As a river-spanning structure, the bridge not only meets pedestrian and cycling demands but is also intended to become a new landmark over the Qujiang River. The navigable clearance must meet Class III standards (110 m × 7 m), with maximum navigable water level at 55 m, minimum at 53 m, 50-year flood level at 61.16 m, and 100-year flood level at 62.02 m. The bridge height must not exceed 108.25 m due to proximity to an airport. The bridge is for non-motorized traffic only, and there is no fixed limit on deck width. The main challenges in alignment and approach design include: How to avoid the underlying tunnel structure; How to coordinate levee roads, urban roads, and the slow-traffic network with the bridge approaches; How to make the bridge a true landmark of Qujiang District.

Drawing from local cultural motifs, two integrated structural and formal schemes were developed. One scheme is inspired by Chinese calligraphy, echoing the poetic flow of clouds and water over the Qujiang River. This concept integrates structure and circulation in a modern, minimalist language while reflecting traditional Chinese aesthetics. The form and structure are unified, with the main span meeting navigational requirements and harmonizing with the overall shape. The second scheme draws from the imagery of “a fish leaping through the dragon gate.” The entire bridge evokes a great fish leaping across the river. Two canopied structures atop the bridge, made of overlapping fish-scale-shaped metal panels, resemble two giant fish twisting forward in the water. Functionally, the bridge supports cyclists and pedestrians while serving as a contemporary covered bridge that shelters users from sun and rain.

The design of Xiafei Bridge is a people-oriented infrastructure project. It facilitates barrier-free and green travel while showcasing the image of Qujiang District’s “urban living room” to both citizens and visitors. Under two distinct design concepts, the project integrates culture and function, blending symbolism and practicality in a dynamic urban setting.