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| Shiziguan floating bridge China |
🌉 What is Shiziguan Floating Bridge
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The Shiziguan Floating Bridge crosses the Qingjiang River in the scenic area of Xuan’en County — part of the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, in Hubei Province, China.
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Rather than using traditional supports (like pillars), the bridge “floats” on pontoons — large high-density polyethylene floats filled with water — creating a pontoon bridge.
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Its length is about 500 meters (≈ 1,640 ft) and width around 4.5 meters.
✨ What makes it special — the experience & design
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Because of the floating design, walking or driving across gives a surreal sensation of “floating over the water,” which many visitors describe as dream-like or magical.
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The river below is often turquoise and surrounded by lush cliffs and forest — making the surroundings very scenic, especially for photos or nature lovers.
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The bridge accommodates both pedestrians and light vehicles (within limits), combining practical utility with tourism appeal.
⚠️ Safety, risks and controversies
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The bridge has strict restrictions: vehicles are limited to a certain weight (around 2.5–2.8 tons) and speed limit (about 20 km/h) to reduce motion and wave effects.
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Despite precautions, in 2023 there was a tragic accident: a vehicle crossing reportedly lost control, broke through the railing, and plunged into the river — five people died.
After that, authorities temporarily closed the bridge for safety inspection. It has since reopened — but the accident remains a sobering reminder of the risks involved when safety rules are not strictly followed.
🎒 For Visitors: What to Know Before You Go
If you plan to visit:
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Go as a pedestrian if possible — walking tends to be safer and gives the full “floating over water” sensation without vehicle-related risk.
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Respect all posted limits (weight, speed), and follow any instructions. Given past accidents, this is very important for your safety.
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For best photos and calm conditions, early morning or sunset tends to offer nice light and smoother water. According to travel-info sources, that tends to give the best visual experience.
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Consider current weather/rain conditions: heavy rain, strong current or floods might affect the stability or safety of a floating pontoon structure.