The Xihoumen Bridge, spanning 1,650 metres, stands as China's longest suspension bridge and the world's second-longest, behind Japan's Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.

       This infrastructure marvel was constructed as part of the ambitious Zhoushan Mainland and Islands Link Project, initiated by Sichuan Road and Bridge Co in 1999.

       Built in Zhejiang province with an investment of 2.48 billion yuan (approximately ￡294 million), the Xihoumen Bridge is one of the key components of the project. Construction kicked off in 2005, with the main span completed in December 2007.

       It was officially opened to traffic on Christmas Day, 2009.

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       Located in the Zhoushan Islands, part of China's Zhejiang province, the Xihoumen Bridge serves as a crucial link between the city of Ningbo and the Zhoushan Archipelago, the country's largest offshore island group.

       It is one of five bridges that are part of the Zhoushan Mainland and Islands Link Project, aiming to connect these islands to the mainland.

       The Xihoumen Bridge stretches over a total of 5.3 kilometres, comprising a 2.6 km main bridge and 2.7 km of side joint sections.

       The central span extends 1,650 meters. The bridge's construction used innovative technology, with 169 pre-formed parallel wire strands (PPWS) and eight back cables, collectively weighing over 10,000 tonnes. In total, 476 suspenders of varying sizes were used to support the structure.

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       The design of the Xihoumen Bridge includes several unique engineering features.

       It was constructed to meet four-lane express highway standards, with a width of 24.5 meters, enabling vehicles to travel at speeds up to 80 km/h. Its twin-box steel girder suspension design ensures stability and durability, while the middle ventilation system helps to manage wind loads.

       The 211.3-metre-high cable pylons provide essential support for the main span.

       The bridge connects the north end at Cezi Island to the south end at Jintang Island, with strategically placed pylons to support the bridge's massive structure.