First Yangtze River Bridge at Night

China's first permanent Yangtze River crossing links Hanyang and Wuchang districts in Wuhan, and the riverside walkway near the base of Snake Hill gives an unobstructed, low-angle view of the bridge's full double-deck span, with the river surface in the foreground reflecting the bridge's lights when the water is calm. The 15 to 20 minutes just after sunset -- blue hour -- offer the best balance between residual color in the sky and the bridge's own lighting, since shooting after full darkness leaves the sky black and reduces the sense of depth in the scene; long exposures during this window also smooth the river surface and can capture light trails from passing boats and traffic on the upper deck. The bridge is illuminated and photographable year-round, with no strong seasonal variation beyond generally clearer air in autumn. The riverside walkway is a popular evening gathering spot for local residents, so tripod space along the best vantage points can be limited on warm evenings and weekends; arriving thirty minutes before sunset secures a clear spot. A tripod is effectively required for the exposure lengths needed to capture light trails and a smooth river surface; drone flights are not permitted near the bridge given its status as an active transport corridor and the surrounding river traffic. There is no admission fee to access the riverside walkway or photograph the bridge.