Shanghai is China’s biggest city and a must-see on a trip to the country. You may be familiar with Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, which features the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower rising up over the city’s many other skyscrapers. Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River, and there are 12 tunnels and 10 bridges spanning this waterway. The most impressive bridge in Shanghai is the Lupu Bridge, an enormous steel arch bridge that soars high above the river. It is the second-longest bridge in the world, and it is an architectural marvel that took several years to build. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting this impressive attraction in our guide to Lupu Bridge, Shanghai.
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Things to do / highlights
The Lupu Bridge is one of 10 bridges spanning the Huangpu River. It took three years to build and was completed in 2003. It was featured as part of the Shanghai Expo in 2010, a major fair that promoted Shanghai as one of the world’s next great cities. The bridge is a feat of engineering and it was constructed using cable, suspension, and arch technology. It has six lanes for traffic and is so tall that huge ships can pass under with ease. Although visitors are not permitted to walk across the bridge, there is no way you will miss spotting the bridge from anywhere nearby! Its soaring steel arch is visible from either side of the river and from any observation floor at one of the city’s many skyscrapers. There are several ways to get a glimpse of this impressive structure.
View Lupu Bridge from a nearby walking path
On the south side of the bridge is the Pudong District of Shanghai. There is a large park called Expo Park that has lots of gardens and walking paths. The huge Lupu Bridge begins in the park and towers over it, making this a great place to see the bridge up close. Stand under the start of the bridge to hear the cars driving above you and experience the thrill of the thunderous noise!
Drive across Lupu Bridge
If you want to experience being on the world’s second-longest steel arch bridge yourself, the best way is to drive across it. Whether you have rented a car or call a taxi, this is an exciting experience. You’ll be right next to the arches and suspension cables and will be able to see the architecture up close. In addition to being very long, the bridge is also very tall. It is 100m (328ft) tall, providing a great view of the river and skyscrapers of Shanghai as you drive across. Plus, the fact that the bridge is 5.4 miles (8.7km) long means that you’ll have several minutes to take in the views with your eyes and maybe a camera - as long as you aren’t the one behind the wheel.
View Lupu Bridge at night
Lupu Bridge is impressive by day, but at night it becomes a colorful display of lights for all the city to see! Be sure to stop by after dark to see the arch of the bridge light up with a dazzling light show. You can peer up at the multicolor lights from a nearby path on the ground, or take a nighttime ride over the bridge for a thrilling, up-close perspective of the display.
Travelers tips
Although at one time, the Lupu Bridge was open to pedestrians and visitors could climb to an observation deck, the observation deck is now closed. Lupu Bridge is only accessible by vehicle and there is no way for pedestrians to walk over the bridge. If you are set on experiencing the bridge up close, be sure to look into a car rental or taxi service during your stay in Shanghai. Otherwise, you can view the bridge any time of day from the nearby waterfront park or many other spots along the river.
How to get there
Lupu Bridge is located in the heart of Shanghai and it’s likely that you will happen upon it as you make your way to nearby tourist destinations. Shanghai also has a robust public transit system that will get you to the bridge in no time.
Metro
If traveling by subway, take the Metro to the Shibo Dadao Station. The quickest way to get to the Lupu Bridge is to leave from exit 4. Walk to the north for a few minutes, and the bridge will be right in front of you.
Bus
There are several bus routes that will bring you right to Lupu Bridge. Take any of the following bus lines: 17, 36, 146, 205, 733, or 1212. Be sure to get off at Lupu Daqiao Station, which is even closer to the bridge than the subway stop.
Lupu Bridge information
Address: China, Shanghai, Pudong, 耀华路449号
Website: Official Shanghai China Travel Information
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
History
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