The bridge flies over Yangtze River, northwest of the city. This bridge was the first one designed and built by the Chinese people and used as the example of self-reliance for the Chinese. It was the first double deck and double track highway and railway bridge. As a milestone, it was Chinese people's pride. The construction of the bridge started in 1961 and ended in 1968. The highway bridge flies 4589 meters across the river, 1577 meters over the water and is 15 meters in width excluding two-meter-wide pavements on both sides while the railway bridge is longer and narrower. The bridge totally has nine piers, of which the highest one towers 85 meters and its base covers 400 square meters. 

The highway bridge approach is full of Chinese characteristics. Rising 70 meters high, two bridge towers stand on each end of the bridge. Inside of towers, elevators reach the two decks and watchtowers atop. The bridge banisters are decorated with 200 cast iron relief inlays. Beside the pavements, there are 150 pairs of lamps. Like a rainbow the bridge spans across the river. When night falls, with more than 2,000 various lamps turned on, it looks like a pearl string of the Yangtze River.