Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge

The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge crosses the Yangtze at Xiaguan, linking Gulou District on the south bank with Pukou District on the north bank in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Opened in 1968 as the first road-and-rail bridge designed and built by China across the lower Yangtze, it is a double-deck steel truss bridge with a road above and a railway below, and it was renovated and reopened in 2018. It is an icon of the city, decorated with socialist-era sculptures of flags and workers at its towers and approaches. The classic frame is the long steel truss receding across the wide river, with the bridge towers and red flag sculptures as anchors, photographed from the Bridge Park on the south bank at sunset and blue hour. From the south bank the river and bridge lie to the northwest, so sunset falls behind or beside the span and produces silhouettes, glowing water and backlit haze, while blue hour shows the lit bridge and passing boats. The best season is September to November, when the air is clear and the sunsets colourful; summer haze and winter smog reduce visibility. The park draws local walkers and photographers on weekends and evenings, and tripod positions along the riverside are usually available if arrival is early. Tripods are generally tolerated in the park if they do not block the path. Access to the park is free or low-cost, though visitors should confirm arrangements for the bridge's own observation areas, which can have separate fees or restrictions. Drones are restricted in Nanjing and near major infrastructure like bridges and should not be assumed permitted. Restrooms and small shops are found near the park entrance and along nearby roads.