Under a clear sky, with the resonating sound of cicadas,at the construction site of the main venue of the 2024 Chengdu International Horticultural Expo,the passion of construction matches the scorching June weather.On the Jiangxi River, where the embankment slope construction has been completed,a newly installed pedestrian bridge gracefully spans.Its distinct silhouette emerges, bridging across the Jiangxi River,connecting the Chinese Horticultural Exhibition Area, the Tianfu Living Pavilion, the Waterfall Hotel, and other core architectures and landscapes.
“This is the first landscape bridge to be installed in the main venue area.” said the project manager. The pedestrian bridge not only serves as a significant landmark of the main venue but also links multiple important exhibition areas, “It plays a pivotal role as an integral component of the park's slow transportation system, exerting a substantial impact on the progress of subsequent construction phases.”
According to reports, the pedestrian bridge is located northwest of the Moke Lake in the Chengdu Expo, adjacent to the Waterfall Hotel. It stretches an impressive 119.5 meters, with a central span of nearly 50 meters long. Rising 12 meters above the regular water level of the Jiangxi River, the bridge comfortably accommodates general watercraft traffic. The main width of the bridge deck measures 6 meters, expanding to 12 meters at its midpoint, creating a scenic observation platform where visitors can pause, capture memorable moments, and immerse themselves in the enchanting waterscape.
Currently,the installation of the pedestrian bridge's primary structure has been successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone. Subsequent construction stages will encompass the embellishment and installation of the bridge deck's railings, among other details.
“This bridge not only serves as a vital pedestrian link within the park but also stands as a remarkable piece of artistry—crafted from bamboo.”the project manager Dongdong Xiang shared with enthusiasm. To embody Chinese elements and embrace the distinctiveness of Chengdu, the pedestrian bridge integrates the essence of bamboo weaving, seamlessly blending the elegant shapes and fluid lines of bamboo into its structural design. It transforms the bridge into a grand-scale bamboo woven masterpiece spanning the Jianxi River, exemplifying Chengdu's rich bamboo culture in all its splendor.
The bamboo woven bridge consists of two parts: the bridge's main structure and the decorative elements adorning it. The main span of the bridge adopts a variable cross-section, ingeniously constructed with a steel framework. This innovative design ensures both structural integrity and reduced bridge deck thickness, ultimately lending an aesthetic of lightness and simplicity while safeguarding the natural foundation.
The decorative elements on the bridge feature bamboo strips and bamboo weaving. They connect both ends of the bridge like floating ribbons and form an arched sunshade in the center, creating a warm and natural atmosphere that harmonizes with the spirit of“Tianfu Chengdu”.
“The bamboo woven bridge is surrounded by prominent architectural marvels and scenic landscapes, such as the Waterfall Hotel, Tianfu Living Pavilion, World Expo Lake/Waterfall, and Bamboo Rhythm Garden,”explained the project representative. Following the opening of the 2024 Chengdu International Horticultural Expo, visitors will traverse this bridge to access numerous significant exhibition areas within the park. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to admire this captivating bamboo woven artwork up close, immersing themselves in the captivating essence of Tianfu culture.