The recent completion of the Changzhou-Taizhou Yangtze River Bridge was hailed as marking a significant milestone – connecting the cities of Changzhou and Taizhou in East China's Jiangsu province.
A sweeping overhead view of the Changzhou-Taizhou Yangtze River Bridge. [Photo/WeChat account: changzhoufabu2015]
The bridge, dubbed as the first of its kind – combining expressways, intercity railways and ordinary roads over the Yangtze River – reduces the travel time between the two cities to just 20 minutes.
Historically known as the Phoenix City, Taizhou shares a rich cultural heritage with Changzhou, often referred to as the Dragon City.
The bridge's completion is widely being said to herald a new era in tourism, allowing easier access to each other's cultural and tourist attractions.
Changzhou ranked 7th in contributing visitors to Taizhou during this year's May Day holiday, highlighting the existing friendly ties between the two.
With the bridge's opening, travel agencies anticipate a surge in self-guided and day trips and are aiming to issue a range of tour packages to accommodate the increased interest.
Moreover, the bridge is expected to boost self-driving tourism, making it more convenient for residents from both cities to explore each other's attractions. Plans are underway to promote urban tourism resources, with a focus on camping and recreational vehicle tourism.
For the Fengcheng River scenic area in Taizhou, the bridge presents both new opportunities and challenges. Authorities are gearing up to design themed tourism routes, offering Changzhou tourists a comprehensive travel experience while implementing appealing incentives such as discount admissions for Changzhou residents and university students.
