Zhongshan Bridge (Yellow River Iron Bridge)
中山桥
Completed in 1909 and known as the 'First Bridge on the Yellow River Under Heaven.' German steel construction stands beside the muddy Yellow River, and it is Lanzhou's city landmark and night-view centerpiece.
Zhongshan Bridge spans the Yellow River below White Pagoda Mountain in Chengguan District. It was originally called the Lanzhou Yellow River Iron Bridge. It was built between 1907 and 1909 by the German firm Taylor & Co. and was the first permanent steel road bridge on the Yellow River. It is about 234 m long, and its five-span steel truss structure has been preserved in its original form. It was renamed Zhongshan Bridge in 1942 to honor Sun Yat-sen. It is now a national key cultural heritage site, and since 2004 it has been open to pedestrians only.
Highlights include the 'First Bridge on the Yellow River Under Heaven' archway at the bridgehead, the details of the steel truss structure, views of the turbid river and White Pagoda Mountain across the water, and the bridge's lights at night, which combine with the illuminated White Pagoda Mountain.
Suggested itinerary: in the evening, walk from the south end to the north end of the bridge (about 10 minutes), then climb White Pagoda Mountain from the north side for a panoramic view. On the south bank, the Yellow River scenic belt offers sheepskin raft rides (about CNY 100 per person, floating a short stretch to below the bridge), Yellow River boat cruises and a riverside walkway. The Xiguan crossroads commercial district and the Dazhong Lane snack street are a 10-minute walk from the south side.
Entry is free and the bridge is open all day. At the bridgehead is the Lanzhou Yellow River Bridge Museum (free; closed on Mondays).
Getting there: walk about 10 minutes from Xiguan Station or Shengzhengfu Station on Metro Line 1. Multiple bus routes stop at Zhongshan Bridge Station.
Please note: in peak season the bridge is very crowded in the evenings, so keep an eye on your belongings. Wear a life jacket on the sheepskin rafts, and children and non-swimmers should think carefully before going. Cycling is not allowed on the bridge.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Xiguan Mosque
- Zhangye Road Pedestrian Street & Dazhong Lane
- Lanzhou Prefecture City God Temple
- Baita (White Pagoda) Mountain Park
- Zhengning Road Night Market
- Jinchengguan Cultural Expo Park
- Memorial of the Eighth Route Army Lanzhou Office
- Yellow River Mother Statue