Taiwan Unveils Zaha Hadid’s Last Design: The Danjiang Bridge

Taiwan has achieved a significant milestone in its ambitious infrastructure project with the installation of the final segment of the Danjiang Bridge’s steel decking. This landmark event connects the east and west banks of the Tamsui River estuary for the first time, confirming the bridge’s anticipated opening date of May 12, 2026. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect, the Danjiang Bridge is not merely an engineering feat but a testament to Taiwan’s architectural aspirations.

Architectural Significance and Design Features

Upon its completion, the Danjiang Bridge will hold the title of the world’s longest single-mast, asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, spanning an impressive 920 meters across the Tamsui River’s mouth near Taipei. The bridge features a striking 200-meter central mast, nearly 70 stories tall, which supports spans of 450 meters to the west and 175 meters to the east. This unique design embodies Hadid’s signature aesthetic, characterized by “rounded edges and gently warped forms,” as noted by CNN’s Oscar Holland.

The artistic vision behind the bridge was inspired by Taiwan’s renowned Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. During a completion ceremony in September 2025, President Lai Ching-te remarked that Hadid conceptualized the structure as “a piece of dynamic and beautiful artwork that looks like it is dancing on the Tamsui River.” The president lauded the project as “a work of art and a world-class project,” emphasizing its significance to national pride and identity.

Engineering Innovations and Environmental Considerations

Beyond its artistic appeal, the Danjiang Bridge incorporates groundbreaking engineering advancements. It will be the first bridge in Taiwan equipped with a damper system, significantly enhancing its earthquake resistance to intensity 7, the highest level on the country’s seismic scale. The strategic placement of the single mast not only optimizes structural performance but also preserves scenic sunset views from popular riverbank locations, minimizing its environmental impact on the estuary’s protected ecosystem.

The project, which has an estimated cost of $766 million, plays a crucial role in connecting the Tamsui and Bali districts while linking four major highways. Upon its opening, it will significantly reduce congestion on the existing Guandu Bridge, improving regional transportation and connectivity across northern Taiwan.

The construction of the bridge has presented numerous engineering challenges, requiring years of meticulous planning and execution. With the recent installation of the final steel segment, the focus has shifted to final touches, including paving, lighting installation, cable inspections, and comprehensive load testing.

As the May 2026 opening approaches, the Danjiang Bridge is set to become not only a vital transportation link but also a new landmark that symbolizes Taiwan’s commitment to innovative design and engineering excellence. This structure will serve as a lasting tribute to Zaha Hadid’s visionary architecture, providing tangible benefits to millions of residents and visitors who will experience this remarkable blend of form, function, and artistic expression spanning the Tamsui River.