At the gateway of Taiwan’s Tamsui River, the new Danjiang Bridge, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, commands attention. Spanning the river between New Taipei City’s Tamsui and Bali districts, this engineering marvel sets a world record as the longest single-mast, asymmetric cable-stayed bridge. It transforms regional transit by slicing approximately twenty-five minutes from cross-river commutes and alleviating congestion on the upstream Guandu Bridge.
Distinctive design with a towering mast
The Danjiang Bridge stretches 920 meters, anchored by a solitary concrete mast that soars 200 meters above the estuary. The architects crafted this imposing silhouette by concentrating the bridge’s load onto a single vertical figure supported by a fan of cables. This approach eliminates the need for multiple supports scattered across the riverbed, preserving the natural flow of the estuary and enhancing the vistas of Tamsui River’s iconic sunsets.
Engineered for resilience
In a region prone to seismic activity, architects incorporated cutting-edge technology to ensure the bridge withstands earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher. A network of pier supports, cable stays, hydraulic dampers, friction pendulum bearings, and synthetic rubber pads fortify the structure against vertical and horizontal forces, promising a robust yet aesthetically striking profile.
Constructed over six years with a collaboration involving Sinotech Engineering Consultants and Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner, the project culminated in 2025 with the installation of the final steel deck section. Its May 2026 inauguration marked a significant advancement in transport infrastructure.
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A harmonious blend of infrastructure and nature
The Danjiang Bridge accommodates motor vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and future expansions of the Danhai Light Rail. Yet, its breathtaking silhouette remains its most defining feature. A single mast rises from the riverbank, surrounded by a dynamic overlay of cables, merging functionality with visual poetry.
This project extends Zaha Hadid Architects’ renowned portfolio of ambitious infrastructure ventures, illustrating their adeptness in marrying practicality with design. By respecting the ecological and scenic context of the Tamsui River, the architects created a structure that melds with rather than dominates the landscape, revealing an understated reverence for the environment. The bridge reflects a thoughtful approach to design and engineering, merging purpose with elegance.
The Danjiang Bridge not only serves as a pivotal transport artery but also as a testament to a vision that respects both nature and cutting-edge design principles.
Visualization courtesy Zaha Hadid Architects
Drawings courtesy Northern Region New Construction Branch Office, Highway Bureau, MOTC Taiwan
Project info:
- Name: Danjiang Bridge
- Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects
- Location: New Taipei City, Taiwan
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Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com