Bridges have always been impressive; the engineers defy any scientific law by always coming with a new success, which takes your breath just by looking at it. China is not shy to show its ambitions to regain its superpower position in the world; though the fact is proved in different fields, we can also observe how much the Chinese invest in the infrastructure only by considering that Siduhe River Bridge is only one of the eight high bridges built after 2000 in the country.
Siduhe River Bridge was constructed in 2009 in the Chinese region, Hubei. The structure is spectacular due to its mountainous background. The bridge spans over the Yangtze River and it was a deserved investment for it’s now an easy to cross road over the river and easy to travel despite the unwelcoming surrounding mountains.
About Siduhe River Bridge
The structure is suspended at a height of 500 meters and is 1, 222 meters in length; soon after it was completed it had been named the tallest bridge in the world beating other Chinese bridge records. The design followed by the engineers was of the H shaped towers and unsuspended side spans.
One of the secrets behind the bridge success was the digging of tunnels in the rocky peaks of the mountains, a harsh job but dramatic scenery. It is said that if a person falls from the Siduhe bridge it will reach terminal velocity, meaning that there is no acceleration, the body of the person is falling at a constant speed; this is the only bridge in the world where is possible such a phenomenon.
The Siduhe River Bridge had reached its purpose of becoming part of the G50 Hurong Expressway; the approximately 100 million dollars invested in its construction are worth every penny as the route created between Shanghai and Chengdu saves significant travel time; if before the travelers needed one day to pass through the mountain roads, now with the bridge access, the same distance can be done within five hours; but its best benefit is the safety offered.
The name of the bridge Si (four)-du (crossings) –he (river) is translated in English as the Four Crossings River; it originates from an army event since 1935.
Attractions in the Hubei Province
The Hubei Province located in Central China has nice tourist attractions around; Three Gorges Dam of the Yangtze is most appreciated for its beautiful scenery. The Wudang Mountains represents another interesting sight for its legends about the Chinese warriors; the monasteries around were included in UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1994. The area is favored by tourists also for its gorgeous natural environment. There is a legend connected to this site about a famous warrior who is said to have learnt fight techniques by watching a white crane and a viper fighting. The Chinese are fond of martial arts and they will expect from your side respect towards their cultural inheritance.