Project name: New Bridge over the Han River (Dragon Bridge)
Length: 666 m
Bridge width: 36 – 37.5 m
Total investment: VND 1.739 trillion
Construction started: July 19, 2009
Opened to traffic: March 29, 2013
Investor: Da Nang Department of Transport
Design consultant: The Louis Berger Group, Inc. (USA)
Among the bridges spanning the Han River, Dragon Bridge stands out with its striking design inspired by a dragon winding across the river, its head facing toward the East Sea. More than a transport connection, the bridge has become one of Da Nang’s most recognizable architectural landmarks and a popular attraction for both local residents and visitors.
A Dragon-Shaped Bridge
Dragon Bridge is a single-plane steel arch bridge, featuring a structural system that combines a continuous arch-and-girder configuration. The design makes use of the tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete.
The arch supports the bridge deck through a series of cables arranged alternately, creating the impression that the roadway and pedestrian walkways are floating above the river. One of the notable features of the design is its relatively unobstructed views for both motorists and pedestrians, allowing the spaces on either side of the bridge to remain visually open.
The main bridge consists of three spans, with the roadway positioned between the structural elements. The entire structure is stylized in the form of a winding dragon, with its head facing toward the sea. The architectural proposal for the intersection with Bach Dang Street was selected through Decision No. 8635/QD-UBND dated October 30, 2007, issued by the Da Nang People’s Committee.
The bridge is 666 metres long, with a deck width ranging from 36 to 37.5 metres, and carries six traffic lanes. Its navigational clearance is more than 7 metres vertically and more than 50 metres horizontally.
More Than a Decade as a Symbol of Da Nang
Construction of Dragon Bridge began on July 19, 2009, with a total investment of VND 1.739 trillion. The bridge was completed and officially opened on March 29, 2013, marking the 38th anniversary of the liberation of Da Nang.
One of the structure’s most distinctive features is its approximately 560-metre-long steel dragon, which winds along the length of the bridge. The dragon is equipped with around 15,000 LED lights, creating colourful lighting effects after dark.
From a distance, the bridge forms a striking silhouette against Da Nang’s riverside skyline. When the lighting system is illuminated, the dragon becomes even more prominent, transforming the bridge into one of the city’s defining visual landmarks at night.
The Fire and Water Shows
Dragon Bridge is famous not only for its architecture but also for its spectacular fire and water performances.
According to the provided information, at 9:00 PM every Saturday and Sunday, as well as on public holidays and major festivals, the dragon head performs a fire-breathing show followed by a water-spraying display using modern technology.
The performances have become one of the experiences many residents and visitors look forward to when spending an evening along the Han River. The combination of lighting, the dragon-shaped structure and the dramatic performances creates a lively atmosphere along the waterfront.
The Sixth Bridge across the Han River
Dragon Bridge is the sixth bridge spanning the Han River, adding another distinctive architectural landmark to Da Nang’s urban landscape.
While other bridges contribute their own engineering, architectural or transportation functions, Dragon Bridge is particularly notable for turning an essential piece of infrastructure into an urban icon. The image of a dragon winding across the river, raising its head toward the sea, evokes the dragon as a powerful symbol in East Asian culture while also reflecting the outward-looking character of a modern coastal city.
After more than a decade in operation, Dragon Bridge has become one of the images most closely associated with Da Nang. It not only connects the two sides of the Han River but also contributes to the city’s modern and dynamic identity.
Dragon Bridge on a Da Nang Journey
Located in the central part of the city, Dragon Bridge can easily be combined with many of Da Nang’s other major attractions. Visitors can explore the bridge during the day to appreciate its architecture and engineering, then return to the riverside in the evening to enjoy the illuminated structure and the fire-and-water performances.
By bringing together structural engineering, architectural design, lighting and live performance, Dragon Bridge has grown beyond its original role as a transport infrastructure project to become one of Da Nang’s most iconic destinations.
Dragon Bridge does more than cross the Han River. It has become part of Da Nang’s visual identity, where bridges themselves have helped shape the story and character of this modern coastal city.
