Spanning the mighty Huangpu River, the Yangpu Bridge is one of China Shanghai most iconic modern structures. Officially opened on October 23, 1993, it was once the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, with a main span of 602 meters.

This double-tower, triple-span bridge connects the bustling Yangpu District on the west bank with Pudong New Area on the east, forming a key part of Shanghai’s Inner Ring Road.

We Explore Its Unique Design and Size

The Yangpu Bridge stretches a massive 7,658 meters in total length and rises 220 meters at its highest point. The width of the bridge deck is over 30 meters, making room for six lanes of motor vehicle traffic. However, this is not a pedestrian-friendly bridge—there are no sidewalks or bike lanes, and walking or cycling is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. But that doesn’t stop us from appreciating its architecture and scale from nearby locations.

We Guide You: How to Visit and Get There

While we can’t walk on the bridge, we can absolutely admire it from several great viewpoints. Here’s how to get there:

- Metro Access: Take Shanghai Metro Line 4 or Line 12 and get off at Dalian Road Station or Yangpu Road Station. From there, it's a 10-15 minute walk or a short taxi ride to riverside viewpoints.

- By Ferry: Want to cross the river the old-fashioned way? Take a Huangpu River ferry near Qinhuangdao Road Pier. It's scenic and budget-friendly (about $0.30 to $0.60 per trip).

- By Car or Taxi: If you want to drive across the bridge, the good news is there’s no toll fee. It’s part of the city’s Inner Ring Road expressway system.

We Recommend the Best Viewpoints

Since we can’t go on the bridge ourselves, where’s the best place to see it?

- Yangpu Riverside Greenway: This newly renovated riverside park offers wide walking paths and excellent angles to photograph the bridge, especially during sunset.

- Qinhuangdao Road Wharf: A fantastic place for panoramic views of the bridge with river traffic in the foreground.

- Binjiang Avenue in Pudong: Offers a clear distant view of the entire bridge structure.

Bring your camera—sunset and night shots here are amazing as the bridge lights up beautifully after dark.

We Share Opening Hours and Entry Fees

Here's what you need to know:

- Bridge Access: Motor vehicles only. Open 24/7, no pedestrian or cycling access.

- Viewing Areas (Parks and Wharfs): Typically open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and entry is free.

- Ferry Service Hours: Most ferries run from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Fares are under $1, depending on the route.

We Reveal the Best Time to Visit

To get the most out of your visit, here’s when we recommend going:

- Best Season: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the clearest skies and the most pleasant temperatures.

- Best Time of Day: Late afternoon to sunset, when the warm light casts a golden glow on the bridge and surrounding city skyline.

- Photography Tip: Bring a tripod if you want to capture the bridge at night when the lights come on.

We Give You Pro Travel Tips

Let’s make your trip smoother with these helpful tips:

1. Avoid Peak Traffic Hours: Between 7:00–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM, the bridge is packed with cars.

2. Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Didi or Meituan are convenient if you're not near a Metro station.

3. Dress for the Breeze: Even in summer, riverside spots can get windy—bring a light jacket.

4. Stay Alert for Ferries: Double-check the ferry schedule ahead of time; some routes are canceled in poor weather.

5. Pair with Nearby Attractions: Make it a day trip by visiting the Shanghai Refugees Museum or Fuxing Island Park, both nearby.

A Bridge Too Big to Walk

The Yangpu Bridge doesn’t open its lanes to walkers or cyclists, but it certainly opens our eyes to Shanghai’s ambition and beauty. Standing by the riverside, we can feel its massive presence stretch across the Huangpu River. Taking a ferry ride beneath it gives us an entirely new angle to admire this engineering marvel.

Lykkers, have you ever come across a bridge so vast that it feels unreal? Tell us about your favorite bridge moments—or better yet, add Yangpu Bridge to your next Shanghai journey. Let’s keep discovering the world’s most impressive landmarks, one iconic stop at a time!