With a towering support archway 550 meters high, the Lupu Bridge over the Huangpu River now holds the world record for such structures by a full 32 meters. The record had previously been held by the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia, US, which has an archway measuring 518 meters tall.

And the 3,900-meter-long Lupu Bridge has a second claim to fame. It's the world's first ever completely welded bridge structure. In construction a hefty 35,000 tons of steel were used and it took over 700 tons of paint to have the Lupu Bridge ready to meet the public.

Built to rigorous safety standards, the structure is designed to withstand a force-12 hurricane and an earthquake measuring seven on the Richter Scale.

The site for the 2010 World Expo is located close to the bridge.

Like the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the structure serves as a stunning sightseeing attraction. However, unlike the Nanpu and Yangpu bridges, also in Shanghai and crossing the same Huangpu River, the viewing platform of the Lupu Bridge is located at the very top of the structure's giant bow-like support archway.

This allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views. Adding to the whole experience is the more than 300-step climb up the "slope" of the arched rib which makes for an unforgettable experience itself.

But no great physical effort is required as sightseers take a high-speed transparent elevator up to the main deck of the bridge before walking up the steps along the arch rib for about 280 meters.

At the top there's a viewing platform which is about the size of a basketball court, and it offers splendid views of the scenery around the Huangpu River.

Details

Address: No. 909 Luban Road;

Entry: 80 yuan;

Opening hours: 10 AM to 4 PM;

Traffic: Various city bus lines lead to the bridge. Get off the bus at Luban Road stop or Lupu Bridge stop.

(China.org.cn May 19, 2006)