Quzhou Shuitingmen Historic District Landscape Bridge

Project Profile

The Quzhou Historic District Landscape Bridge project is located in the historical city of Quzhou—the Southern Confucian Ancient City. It functions as a tourist route link from the historic Shuitingmen gate to the Zhonglou old street and is positioned as an innovative bridge showcasing Quzhou’s historical culture while looking toward its future. The project begins at the historic district’s Shuitingmen gate, extending to a pedestrian overpass and connecting corridor at the former Agricultural Bank site, with a total length of about 360 meters.

Besides serving as a pedestrian overpass and providing barrier-free access between Shuitingmen and Lower Street, the project also aims to become a new landmark linking key historic nodes within Quzhou’s historic district.

Located in the old city center that has evolved through many dynasties, the urban street spaces are limited. Challenges arise from existing underground utilities, the need for facade renovation of original commercial buildings, and the integration of reserved pedestrian routes for future commercial developments. Key challenges in route selection include:

(1) Avoidance of underground utilities;

(2) Facade renovation of existing shops and connection with reserved routes for new commercial areas;

(3) Rational arrangement of vertical circulation and ensuring barrier-free access.

The design strategy integrates traditional and contemporary elements. It incorporates cultural promotion and smart technology display functions, connecting a tourism and visual axis from the Quzhou ancient city wall ruins and Shuitingmen gate to the Zhonglou tower. The landscape bridge serves as a cultural carrier, presenting historical stories through interactive smart exhibits. The ancient wisdom of the Tangram puzzle enriches contemporary spatial design, and the traditional dragon lantern motif is reinterpreted as a historical corridor.

(1) Serves pedestrian overpass function: enhances safe crossing between Xianxi Street and Lower Street;

(2) Avoids existing underground utilities: pipeline relocation near Xianxi Street shops is required to accommodate structural piers;

(3) Forms a coherent overall historic streetscape: the corridor passes through Xianxi Street, shops, Xianxuetang (county school pond), internal commercial streets, and Lower Street. Formal variations enrich the corridor space while ensuring continuity of streetscape elements and facades;

(4) Provides barrier-free tourist routes: at key nodes, in addition to stairs, barrier-free elevators are installed to meet accessibility requirements;

(5) Creates three-dimensional urban space: the elevated corridor crosses roads, shops, parks, and commercial streets, ensuring pedestrian safety and offering diverse experiences.

The Quzhou Historic District Landscape Bridge is a people-oriented project that facilitates barrier-free mobility while fully showcasing the district’s historical culture. It enables both residents and visitors to better understand the site’s history. The corridor not only serves pedestrian movement but also stimulates the development of second-floor commercial spaces in shops and integrates technological interactive exhibitions into the cityscape. Visitors experience the past and envision the future simultaneously.