The Shiziguan Floating Bridge or the Bridge of Dreams is a 400-meter technological feat in China that allows traffic up to 2.8 tonnes to drive straight over the waters of the Qingjiang River. It is situated in the picturesque site of Shiziguan, at Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province, within lush mountain passes where travelers can feast their eyes on natural beauty.
Established in 2016, people come from all over China to drive across the river as a major attraction. The technology that is used in building this bridge is advanced German. It also does not topple over and has a very high stability because it is built using high-density polyethylene floats filled with water. Thus, it allows people to drive at a speed of 20 km/h and feel the smooth pass only over the soft sway of the river.
To add to the excitement, the bridge’s tiny passageway, which only permits one-way traffic, is intended for both pedestrian and vehicular use. This marvel of engineering is not without risk, though. A sad incident happened in 2023 when an eight-passenger multipurpose vehicle swayed violently and crashed through the railing of the bridge, falling into the Qingjiang River. Sadly, five of the passengers perished, but three made it out safely. The mishap highlighted the risks associated with exceeding weight and speed restrictions, particularly when they apply to such a fragile structure.
Following the incident, the Shiziguan Floating Bridge was temporarily closed for safety reviews but has since reopened to the public. Despite the tragedy, the bridge remains a popular attraction, captivating those eager to test the sensation of driving on water while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
For more fascinating feats of Chinese engineering, don’t miss the world’s scariest suspension bridge or its spectacular river highway.
