Nanjing Eye Footbridge captures the heart at first sight

The Nanjing Eye Footbridge

Nanjing Eye Footbridge is the first landscape pedestrian bridge in Nanjing that spans the Yangtze Jiajiang River. The 827.5-meter-long structure has become a new landmark in Nanjing's Binjiang New City.

The construction of the bridge started at the end of 2012, and it was completed in just 18 months. In March 2014, the pedestrian bridge was named through a global naming campaign, and ultimately, it was named the "Nanjing Eye" due to its highest support rate.  

The Nanjing Eye Footbridge combines dynamism and elegance. In the ancient bridges of southern China, stone arch structures are predominant. The slight arch in the middle of the Nanjing Eye Footbridge perfectly matches the poetic charm of traditional Chinese bridges over flowing water in a village setting. The overall appearance of the bridge is simple yet elegant, with two white rings that are connected although seemingly separate, creating a strong sense of movement. The bridge’s structure resembles rippling water, gradually widening and narrowing, giving pedestrians the feeling of moving like musical notes on a string.

The two white rings support the entire weight of the bridge. The elliptical bridge towers symbolize completeness, while the steel structure conveys a modern aesthetic. From a distance, the two white rings resemble a white jade belt strung across the Jiajiang River; but seen closer up, the steel cables appear to slant like wings on either side of the white rings soaring upwards, resembling the strings of a harp.

Nanjing Eye Footbridge

The design of the Nanjing Eye Footbridge fully embodies the structural beauty of bridges. It is light and dynamic, with colors and dimensions harmoniously coordinated with the surrounding architectural landscape. Additionally, the widened sections of the bridge provide space for visitors to sightsee and take photos, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to accommodating tourists.

The pavement, the landscape platforms at the ends of the bridge, the railings and other details of the design not only meet functional needs but also prioritize pedestrian safety and comfort, while maximizing the aesthetic appeal of the bridge as a whole.

In 2015, the Nanjing Eye Footbridge was awarded the Arthur G. Hayden Medal at the 32nd International Bridge Conference (IBC). The award is regarded as the "Nobel Prize" of the bridge industry. It was the first time a Chinese enterprise received the Arthur G. Hayden Medal.