Zaha Hadid Architects’ bridge reconnects Hangzhou’s historic Grand Canal

Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled the Grand Canal Gateway Bridge in Hangzhou, a 390-metre serpentine crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. Scheduled to open later this year, the bridge will link the east and west banks of the UNESCO World Heritage Grand Canal, forming the centerpiece of the 800,000-square-metre Seamless City masterplan and River Middle Park, a 14.7-hectare public landscape along the water.

The design draws inspiration from Hangzhou’s silk embroidery tradition, with interwoven steel arches creating a continuous loop that unites pathways and structure. This “stitching” concept transforms circulation into a tactile, sculptural experience while providing structural integrity. The bridge’s tied three-arch steel system was engineered to reduce bending and lateral forces on the canal’s soft riverbed, ensuring stability and efficiency. Prefabricated modular elements were assembled on-site to minimise disruption to the 100,000 barges that still traverse the canal annually, while reducing material use and waste.

The bridge features elevated walkways and an open plaza, offering secure vantage points to witness the Silver Dragon tidal bore on the Qiantang River. LED lighting powered by rechargeable batteries and renewable energy traces the bridge’s contours at night, creating a striking visual effect while supporting sustainability goals. The sculpted concrete pier halves the span requirement, grounding the structure and enhancing visual clarity.

Beyond its architectural elegance, the Grand Canal Gateway Bridge restores pedestrian access across a vital historic waterway, integrates public spaces with housing and workplaces, and strengthens Hangzhou’s civic infrastructure. It reconnects communities and cultural landmarks, blending heritage with modern design, sustainability, and user experience.

The bridge represents a fusion of precision engineering, digital modelling, and regional craftsmanship, positioning it as both a functional infrastructure element and a landmark public artwork.

Discover how Zaha Hadid Architects’ design revives Hangzhou’s Grand Canal as a cultural, recreational, and architectural destination.