Steel Rainbow of the Yellow River: A Century of History at Lanzhou’s Zhongshan Bridge

The Grand Sentinel of the Mother River

1.Spanning the surging waters of the Yellow: River in Lanzhou, the Zhongshan Bridge is an enduring symbol of the city and a testament to the intersection of Eastern and Western engineering. Located at the foot of Baita Mountain in the Chengguan District, Lanzhou is the only provincial capital in China where the Yellow River flows directly through the city center. Known as the "First Bridge of the Yellow River" (天下黄河第一桥), this historic steel structure serves as the centerpiece of the 40-mile Yellow River Scenic Belt, often referred to as "Lanzhou's Little Bund". Sitting at an altitude of approximately 1,520 meters, the bridge connects the historical roots of the Silk Road with the vibrant modern pulse of the city.

From Sheepskin Rafts to Steel Girders

2.The history of crossing the Yellow: River at this strategic point dates back centuries. Before the era of permanent bridges, the river was navigated using sheepskin rafts—crafts made from intact sheep skins inflated and tied to wooden frames. During the winter, travelers would rely on "ice bridges" created by the frozen river, though these were seasonal and dangerous. In 1372, the Ming Dynasty General Feng Sheng established a floating bridge made of 24 massive ships anchored by iron chains, which remained the primary crossing method for over 500 years.

An International Engineering Milestone

The current steel bridge was born from the vision of local officials and the expertise of international builders. Proposed by Peng Meijia and authorized by Shen Yun, the Governor of Gansu, the project was contracted to a German firm, with construction supervised by American engineers and executed by Chinese laborers. Completed in 1907, the bridge originally spanned 233.33 meters and featured five spans of arched steel beams. After four years of grueling construction in the rugged Northwest environment, it became the first permanent, all-steel bridge to cross the Yellow River. In 1942, the bridge was renamed "Zhongshan Bridge" to honor the revolutionary father of modern China, Sun Yat-sen.

A Modern Cultural Landmark

Over the decades, the bridge has undergone several reinforcements to ensure its survival against the river's power. In 1954, its triangular spans were upgraded to their current arc-shaped design, and the wooden deck was replaced with steel. Recognizing its immense historical value, the bridge was retired from vehicle traffic in 2004, becoming an exclusive pedestrian walkway and a National Major Cultural Relic Protection site. Today, it provides the most stunning vantage point for viewing Lanzhou's nightscape, where the golden illumination of the steel arches reflects off the river, blending with the temple lights of Baita Mountain to create a scene of breathtaking grandeur.