The Pride of Dongguan: The Tiger Gate Bridge
Located in the Guangdong Province of China, the Tiger Gate Bridge, or the Humen Pearl River Bridge, is a marvel of modern engineering. Standing over the Pearl River, the bridge connects the Nansha district of Guangzhou and Humen Town of Dongguan across the Lingdingyang channel. At a total length of 36 kilometers, it is the longest bridge in Southern China.
A Brief History
The Tiger Gate Bridge has a rich history. Its construction began in 1997 and was completed in 2019 spanning over two decades. The bridge has undergone many upgrades over the years, with the latest upgrade completed in 2019. Over this period, the bridge has contributed significantly to Dongguan's economy. Besides allowing for more efficient transportation of goods, the bridge also connects Humen's historic sites to Guangzhou's bustling city.
Structure and Design
The Tiger Gate Bridge boasts remarkable design and structure. The bridge features a cable-stayed structure with a main span of 888 meters and a tower height of 148 meters, resembling a dragon with a pearl in its mouth. The bridge has four main cable planes and eight pylon towers, two of which are inclined. The bridge has six lanes, three in each direction, and can accommodate up to 100,000 vehicles daily.
Tourist Attraction
The Tiger Gate Bridge has become a famous tourist attraction in Dongguan and Guangzhou. The bridge provides spectacular views of the Pearl River Delta and the city skylines. With its modern design and engineering, the Tiger Gate Bridge serves as a perfect case study in the construction of cable-stayed bridges. Visitors can either stroll along the pedestrian walkways or take a cruise on the river for a panoramic view of the bridge.
In conclusion, the Tiger Gate Bridge proves to be an example of exemplary infrastructure development and engineering that has contributed to the growth of Dongguan's economy. Beyond serving as a transportation route, the bridge has evolved into a tourist attraction that welcomes visitors from all over the world.
