Ninghai Bridge

What are the most recommended things to do in Ninghai Bridge?

The Ninghai Bridge offers a great opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscape. It's ideal for photography, sightseeing, and leisurely walks across the bridge. Visitors can also appreciate the engineering marvel of the bridge and its significance in local transportation.


Introducing Ninghai Bridge

Ninghai Bridge is located at the junction of Hanjiang and Huangshi in Putian City, Fujian Province, at the mouth of the lower Mulan River. Anciently known as the Ninghai Ferry, it was named Ninghai Bridge. The bridge was first built in 1334, the second year of the Yuantong reign of the Yuan Dynasty. Because the river and the sea converge at this point, construction was extremely arduous. From the Yuan Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, the bridge was rebuilt and collapsed six times over 300 years. The seventh attempt at construction, in 1732, the tenth year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, took 15 years to complete. It is a magnificent stone bridge, soaring across the sky like a rainbow.

Every Dragon Boat Festival, watching the sunrise from the bridge at dawn is a truly spectacular sight: the rising sun resembles a giant round mirror, radiating myriad golden rays. The shimmering waters beneath the bridge resemble a golden dragon chasing the waves, a truly spectacular sight. It's earned the nickname "Ninghai First Sun" and is one of the "Twenty-Four Scenic Spots of Putian." The bridge is now a provincial-level key cultural relic protection site. In 1983, a concrete deck was added to the bridge, allowing the Xiuyu Port to Hanjiang highway to pass through, connecting it to the Fuzhou-Xiamen Highway. Ninghai Bridge was designated a national key cultural relic protection site in 2013.

Watching the sunrise from the bridge, thousands of golden rays of light cast directly below the bridge, like a golden dragon chasing the waves, with various postures, which is a spectacular sight. Therefore, it is known as the "First Sun of Ninghai". The bridge is now a provincial key cultural relic protection unit.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate; suitable for travel in all four seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The first day of Ninghai;

It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Open all day


Most Popular FAQs for Ninghai Bridge

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

The Ninghai Bridge is a key infrastructure project in Fujian, providing vital connectivity between the cities of Ningde and Putian. The bridge symbolizes modern engineering achievements and plays an essential role in the region's development by improving transportation and logistics.

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

The Ninghai Bridge is located in the eastern part of Fujian Province, connecting Ningde and Putian. It can be accessed by taxi or private car, and there are buses that link nearby cities. The bridge itself is part of a major highway, and walking across it is not recommended due to traffic and safety concerns.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The bridge is open to traffic 24/7. The best times to visit for sightseeing are during early morning or late afternoon when the weather is more comfortable and the light is ideal for photography.

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

There is no entrance fee for visiting the Ninghai Bridge as it is a public infrastructure project. However, if you're interested in any specific tour or guided service, additional fees may apply for organized trips.

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

Booking tickets is not necessary since there is no entrance fee. If you opt for a guided tour, booking in advance is recommended during peak travel seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Exploring the Ninghai Bridge itself can take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend taking in the views and taking photos. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, plan for a few hours.

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

The highlight is the view from the bridge, which offers sweeping views of the coastline, mountains, and surrounding countryside. It's a fantastic spot for photography, particularly during sunset or sunrise.

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

Guided tours may be available through local tour agencies, but there are no official audio guides on the bridge. Tours would typically be in Mandarin, and if required, English-speaking guides can be arranged through tour operators.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are along the bridge, especially at its middle point where you can capture the sweeping views of the surrounding areas. Sunset and sunrise provide excellent lighting for photographs.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Since the bridge is primarily a transportation route, the best route is simply walking or driving across it. If you're looking for a scenic experience, plan to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the best views.

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

Night visits are possible, though there are no light shows or special night tours on the bridge. The bridge itself is beautifully lit at night, providing a different kind of photography opportunity.

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

The bridge is not typically crowded, but during holidays or weekends, traffic might be heavier. Early mornings or weekdays tend to be less crowded.

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

There are no facilities directly on the bridge, but there are rest areas and food outlets at nearby scenic spots and along the highways surrounding the bridge.

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

The bridge is primarily for vehicular traffic, and pedestrian access is limited. It may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors due to the lack of proper pedestrian paths.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

For the bridge itself, no payment is required. However, nearby rest stops and shops may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay, and cash may also be accepted.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are several local eateries and seafood restaurants in the nearby towns of Putian and Ningde. These offer traditional Fujianese cuisine, including fresh seafood.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the local restaurants, although halal food may be less common. It's recommended to check with the restaurant beforehand if you require halal options.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels in the nearby cities of Putian and Ningde that offer a range of accommodations from budget to mid-range. For a more scenic experience, some hotels near the coastline provide beautiful sea views.

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

Nearby attractions include the Meizhou Island Mazu Temple, the coastlines of Putian, and the Puxian Mountain. A day trip can easily combine the Ninghai Bridge with these landmarks.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops in nearby towns selling local crafts, Fujianese tea, and sea-related souvenirs. Traditional wooden carvings and Mazu-themed items are common keepsakes.

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

After visiting the Ninghai Bridge, taxis, buses, or private cars are the best ways to continue your trip to nearby attractions or back to Putian or Ningde. Both cities have well-connected transportation networks.