3 Most Unique Bridges in Asia

Asia has long been the preferred destination for travellers the world over. They visit for recreational purposes; to take in the sights and sounds of the many tourist destinations across the region. They travel to Asia for business reasons; to take advantage of the economic benefits. And they go to see some of the engineering feats of the region’s architects and engineers.

Businesses like WIA (who offer welding supplies) associated with engineering,innovations, supplies, concreting, cabling and a range of others often look to Asia for new and innovative ways to approach their construction projects. In particular, the region’s bridges provide ample examples of engineering feats that give an insight into modern construction techniques. Here are just three of the more unique bridges in Asia that attract attention.

Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia

image via commons.wikimedia.org

The Langkawi Sky Bridge in Malaysia is not for the faint hearted. It’s not so much a bridge as a winding track not through but above the region’s beautiful Pulau Langkawi in the archipelago of Kedah. The sky bridge is 120 metres (394 feet) long and at the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang provides spectacular views of the nearby Andaman Sea and Thailand’s Tarutao Island. There are also platforms on the bridge that allow visitors to stop and take in the views. The bridge is accessible only my cable car and is not open during electrical storms, as it is considered too dangerous.

Banpo Bridge, South Korea

image via en.wikipedia.org

Would you consider a major river crossing that also acts as the city’s water feature unique? The people of Seoul, South Korea, do. There are several features of the Banpo Bridge that make it unique and worth visiting. For starters, the crossing over the Han River between Seoul ‘s Seocho and Tongsan districts is in fact built on another structure, the Jamsu Bridge. The lower deck (Jamsu) allows pedestrians and bicycles to cross while the top deck (Banpo) takes vehicles. If that is not unique enough, the bridge also acts as the city’s major water fountain. Thirty-eight pumps draw from the river to shoot water sprays through 380 nozzles on either side of the bridge. Coloured lights at night provide spectacular water shows as cars, trucks and people cross between and below the two cascades on each side.

Hureai Bridge, Japan

image via commons.wikimedia.org

The Hureai Bridge, also known as the Friendship Bridge, is a perfectly round walkway built in the Hiyoshi Spring spa resort. Its practical use is that it provides pedestrian access between the two sides of the Hiyoshi dam near Kyoto. But by walking the full circle of the bridge, visitors can take in great views of the dam and the park that surrounds it. The bridge was designed by Japanese architect Norihiko Dan, who also planned the landscaping of the spa resort and park.

Bridges are practical pieces of infrastructure to get people from A to B, but they can also be inspirational, entertaining and educational. They can blend with the landscape in which they are built or they can stand out like a beacon, attracting visitors as much to the structure as to the environment it serves.Next time you cross a bridge to get to the other side, consider some of the engineering aspects that might also make it unique.