Zhongshan Bridge stands above the first bay of the Yellow River, it is the first iron bridge spanning the Yellow River. Built over a hundred years, it has witnessed the changes of this Northwest city. The bridge body is made of cast iron, the bridge deck is paved with blue stone, and the railings are exquisitely decorated. At the base of the piers, the inscription “Yellow River First Bridge” is engraved, with strong and vigorous characters, recording the weight of history. At night, the bridge lights are lit one by one, like a galaxy flowing into the river, reflecting with the waves of the Yellow River, as if a galaxy has fallen to earth. The bridge is 234 meters long, divided into seven sections, with a bridge deck width of 7 meters. Copper bells are inlaid on the sides, and they ring when the wind blows, echoing with the sound of the Yellow River. At the northern end of the bridge stands a white pagoda, with blue brick and gray tile, soaring eaves and brackets, one of the iconic buildings of Lanzhou. The southern end of the bridge is connected to Zhongshan Road, and pedestrians can walk along the bridge, overlooking the Yellow River flowing endlessly, and feeling the magnificent momentum of “Yellow River First Bridge.” The bridge was built in 1909, designed by German engineers, with Chinese participation in construction, it was an important project during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China “Self-Strengthening Movement.” Its completion not only opened up the traffic between Lanzhou and the east and west, but also became a link for economic and cultural exchanges in Northwest China. The cast iron craftsmanship of the bridge integrates Chinese and Western techniques, showcasing the budding industrial civilization of modern China. The inscription “Yellow River First Bridge” at the base of the piers was inscribed by Zhang Baixiang, a Qing Dynasty official, with strong and powerful characters, with deep meaning. This steel dragon is both a landmark of Lanzhou and the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation.
