Xinglin Bridge

Introducing Xinglin Bridge

Xinglin Bridge (also known as the Xinglin Highway-Railway Bridge) is a combined highway and railway bridge located on the northwest side of Xiamen Island in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The bridge opened to traffic on September 1, 2008. Its starting point connects Xingqian Road on the Xinglin side to the Shenhai Expressway, and its terminus connects Gaodian No. 2 Road and Chenggong Avenue on the Gaoqi side of Xiamen Island. It serves as the fourth access point to and from Xiamen Island.

The Xinglin Bridge project consists of three sections: the Xinglin Interchange, the main cross-sea bridge, and the Gaoqi Interchange. With a total length of 8.53 kilometers, the main bridge is 7.48 kilometers long, and the offshore bridge is 5.034 kilometers long. It is currently the longest cross-sea bridge in Xiamen. The bridge deck is 32 meters wide, a standard first-class highway with six lanes in both directions and a designed speed of 80 kilometers per hour. On the inner island side, it connects to the Shugang Road Elevated Road, Gaodian Road, and the Chenggong Avenue Airport Interchange Link; on the outer island side, it connects to Xingbei Ring Road, Xingqian Road, and Xingbin Road.

The railway section of the Xinglin Bridge is a key project for the Fuzhou-Xiamen Railway. It stretches 5.22 kilometers from the Xiamen section of the Fuzhou-Xiamen Railway in the north to Gaoqi Station in the south. Upon completion, it will replace the Gaoji and Jixing seawalls to become the main thoroughfare for the Xiamen Railway, and will also connect to the Longxia Railway and the Xiamen-Shenzhen Railway. The underpass tunnel, constructed using the pipe-roof method, is 110 meters long.

Starting from January 31, 2010, all passenger trains departing from Xiamen Railway Station have been redirected to Xinglin Bridge.

Climate and best time to travel

Xinglin Bridge has a subtropical marine monsoon climate. The characteristic of the bridge is the observation decks on both sides of the hump. Citizens can stop on the bridge to enjoy the scenery. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Watch the bridge and the view;

It is recommended to play for 1 hour

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Xinglin Bridge

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Xinglin Bridge is a historic bridge in Xiamen, connecting the city’s northern districts to the island. It is known for its unique design and importance as a major transport route. The bridge has become a symbol of modern Xiamen and an architectural landmark.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Xinglin Bridge is located in the northern part of Xiamen. It can be accessed by taxi, bus, or private car. The nearest metro station is a short distance away, and public buses frequently run in the area.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The bridge is open at all times, as it is a functional structure for transportation. The best times to visit for sightseeing are early mornings or late afternoons, when the weather is cooler and the light is perfect for photography.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee to visit Xinglin Bridge. It is a public bridge and accessible for free.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No, there are no tickets required for visiting the bridge, and no advance booking is necessary.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour to fully explore the bridge and take in the views from various spots. If you plan to enjoy nearby parks or waterfront areas, allocate 1-2 hours for a more leisurely experience.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The central span of the bridge, offering stunning panoramic views of the river and city.
• The waterfront parks and areas surrounding the bridge, perfect for a relaxing walk.
• The view from the bridge at sunset or during the evening when the city lights up.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours or audio guides are not typically available for Xinglin Bridge, as it is an outdoor attraction. However, local tour guides may offer private services in Mandarin.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The center of the bridge provides the best viewpoint for photographs of the surrounding area.
• From the riverside or nearby parks, you can capture the bridge and the river in the background.
• Sunset or sunrise offers beautiful lighting for photos, with the bridge's silhouette against the sky.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Walk across the bridge, stopping at various viewpoints for photos. Afterward, take a stroll along the riverside parks or enjoy a boat ride to see the bridge from the water.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

While the bridge itself is not lit up with light shows, it is a great spot to visit at night for a peaceful walk and to see the city lights reflecting off the water.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The bridge can be busy during rush hours, as it is an important transportation route. The best times to visit for a peaceful experience are early mornings or late evenings.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are no direct facilities on the bridge itself, but nearby parks have public restrooms. For food and drinks, you can find options in nearby restaurants and cafes along the river.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The bridge is easily accessible for most visitors, including children and the elderly. However, the area around the bridge might not be fully wheelchair-friendly due to uneven paths near the parks.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

There is no need for cash as the bridge itself does not require an entry fee. However, nearby restaurants and shops may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay, with cash still being accepted.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are several local restaurants nearby offering seafood and Fujianese specialties.
• Cafes along the river offer coffee, tea, and snacks with views of the bridge.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some local restaurants, and halal food can be found in specific areas of Xiamen, though it might not be common near the bridge.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• There are several mid-range and budget hotels near the bridge, offering convenient access to both the bridge and nearby attractions.
• Luxury hotels can be found closer to the city center or waterfront areas.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Gulangyu Island is a popular nearby destination, offering a day of exploration and relaxation.
• The Nanputuo Temple and Xiamen University are also easily accessible from the bridge.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops near the riverfront, offering local handicrafts, trinkets, and postcards. Typical souvenirs include small statues, keychains, and local snacks.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Taxi or ride-sharing services are the most convenient option for continuing your trip from Xinglin Bridge.
• Public buses and the metro are available to explore more of Xiamen.