Bridge of Happiness
The Xi Bridge (the Bridge of Happiness) is a newly added signature structure in Huashan Greenland, Shanghai. It lightly spans a stream and nestles within the trees. Serving both as the accessible route from the city street to the central lawn and as a small ceremonial space within the park, it is at once a piece of infrastructure and a place of ritual.
Huashan Greenland borders the Former French Concession and the distinctive commercial block Xingfuli (Lane of Happiness) and is among Shanghai’s most romantic urban parks. The Changning District Marriage Registration Center relocated nearby in early 2026. Since late 2025 the area has undergone a series of renewals, creating a “Path of Happiness” through open spaces and pink accents.
The original brief for Xi Bridge requested two additions to the park: an accessible pedestrian bridge crossing the stream to the central lawn, and a small pavilion offering a sweet, ceremonial photo-op for newlyweds. We combined the two into a single, integrated, and efficient solution: a continuous pink structure that is both a tower and a rainbow-like bridge.
The tower-bridge is cast in-situ with pink concrete. The deck rises in a gentle arch over the stream and stones; the tower top opens to the sky and projects heart-shaped light patterns below. A circular forecourt in front of the tower functions as a small ceremonial plaza and a comfortable everyday seating area. Concrete, granite, and exposed-aggregate finishes in varying shades of pink harmonize with the park’s richly colored planting.
During schematic design, we carried out intensive site surveys and examined multiple bridge alignments and spans to minimize intervention to existing mature trees and to optimize foundation placement. Resident representatives participated in selecting the final option.
The overall renewal of Huashan Greenland also includes opening the corner of Xingfu Road as a landscaped grand stair, upgrading the pedestrian boardwalk, partially renovating the lawn and planting.
Beyond serving as a wedding photo destination, we intend Xi Bridge to blend into daily life for local residents. On ordinary, beautiful days children run across the bridge, neighbors lean on the railing to chat, dog owners gather in the plaza—scenes that feel as if the structure has been part of the place for years.
