Nanqiao Bridge, Dujiangyan, China - Image 1
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Nanqiao Bridge Dujiangyan

4.5
·88 reviews·Cheng Du Shi, China

Witness the magical 'Blue Tears' phenomenon at the historic Nanqiao Bridge, a stunning natural light show on the Min River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings after sunset

Magical blue glow appears

CrowdMedium
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Nanqiao Bridge, Dujiangyan, China - Image 1

Nanqiao Bridge Dujiangyan

Best Time

Evenings after sunset

Magical blue glow appears

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the magical 'Blue Tears' phenomenon at the historic Nanqiao Bridge, a stunning natural light show on the Min River.

4.5
(88 reviews)

"At night the lights will turn on here, making the water in the dam very beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

✨ Witness the Blue Tears

Visit after dark to see the magical blue glow of bioluminescent algae.

🚶 Explore Before Sunset

Wander through the shops and food stalls before the 'Blue Tears' phenomenon begins.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Blue Tears' Phenomenon

The 'Blue Tears' Phenomenon

Near the Min River, around Nanqiao Bridge

Witness bioluminescent algae create a mesmerizing blue glow on the water's surface at night.

Instagram+2
Historic Nanqiao Bridge

Historic Nanqiao Bridge

Dujiangyan City

Walk across this ancient, 2000-year-old bridge with a pagoda-topped mountain in the background.

Instagram+1
Night Market & Local Crafts

Night Market & Local Crafts

Around Nanqiao Bridge

Explore numerous shops and food stalls offering souvenirs and local delicacies.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Blue Tears Magic

Experience the enchanting 'Blue Tears' phenomenon at Nanqiao Bridge. Visit after sunset for the most magical glow, but explore the area before dark to enjoy the shops and food stalls. Instagram+1

Combine with Ancient Engineering

Nanqiao Bridge is adjacent to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a 2000-year-old marvel. Consider visiting both to appreciate ancient Chinese ingenuity and natural beauty. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Evenings after sunset
Why
Magical blue glow appears
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Explore shops before dark
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Would you spend 24 hours here? 📍Cheersum Hotel, Chengdu #china #chengdu #24hourspa #chinesespa
@travisleon1
771.6K likes • 6.4M views

✨ Witness the Blue Tears

Visit after dark to see the magical blue glow of bioluminescent algae. Instagram+1

🚶 Explore Before Sunset

Wander through the shops and food stalls before the 'Blue Tears' phenomenon begins. Reddit

American traveler is completely shocked after spending 24 hours in a luxury spa in China 🇨🇳 This Spa is a secret even to locals. It can be found in Chengdu China which is the famous panda city. The name of this spa is YOMA SPA and it’s on the outskirts of the city. It includes pools, saunas, ps5 games, unlimited fruit, snacks, drinks, and coffee. There are movie theater rooms, sleeping chambers ...
@christian.grossi
260.5K likes • 2.9M views
Nanqiao Bridge, where history meets beauty in Chengdu! 💚🌉 #chinatravel #Chengdu #China #dujiangyan #memoriesofchengdu #fyp
chengdu_china
1.2K likes • 24.9K views

🏞️ Combine with Irrigation System

The bridge is near the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a must-see ancient engineering feat. Instagram

🌬️ Windy Conditions

Expect it to be windy near the river, so dress accordingly. Reddit

💙✨ Blue Tears at Dujiangyan ✨💙 By day, it’s the world’s oldest irrigation system still working for over 2,000 years… 🌊 But by night, the Nanqiao Bridge turns magical with glowing “Blue Tears”, lighting up the ancient city with a dreamy vibe. 🌌🌉 Would you like to witness this hidden romantic side of Chengdu on your trip? 🥰 📍 Dujiangyan, Chengdu 🛫 Join our Chongqing–Chengdu Tour (Nov 20–25) and se...
onestopchina
7 likes • 390 views

Tips

from all over the internet

✨ Witness the Blue Tears

Visit after dark to see the magical blue glow of bioluminescent algae. Instagram+1

🚶 Explore Before Sunset

Wander through the shops and food stalls before the 'Blue Tears' phenomenon begins. Reddit

🏞️ Combine with Irrigation System

The bridge is near the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a must-see ancient engineering feat. Instagram

🌬️ Windy Conditions

Expect it to be windy near the river, so dress accordingly. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(88 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nanqiao Bridge is lauded for its magical 'Blue Tears' phenomenon at night, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Visitors also appreciate the historic bridge, the adjacent Dujiangyan Irrigation System, and the lively night market with shops and food stalls. Some find the area windy and tourist-oriented with common souvenir shops.

"Beautiful place to visit (blue tears). Spend some time walking around this area before the sun goes down.Many shops and food stalls are available.Night time it is magical"

Man Kin

"Next to Dujiangyan Irrigation System, you can approach to the river very close and so windy at that area

i like seeing the painting on the wall and one saying 錦江春色來天下 this is the poem i reading when i was very young

南橋

rating of mine: 4.2"

mandyGoTravelling

"At night the lights will turn on here, making the water in the dam very beautiful. There is a night market where you can walk around and shopping."

Purepreaw

What People Like

Magical 'Blue Tears' glow
Historic Nanqiao Bridge
Lively night market

What People Dislike

Can be windy
Tourist-oriented shops

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Dujiangyan, which is a quick and convenient option. From the Dujiangyan train station, local buses or taxis can take you to Nanqiao Bridge. TikTok suggests visiting Dujiangyan in the late afternoon, implying it's accessible for a day trip from Chengdu.

Yes, Nanqiao Bridge is located within the Dujiangyan Scenic Area, often visited in conjunction with the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Instagram+1

Once in Dujiangyan, local buses and taxis are readily available to reach Nanqiao Bridge and other attractions. Walking is also feasible for exploring the immediate area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While Nanqiao Bridge itself might be accessible, it's often visited as part of the Dujiangyan Scenic Area, which typically requires an entrance fee. It's best to check the official Dujiangyan Scenic Area ticketing information for current prices and inclusions. Instagram

The bridge is generally accessible, but the 'Blue Tears' phenomenon is best viewed after sunset. The surrounding shops and stalls may have varying hours, typically closing later in the evening. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned for Nanqiao Bridge, Chengdu hosts events like The World Games with fireworks displays. TikTok It's worth checking local event listings for any special occasions. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

For the iconic 'Blue Tears' effect, nighttime photography is essential. However, the bridge and its surroundings are also picturesque during the day, especially with the pagoda in the background. Instagram+1

You can capture the historic architecture of the bridge, the natural beauty of the river, the magical blue glow at night, and the bustling atmosphere of the night market. Instagram+2

Drone usage in China can be restricted, especially in scenic and historical areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok mentions a DJI Mavic 4 Pro, suggesting drone use is possible in some Chengdu areas, but caution is advised.

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

The area around Nanqiao Bridge features a night market with various food stalls offering local delicacies and snacks. TikTokReddit also mentions a Chengdu night market tour with street food.

Yes, numerous shops sell common tourist items and souvenirs, making it a good place to pick up mementos. Reddit

Absolutely! The night market atmosphere makes it a prime spot for trying various street foods. TikTok highlights Chengdu's street food scene.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nanqiao Bridge offers a visually stimulating experience for families. The 'Blue Tears' phenomenon at night is sure to captivate children with its magical glow. Instagram+1 Before sunset, the numerous shops and food stalls provide entertainment and opportunities to try local snacks. Reddit The nearby Dujiangyan Irrigation System can also be an educational and awe-inspiring visit for older children interested in history and engineering. Instagram

Consider visiting in the late afternoon to allow ample time to explore the shops and enjoy the bridge before it gets dark. TikTok Ensure children are supervised, especially near the water and in crowded market areas. The windy conditions near the river might require extra layers for little ones.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Nanqiao Bridge is a photographer's dream, especially at night when the 'Blue Tears' illuminate the water. Instagram+1 Capture the ethereal blue glow against the backdrop of the historic bridge and surrounding landscape. Daytime offers opportunities to photograph the bridge's architecture, the pagoda-topped mountain, and the bustling market scenes. Instagram+1

Experiment with long exposure shots to enhance the 'Blue Tears' effect. Instagram Be mindful of crowds during peak viewing times and consider bringing a tripod for stable shots in low light. While drone footage is possible in some Chengdu areas,TikTok always check local regulations before flying near heritage sites.

🚶 Budget Travelers

Nanqiao Bridge is an excellent option for budget travelers, as the 'Blue Tears' phenomenon is a natural spectacle that doesn't require a high entrance fee (though the surrounding scenic area might). Instagram+1 Exploring the night market offers affordable and delicious street food options, a great way to experience local cuisine without breaking the bank. TikTokReddit

Traveling from Chengdu via high-speed train to Dujiangyan is also relatively inexpensive and efficient. TikTok Once in Dujiangyan, local buses and walking are cost-effective ways to get around. Reddit This makes Nanqiao Bridge an accessible and budget-friendly addition to any Sichuan itinerary.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Blue Tears' Phenomenon

The 'Blue Tears' at Nanqiao Bridge are a natural spectacle caused by bioluminescent algae in the Min River. This phenomenon creates a mesmerizing blue glow on the water's surface, particularly visible at night. Instagram+1 Visitors often flock to the bridge after dark to witness this magical display, which transforms the ancient surroundings into a dreamy, ethereal landscape. Instagram+1

While the exact timing can vary, the warmer months are generally considered a good period to experience the 'Blue Tears'. Instagram The visual effect is amplified by the bridge's lighting, creating a truly unforgettable sight. Many travelers recommend staying until evening to fully appreciate this unique natural wonder. TikTok

Historical Significance of Nanqiao Bridge

Nanqiao Bridge is not just a beautiful spot; it's a piece of history. Dating back over 2000 years, it stands as a testament to ancient Chinese engineering and architectural prowess. Instagram+1 The bridge is often admired for its classic design, with a pagoda-topped mountain visible in the background, adding to its scenic charm. Reddit

Its proximity to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, one of the world's oldest and still-functioning irrigation projects, further underscores the historical importance of this region. Instagram Visiting Nanqiao Bridge offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Sichuan province and its enduring legacy. Instagram

Exploring the Surrounding Area

Beyond the bridge itself, the area around Nanqiao Bridge is a vibrant hub of activity. Before the 'Blue Tears' appear, visitors can explore numerous shops and food stalls lining the pathways. Reddit These stalls offer a variety of souvenirs, local crafts, and delicious street food, making it a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and pick up mementos. TikTok

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is a major attraction located nearby, showcasing incredible ancient water management techniques. Instagram Combining a visit to Nanqiao Bridge with the irrigation system provides a comprehensive experience of Dujiangyan's historical and natural wonders. Reddit The area can be quite windy, so it's advisable to be prepared for the elements. Reddit