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At Changhong Bridge, you can:
Changhong Bridge, located at the east entrance of Tianfang Village in the Beilebaidao Office of Kaiyuan City, was completed in 1962. With a total length of 127 meters and a single span of 112.5 meters, it was the largest stone arch bridge in my country at the time. The bridge structure, built on the principles of the ancient Zhaozhou Bridge, possesses unique ethnic characteristics. It was designated a Kaiyuan City Cultural Relic Protection Site in 1983.
Changhong Bridge, located on the Kunming-Nafada Highway in Yunnan Province, spans the Nanpan River. It has a span of 112.5 meters and a total length of 171 meters. The superstructure is a vierendelenburg stone arch bridge, with the arch structure supported by transverse bent frames. The arch rings are variable-section catenary arches constructed of coarse-grained stone.
In September 1961, after a year and a half of construction, Changhong Bridge was completed and opened to traffic. From then on, the Nanpan River, once a distant sight for distant people, finally lay docilely beneath the Changhong Bridge. A couplet on the bridge, "Rivers give way, mountains bow," fully demonstrates the heroic spirit of the bridge builders and their superb bridge-building skills.
The subtropical plateau monsoon climate has a relatively uniform seasonal pattern, with rainy and cool summers and warm winters. All seasons are suitable for travel.
Visit Changhong Bridge.
It is recommended to play for about 20 minutes.
free
Open all day
Changhong Bridge, also known as the "Red Bridge," is an iconic structure in the region, known for its striking red color and historical importance in connecting various local communities. The bridge plays a key role in the region’s transportation and has become a symbol of the area's development and connectivity.
Changhong Bridge is located in the Red River region of Yunnan. The best way to reach the bridge is by taxi or private car. You can also take a local bus to nearby areas, but walking may be less convenient depending on where you’re coming from.
Changhong Bridge is open 24 hours a day, but visiting during the daytime is recommended to fully appreciate the views and architecture. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
The bridge itself does not charge an entrance fee. It is accessible for free. No tickets are required for visiting the bridge, although nearby attractions might have separate fees.
No tickets are required for Changhong Bridge, so there’s no need to book in advance. You can simply visit the site at any time during your trip.
You can explore Changhong Bridge in about 30 minutes to 1 hour. It’s a relatively quick stop, but you might want to spend more time if you plan on taking photographs or walking around the area.
The main highlight is the bridge itself, with its distinctive red color and arching design. The surrounding river and scenic views offer excellent photography opportunities.
Guided tours are not commonly available at Changhong Bridge, but local guides in the area may offer information. Tours in Mandarin are available, and English-speaking guides may be found in nearby towns or cities.
The best photography spots are from the bridge itself, capturing the river below and the surrounding landscape. The views of the bridge from the riverbanks also provide great angles for photos.
There is no specific route, but a recommended itinerary would be to cross the bridge and then walk along the nearby riverbanks for scenic views. You can also visit nearby landmarks or traditional markets afterward to experience local culture.
Night visits are not typically available at Changhong Bridge. However, the bridge looks impressive when lit up at night, and walking along it in the evening offers a peaceful and scenic experience.
The bridge is generally not very crowded. To avoid any visitors, it is best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays.
There are no major facilities directly on the bridge. However, nearby towns have local shops and restaurants where you can buy food and water. Public restrooms are available in the nearby areas.
The bridge is accessible for most visitors, but there are stairs leading up to the bridge, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It is recommended to check local accessibility options before visiting.
Cash is accepted in local shops around the bridge, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used in the area. Credit cards are not commonly accepted in smaller local shops.
There are several local eateries and small restaurants near the bridge that offer traditional Yunnan food. For a larger variety, you can head to the nearby towns like Lijiang.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in local restaurants, but halal food might be harder to find in this area. It’s recommended to check with restaurants in advance for dietary preferences.
There are basic accommodations in nearby towns. For more luxury options, Lijiang offers a wide range of hotels and resorts that are just a short drive away from the bridge.
Nearby attractions include Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Black Dragon Pool. These can easily be visited together in a single day from the bridge.
Yes, you can find local souvenir shops in nearby areas selling traditional Yunnan crafts such as textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Hand-carved wooden items are a popular souvenir.
After visiting Changhong Bridge, taxis or private cars are the best option to continue your trip. Local buses are also available to take you to nearby towns or attractions, but taxi or car hire is recommended for convenience.
