The New Haiyan (Sea Swallow) Bridge to Yeli (Wild Fox) Island will officially open on Monday, Sept 30 to pedestrians and cyclists, but not motorists who must use the Xinyue (New Moon) Bridge to the north.

The crossing is 370 m (405 yd) long and 14 m (15 yd) in breadth with a 3.5-m (3.8-yd) wide sidewalk for pedestrians. It runs from Mingting Park Gate at the intersection of Haiyan Road and Central Lovers Avenue to Beili Road on Yeli Island in Wanzaisha of Old Xiangzhou. It replaces an unsafe crossing that was over 23 years old and demolished last year. 

The two-way two-lane pier-supported passage is a scenic entranceway for the public to enjoy the island's mountain, springs, trails, panoramic views, and tropical scenery. The new bridge is also the emergency evacuation route from the island park, Zhuhai Opera House, Hi City leisure complex, and historic boat-shaped Deyuefang Restaurant.

New Haiyan Bridge [Photo by Shen Yang/ Zhuhai Daily] 

Sidewalks on either side of the bridge are composed of yellow rust stones and cherry red granite. Non-motorized lanes are paved with white and black sesame granite. Functions of the bridge deck are designated by the pavement colors.

Other highlights include 42 street lampposts, each with five moon-like globes that provide for secure visibility, auspicious clouds that pattern the guardrails, and sidewalk patterns that mirror animals of the Chinese zodiac.  

A landscaped platform at the Lovers Avenue half-moon-shaped approach will open to the public after the National Day holiday.

In addition, a 200-spot parking lot of 10,000 sq m (11,960 sq yd) will also open to alleviate parking congestion on the ever-popular Yeli Island.