Bridge of Mountains, China

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, has established itself as a pioneer in landscape-led urbanism. With Dianchi Lake at its heart, a vital ecological and cultural landscape of Southwest China, the city is investing in a new generation of public spaces where infrastructure, nature and culture are seamlessly integrated.

Large-scale ecological interventions, including 54 hectares of mountain reforestation, the creation of 95 hectares of sponge landscapes and a 200 meter wide ecological buffer zone, have significantly enhanced biodiversity while strengthening climate resilience throughout the Dianchi Basin.

At the center of this vision lies the Kunming Dianchi Greenway, a 72 kilometre ecological corridor tracing the shoreline of the lake. Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the Greenway connects mountain ridges, reforested slopes, sponge landscapes, agricultural land and historic villages, creating a carefully choreographed experience of the region’s remarkably diverse landscape.

As part of the wider Greenway strategy, the bridge serves as a platform for ecological learning, cultural storytelling and everyday recreation. Along the route, pedestrians and cyclists encounter spaces for cultural engagement and leisure, including art installations, viewpoints, an observation tower and a dedicated birdwatching platform.

Bridge of Mountains has been constructed primarily from Green Steel, a new generation of steel produced with substantially lower CO₂ emissions. Its use reflects the project’s commitment to sustainability, both in design and in construction.

Every aspect of the bridge was carefully optimized throughout the design and construction process to minimise environmental impact while maximising long-term value. The foundations were designed to be as minimally invasive as possible, preserving existing forest ecosystems and natural watercourses. Prefabricated modular components reduced on-site construction impacts while enabling future disassembly and material reuse. Low-maintenance detailing lowers environmental costs throughout the bridge’s lifecycle and helps reduce material fatigue. Construction logistics were also carefully considered to reduce transport-related emissions and minimise disruption during the building process.