Dezeen Magazine

Dezeen's A-Zdvent calendar: Xiying Rainbow Bridge

It's Christmas eve, which means today we're featuring three projects in our bridge-themed A-Zdvent calendar! First up is the Xiying Rainbow Bridge in Taiwan – a simple bridge by day that transforms into a rainbow by night.

Xiying Rainbow Bridge in Penghu

Located in Magong, a city in Penghu County, the 200-metre-long pedestrian bridge spans a bay beside the Guanyinting Coast Park.

The structure was completed in 2004, although no architect or engineer has taken the credit for its design.

During daylight hours the bridge is largely unremarkable, with its simple steel arch structure supported by concrete pillars. But after dark its form is illuminated with thin neon strips that display all of the colours of the rainbow.

Xiying Rainbow Bridge in Penghu
Photograph is by Wei Te Tong

These colours are reflected in the still waters of the bay, creating a wash of vivid illumination.

The structure is officially named Xiying Hong Bridge. Since the lighting was installed, it has become one of the city's biggest tourist attractions and is a focal point during the Penghu Fireworks Festival that takes place every summer.

Xiying Rainbow Bridge in Penghu

In the spirit of an advent calendar, Dezeen is counting down the days until Christmas with an A to Z of iconic contemporary bridges from all around the world. See all the bridges in our A-Zdvent calendar so far »