Haixin Bridge

Haixin Bridge Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Guangzhou’s Iconic Landmark

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Haixin Bridge, spanning the Pearl River in the heart of Guangzhou, is much more than a pedestrian crossing—it is a testament to the city’s commitment to innovative urban design, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. As the world’s largest curved inclined pedestrian bridge, Haixin Bridge not only enhances connectivity between the Central Business District and cultural hotspots like Ersha Island Art Park, Huacheng Square, and Canton Tower but also serves as a vibrant public space, hosting everything from leisure strolls to major city events. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Haixin Bridge: its history, architectural highlights, practical information on hours and tickets, nearby attractions, and expert travel tips for an unforgettable experience (Designboom; PRC Magazine; Metalocus).

Hai Xin Bridge in Guangzhou, China with modern city skyline

Hai Xin Bridge in Guangzhou at sunset with city skyline

Hai Xin Bridge in Guangzhou spanning over Pearl River

Hai Xin Bridge in Guangzhou at night with illuminated arch

Hai Xin Bridge in Guangzhou spanning over a river with cityscape in background

Hai Xin Bridge in Guangzhou spanning the river with city skyline in the background

Haixin Bridge at a Glance
Historical Context and Vision
Architectural Innovation and Cultural Symbolism
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access
Accessibility and Visitor Facilities
Travel Tips & Best Times to Visit
Nearby Attractions and Experiences
Environmental Features and Sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
References

Haixin Bridge at a Glance

Location: Connects Ersha Island Art Park (north bank) with the Canton Tower and Haixinsha Island (south bank) in Guangzhou’s CBD.
Design: Fluid, curved form inspired by Lingnan motifs and Cantonese opera “water sleeves.”
Length & Span: 488 meters long, 198-meter main span, width up to 20 meters at its broadest point.
Opening Year: 2022
Key Features: Panoramic city views, innovative lighting, landscaping, wide pedestrian lanes, accessibility for all.

Historical Context and Vision

Guangzhou’s rapid urbanization and the Pearl River’s division of the city created a pressing need for pedestrian connectivity. Before Haixin Bridge, only vehicular bridges like Guangzhou Bridge and Liede Bridge spanned this strategic section, leaving a gap for non-motorized movement between cultural, commercial, and recreational hubs (PRC Magazine).

The vision for Haixin Bridge emerged from a city-led initiative to create a transformative public space that would:

Integrate seamlessly with Guangzhou’s central axis and pedestrian networks,
Enhance urban life, and
Embody both modern engineering and local cultural identity.

The project was developed by Guangzhou Construction Investment and Development Co., Ltd., with design by the Architectural Design & Research Institute of South China University of Technology (SCUT), led by renowned architects He Jingtang, Qiu Jianfa, and Bao Ying (Designboom; Archello).

Architectural Innovation and Cultural Symbolism

Structure and Engineering

Haixin Bridge features a distinctive curved, inclined box girder supported by a 56-meter arch tilted 10 degrees eastward, resulting in the world’s largest curved inclined pedestrian span (Metalocus). Its steel structure, transparent railings, and variable-width deck (6 to 8 meters) create a dynamic yet open experience, avoiding visual obstruction and maximizing river and cityscape views (Trip.com).

Cultural Symbolism

Name: “Haixin” (海心) means “Heart of the Sea,” symbolizing the bridge’s centrality and role as a connector.
Design Motifs: Inspired by Lingnan culture, the bridge’s curves mimic the “water sleeves” of Cantonese opera and the traditional “Qin” instrument (Archello).
Landscaping: Flower ponds and planters reflect Guangzhou’s famed aquatic flower markets, using native species and terraced planting for biodiversity (Metalocus).

Nighttime Illumination

A sophisticated lighting system, designed by Beijing Tongheng Heming Lighting and Acoustics Institute, transforms the bridge into a glowing urban landmark while minimizing light pollution (Metalocus). At night, the interplay of bridge lights, Canton Tower illumination, and river reflections offer a truly magical setting (Trip.com Moments).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Visiting Hours

Regular Hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm daily (last entry at 10:45 pm).
Special Arrangements: During statutory holidays or major public events, timed reservations are required due to increased visitor numbers (Haizhu District Government).

Tickets and Admission

Entry: Free of charge for all visitors.
Reservations: Only necessary during high-traffic periods (holidays); otherwise, walk-in access is permitted.

Getting There

Metro: Nearest stations are Canton Tower (Line 3, APM Line) and Zhujiang New Town (Line 3, Line 5).
Bus: Multiple city bus routes serve Canton Tower and Haixinsha Island.
Bike-sharing: HelloBike, Meituan Bike, and others make cycling to the bridge easy.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Didi and similar services are widely available (Deep China Travel).

Accessibility and Visitor Facilities

Universal Access: Barrier-free design with gentle slopes, wide pathways, and clear signage make the bridge suitable for wheelchairs and strollers (Archello).
Rest Areas: Benches, shaded spots, and flower ponds create comfortable zones for relaxation.
Restrooms: Facilities are available near each entrance.

Travel Tips & Best Times to Visit

Best Times: Early morning (quieter, soft light) and evening/night (spectacular city lighting and river reflections).
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for extended walking.
Weather: Guangzhou’s subtropical climate means sun protection is recommended during the day; bring water, especially in summer.
Photography: The central arch offers unique compositions with Canton Tower and the city skyline as backdrops. Bring a tripod for night shots.
Crowds: Visit on weekdays or off-peak hours for a more tranquil experience.
Reservations: Required only during holidays—plan ahead if visiting during major events.

Nearby Attractions and Experiences

Haixin Bridge’s location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring Guangzhou’s top sites:

Canton Tower: Observation decks, dining, and panoramic views.
Ersha Island Art Park: Outdoor sculptures and cultural spaces.
Huacheng Square: Urban park with fountains, event venues, and the Guangzhou Opera House.
Haixinsha Island: Parks, promenades, and event spaces.
Guangdong Museum: Exhibits on regional history, art, and natural science.

Guided tours occasionally include Haixin Bridge and nearby attractions—check with local operators for availability.

Environmental Features and Sustainability

Green Infrastructure: Native plants, permeable surfaces, and terraced landscaping support biodiversity and reduce heat.
Materials: Use of local and sustainable materials, like precast concrete and lightweight pavers, balances durability with environmental responsibility (Landezine Award).
Cooling and Comfort: A fog cooling system and lush planting provide a comfortable microclimate.
Energy Efficiency: Advanced lighting minimizes energy use and light pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Haixin Bridge’s opening hours?
A: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm daily (last entry at 10:45 pm).

Q: Is there an entry fee or need for tickets?
A: Entry is free; timed reservations are only required during statutory holidays or major events.

Q: Is Haixin Bridge wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the bridge features barrier-free access with ramps and wide pathways.

Q: How do I get to Haixin Bridge?
A: Conveniently accessible via metro (Canton Tower or Zhujiang New Town stations), bus, bike-share, or ride-hailing apps.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Small pets may be permitted if leashed—check current regulations before visiting.

Q: Where can I find restrooms?
A: Public restrooms are available at both entrances.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Some local operators offer tours that include Haixin Bridge and nearby sites.

Conclusion

Haixin Bridge is a shining example of Guangzhou’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, creating a public space that is as functional as it is beautiful. With free access, extended visiting hours, universal design, and a strategic location near key attractions, Haixin Bridge offers something for everyone—whether you’re a lover of architecture, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking the city’s best river views. Plan your visit, enjoy the scenery, and immerse yourself in the vibrant urban life that defines Guangzhou.

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