Nanpu Bridge Shanghai
Shanghai's iconic Nanpu Bridge, famous for its striking spiral approach and dazzling nighttime LED illumination.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bridge lights up beautifully
Nanpu Bridge Shanghai
Best Time
Bridge lights up beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Shanghai's iconic Nanpu Bridge, famous for its striking spiral approach and dazzling nighttime LED illumination.
"The illuminated Nanpu Bridge at night is truly extraordinary, a remarkable architectural work."
✨ Ferry for Views
Cross the Huangpu River by ferry for amazing views of Nanpu Bridge and the city skyline for just 2 yuan!
🌃 Nighttime Spectacle
The bridge is illuminated with thousands of LED lights at night, creating a truly extraordinary sight.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Spiral Approach
A striking, multi-loop spiral ramp that's an engineering feat and a visual wonder, especially when lit up.
Nighttime LED Illumination
Thousands of rainbow-colored LED lights create a breathtaking light show on the bridge and its ramps.
Huangpu River Crossing
Take a short, inexpensive ferry ride across the Huangpu River for stunning views of the bridge and city skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Experience the Spiral
Nighttime Illumination
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Ferry for Views
Cross the Huangpu River by ferry for amazing views of Nanpu Bridge and the city skyline for just 2 yuan!
🌃 Nighttime Spectacle
The bridge is illuminated with thousands of LED lights at night, creating a truly extraordinary sight.
🚗 Taxi for Convenience
Using a Didi taxi is a convenient way to cross the bridge and reach various tourist spots.
📸 Photo Spot Hunt
Seek out vantage points to capture the impressive spiral junction, though finding the perfect spot can be a challenge.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Ferry for Views
Cross the Huangpu River by ferry for amazing views of Nanpu Bridge and the city skyline for just 2 yuan!
🌃 Nighttime Spectacle
The bridge is illuminated with thousands of LED lights at night, creating a truly extraordinary sight.
🚗 Taxi for Convenience
Using a Didi taxi is a convenient way to cross the bridge and reach various tourist spots.
📸 Photo Spot Hunt
Seek out vantage points to capture the impressive spiral junction, though finding the perfect spot can be a challenge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by Nanpu Bridge's unique spiral design and its spectacular nighttime illumination. Many highlight the affordability and beauty of crossing the Huangpu River by ferry for stunning views. While the engineering is praised, some find capturing the full spiral challenging.
"This is one of the largest bridges in the city of Shanghai. Uniquely, this bridge is spiral shaped and was built over the Huangpu river. When night falls this spiral bridge is illuminated by hundreds of bright lights, it is truly extraordinary. I repeatedly crossed this bridge when using Didi taxi to various tourist areas in Shanghai. The name of the bridge is also clearly displayed on the bridge. This is truly an extraordinary architectural work."
Awal SJR
"This huge bridge in city of Shanghai looks like the bay bridge in the city of Yokohama, Japan."
Meli Dad
"Amazing structure, beautiful city. Very interesting buildings. There are a lot of things to do in Shanghai, visiting skyscrapers, museums, river, parks old street and many other places.
Absolutely amazing!"
Fane GSM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Nanpu Bridge by taking a taxi or Didi. Many visitors also enjoy crossing the Huangpu River via ferry for a unique perspective of the bridge and city.
While specific metro lines might not directly stop at the bridge, buses and taxis are readily available. The ferry is also a popular and accessible option.
Experiencing the spiral is best done by driving or taking a taxi across it. For photos, consider elevated viewpoints or the ferry.
While possible, walking across the entire bridge is a significant distance. It's more common to experience it via vehicle or ferry.
Parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's often easier to use ride-sharing services or public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no ticket required to view or cross Nanpu Bridge itself. The ferry crossing, however, has a nominal fee.
Nanpu Bridge is accessible 24/7 as it's a public road. The illumination is most prominent in the evenings.
No, the spiral ramp is part of the bridge and is free to access when crossing by vehicle.
Many Shanghai city tours will include a drive-by or view of Nanpu Bridge, especially those focusing on modern architecture or river views.
As a major transportation artery, there are no specific visitor restrictions, but be mindful of traffic when crossing.
📸 📸 Photography
The most dramatic photos are taken at night when the bridge is illuminated with thousands of LED lights.
Consider the ferry for a unique perspective, or look for elevated viewpoints. Capturing the full spiral can be tricky.
Photographing the entire spiral can be challenging due to its scale and the surrounding urban environment.
Drone usage in Shanghai is heavily regulated. It's unlikely you'll be able to fly a drone near the bridge without special permits.
Use a tripod for stability, a longer exposure, and a lower ISO to capture the lights without excessive noise.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
Nanpu Bridge is famous for its impressive spiral approach, its role as a major crossing over the Huangpu River, and its stunning nighttime illumination.
Crossing time varies greatly depending on traffic, but it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour during peak times.
It features a striking spiral design for its approach ramps, a common technique to reduce gradient. The main span is supported by two large towers.
While not directly on the bridge, the ferry offers excellent views. Some riverside areas on the Pudong side might also provide good vantage points.
Opened in 1991, it was a crucial piece of infrastructure connecting Pudong and Puxi, symbolizing Shanghai's rapid development.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a short ferry ride across the Huangpu River; it's inexpensive and provides great views without requiring long walks, making it ideal for younger children. While there aren't specific play areas on the bridge itself, the sheer scale and unique design can capture a child's imagination. It's a good stop for a brief, awe-inspiring experience during a day of sightseeing in Shanghai. Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially when near traffic or the river.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The spiral ramp itself provides dynamic lines and angles that can make for striking compositions. To capture the best shots, consider visiting during the 'blue hour' just after sunset for a mix of natural and artificial light. The ferry crossing offers a unique perspective, allowing you to frame the bridge against the city skyline.
Be prepared for potential traffic noise and light pollution, and a tripod is essential for low-light photography. Budget Travelers
The real gem for budget travelers is the Huangpu River ferry, which offers incredible city and bridge views for a minimal cost of just 2 yuan. This makes it possible to experience iconic Shanghai scenery without spending a fortune on observation decks or expensive tours. Simply taking a taxi or Didi across the bridge also provides a relatively affordable way to appreciate its engineering marvel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel: The Spiral Approach
This innovative design allows vehicles to ascend and descend smoothly, minimizing the gradient and ensuring a safer and more comfortable crossing. The sheer scale of the spiral is impressive, and it's particularly captivating when viewed from a distance or experienced firsthand.
While the spiral is a key feature, it's important to note that some visitors have mentioned seeing only one full loop, suggesting that the perception of 'three loops' might be a simplification or depend on the viewing angle. Regardless, the overall effect is undeniably striking and a must-see for anyone interested in modern infrastructure.
A Dazzling Nighttime Spectacle
This vibrant display creates a mesmerizing visual experience, especially when combined with the moving lights of the traffic crossing the bridge. The illumination is a major draw for visitors, offering a stark contrast to its daytime appearance. The interplay of colors and the sheer scale of the lit structure make it a popular spot for evening photography and a memorable sight for anyone exploring Shanghai after dark.
To truly appreciate this nighttime wonder, consider viewing it from a distance or experiencing it from the Huangpu River. The reflection of the lights on the water adds another layer of magic to the scene.
Experiencing the Huangpu River Crossing
This short ferry ride offers a different vantage point than viewing the bridge from land. You can see the bridge's scale and its integration into the urban landscape, with ships and barges sailing by adding to the dynamic scene.
Many travelers find this crossing to be a highlight, offering a peaceful and scenic interlude amidst the bustling city. It's a simple yet incredibly rewarding experience that provides excellent photo opportunities and a memorable way to appreciate Shanghai's waterfront.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit