Golden Bridge

Golden Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge located within the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourism area in the city of Da Nang, Vietnam. Opened to visitors in 2018, the structure is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,414 metres above sea level on mountainous terrain. The approximately 150-metre-long bridge is characterized by a curved golden pedestrian pathway supported by massive hand-shaped structural elements that give the impression of holding up the walkway. The bridge is integrated into the natural landscape surrounding Ba Na Mountain and functions as part of the tourist circulation route.

Construction Process

Golden Bridge (Pexels)

Golden Bridge’s construction was planned to be completed prior to its opening and took approximately one year to finish.^【1】 The structure was opened to the public in June 2018 for tourist use.^【2】 During construction, measures were taken to preserve the natural environment due to the bridge’s location in a mountainous and forested area, with particular emphasis on conserving the existing vegetation. In line with this approach, the bridge was positioned to harmonize with the natural topography and minimize environmental impact.

The structural and visual elements of the structure were designed in tandem to meet both technical and aesthetic requirements. The most striking feature of the bridge, the massive hand-shaped structures, were constructed using a steel framework covered with a metal mesh system, then coated with fiberglass and concrete-like materials to achieve a natural stone appearance. These elements were planned to provide structural support while preserving the design’s integrity. The construction techniques employed were chosen to ensure the bridge’s resilience against the climatic conditions encountered at its high elevation.

Architectural Design

Golden Bridge (Pexels)

Golden Bridge was designed by TA Landscape Architecture based on the concept of creating a pedestrian pathway that harmonizes with the natural environment.^【3】 The bridge was designed as a golden ribbon following a sinuous path through the mountainous landscape, integrated with large-scale hand-shaped structural elements that appear to support the path. The structure offers a layout that provides visual continuity and allows visitors to experience the surroundings from multiple perspectives. The design aimed to achieve harmony between an artificial architectural element and the natural topography, positioning the bridge as a transitional element within the area’s tourist circulation system.

Design Approach

The design of Golden Bridge was shaped by the priority of environmental integrity and integration with the natural fabric, given its location in a mountainous and forested area. The bridge was positioned to offer panoramic views and was conceived to provide an uninterrupted walking path through the forest and mountain landscape. The design seeks to create visual and spatial unity between the structure and its surroundings. The aesthetic identity of the bridge is defined by the massive hand-shaped structural supports along the walkway. These hands not only serve a structural function but also impart a distinctive symbolic quality to the bridge, forming its cohesive architectural narrative. The form of the hands was arranged to harmonize with the surrounding mountain vistas, creating a visual effect that emphasizes the bridge’s high elevation.

Technical Specifications

Golden Bridge (Pexels)

Golden Bridge is a pedestrian bridge approximately 150 metres long and 12.8 metres wide.^【4】 Divided into eight spans, the bridge is located at an elevation of 1,414 metres in the Ba Na Mountains.^【5】 The massive hand-shaped structural supports along the walkway provide both structural support and an aesthetic visual impact. The hands’ framework is made of steel, covered with a metal mesh and fiberglass to mimic stone. These hands integrate visually with the mountain landscape while ensuring the bridge’s structural integrity. The pedestrian pathway was designed to harmonize with the natural landscape, minimizing environmental impact. The bridge’s design was planned to ensure safe pedestrian passage while offering panoramic mountain views.

International Recognition and Awards

Golden Bridge (Pexels)

Since its opening, Golden Bridge has attracted international media attention and featured in numerous prestigious rankings. Shortly after its inauguration, news reports and images of the bridge appeared in major outlets such as CNN, Reuters, BBC, AFP, Time, and The Guardian. The Guardian listed it among the “World’s 10 Most Unique and Beautiful Bridges,” and the UK’s Daily Mail ranked it first in its list of new world wonders. These recognitions highlighted the bridge’s design, its harmony with the natural landscape, and its architectural structure. Sun World Ba Na Hills authorities reported that visitors to the bridge came from 54 different countries. The bridge’s unique design and integration with the mountainous scenery have enhanced its international recognition in both architecture and tourism, establishing Golden Bridge as one of Vietnam’s leading tourist and architectural icons.^【6】

Impact on Tourism

Shortly after its opening, Golden Bridge had a significant impact on regional and international tourism. Following its 2018 inauguration, Da Nang gained four new international flight routes and experienced a substantial increase in tourism demand. During the 2018–2019 period, international tourists visiting Golden Bridge constituted a major portion of all visitors to Da Nang. That year, the number of international visitors to the city rose by 22.5 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 3.522 million. Sun World Ba Na Hills facilities saw a surge in visitor numbers: annual attendance, which had been around two million in 2016–2017, increased to approximately four million in 2018 and nearly five million in 2019. Among international visitors, South Koreans accounted for the largest share, followed by tourists from Thailand, China, Taiwan, India, other Southeast Asian countries, and Europe. The bridge’s location, design, and integration with the mountainous landscape have made it a major attraction, contributing to the enhanced tourism profile of Da Nang and Vietnam.^【7】

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Golden Bridge (Pexels)

Golden Bridge stands as a symbolic structure representing Vietnam’s modern tourism infrastructure and architectural innovation. Located within the Sun World Ba Na Hills complex in Da Nang, the bridge has become a cultural reference point for both local and international visitors due to its design that seamlessly integrates with the region’s mountainous and forested natural environment. The hand motif supports and elevated position of the structure present a tangible manifestation of Vietnam’s contemporary tourism and engineering capabilities through the fusion of architectural and landscape elements. Golden Bridge has been frequently featured in national and international media and listed among the world’s new tourist icons; this has strengthened its cultural perception and contributed to the formation of Vietnam’s tourism identity.