1 Photo Spot at the Anshun Bridge

About the location

The current structure was built in 2003 to replace an older bridge destroyed by floods, following the style of the original Ming-dynasty bridge described by Marco Polo. Photographers are drawn to its triple-arched design and the intricate woodwork of the pavilions that sit atop the spans. The bridge is particularly captivating because it houses a high-end restaurant, meaning the interior is often warmly lit, creating a beautiful glow against the dark river.

The surrounding area, known as Lan Kwai Fong Chengdu and the Jiuyanqiao bar street, provides a wealth of foreground and background elements. You can capture the bridge from various angles along the riverbanks, utilizing the reflections in the Jin River to double the visual impact. The juxtaposition of the traditional bridge against the neon lights of the nearby skyscrapers and bars offers a unique look at the cultural duality of Chengdu.

Best timing

The absolute best time to photograph Anshun Bridge is during the blue hour and early evening when the bridge's decorative lights are turned on. This timing allows you to capture the deep blue of the sky and the golden glow of the bridge's lights, while also catching the neon reflections from the nearby bar district in the water.

Visiting on a weekday might be slightly less crowded than weekends, though the area is a popular nightlife hub and is rarely completely empty. Late night photography is also rewarding as the crowds thin out, but ensure the architectural lights are still active, as they typically turn off around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.

Traveling

Anshun Bridge is centrally located in Chengdu's Jinjiang District, making it easily accessible via public transport. The nearest metro station is Dongmen Bridge (Line 2) or Niuwangmiao (Line 2/6), both within a 10-15 minute walk of the bridge. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are also very convenient and can drop you right at the entrance of the bridge or the adjacent bar street. Parking in the immediate vicinity is limited and can be difficult due to the high pedestrian traffic in the nightlife area, so public transport is highly recommended. For photographers, the paved walkways along the river are flat and easy to navigate with gear.

Photography tips for Anshun Bridge

To get the classic shot, head to the riverbank walkways on either the east or west side of the bridge to capture its full profile. Using a wide-angle lens allows you to include the full breadth of the bridge and its reflection in the Jin River, which is best achieved with a tripod and long exposure. Experiment with lower viewpoints near the water level to maximize the clarity of the reflections. Additionally, try to frame the bridge with the rows of red lanterns from the nearby Jiuyanqiao bar street or contrast its traditional rooflines against the modern skyscrapers in the distance for a compelling composition.

Other languages

Here is how Anshun Bridge is called in other languages:
CS Most Anshun DE Anshun-Brücke EL Γέφυρα Ανσούν ES Puente Anshun FI Anshun-silta FR Pont Anshun HI अंशुन ब्रिज HR Most Anshun IS Anshun-brúin IT Ponte Anshun JA 安順廊橋 NL Anshun-brug NO Anshun-broen PL Most Anshun PT Ponte Anshun RU Мост Аньшунь SV Anshun-bron TR Anshun Köprüsü ZH 安顺廊桥