“The Bridge of Mountains redefines what infrastructure can be,” says Jiang Xiaofei, partner at NEXT Architects Beijing: “It is both a functional connector and a cultural landmark—an essential piece that exemplifies the holistic ambition of the Dianchi Greenway.”
“This project is the product of true cross-cultural collaboration,” adds John van de Water, partner at NEXT Architects Beijing: “Dutch and Chinese perspectives come together around a shared respect for nature, movement, and public space. That’s what makes it both local and universal.”

Background context: Chinese Cities in Transformation

As Chinese cities pursue climate resilience, ecological restoration, and urban liveability, Kunming—capital of Yunnan Province—is emerging as a pioneer in landscape-driven urbanism. Anchored by Dianchi Lake, one of Southwest China’s most iconic natural landmarks, the city is investing in a new generation of public space that integrates infrastructure, nature, and culture.
The Kunming Dianchi Greenway is central to this vision: a 72-kilometer ecological corridor that traces the lake’s outer edge. Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the route connects mountain ridges, reforested slopes, sponge wetlands, farmlands, and historic villages—offering a continuous and immersive experience of Kunming’s rich and varied landscape. Key ecological interventions—54 hectares of mountain reforestation, 95 hectares of sponge wetlands, and a 200-meter-wide ecological buffer zone—strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience across the Dianchi Basin.
The project team jointly contributes to the overall masterplan of the Dianchi Greenway, with NEXT Architects responsible for the design of the Bridge of Mountains—one of the first realized phases of the project.

The Bridge of Mountains: Walking with the Landscape

A defining feature of the greenway is the Bridge of Mountains, designed by NEXT Architects. This 3.4-kilometer elevated pedestrian bridge spans between the Mingzhen and Changyao Mountains, overcoming nearly 80 meters of elevation—making it Kunming’s longest and most topographically dynamic footbridge to date.
Rather than cutting through the terrain, the bridge follows it—hovering above the forest canopy and tracing the mountain’s natural contours. Shaded pathways, scenic overlooks, and rest platforms create a flowing rhythm that transforms walking into a layered spatial experience.
Part of the broader Greenway strategy, the bridge functions as more than a passage—it becomes a platform for ecological education, cultural storytelling, and daily recreation. Users encounter integrated features such as art installations, rest areas, bike lending stations, scenic viewpoints, a panoramic viewing tower, and a birdwatching deck—both accessible by bike.

Built for Impact, Designed for the Future

Constructed primarily from Green Steel—a new generation of steel produced with significantly lower carbon emissions—the Bridge of Mountains reflects a strong commitment to sustainability throughout its design and construction. Every element was optimized to reduce environmental impact and extend long-term value:
• Minimally invasive foundations preserve forest ecosystems and natural water flows
• Prefabricated, modular components reduce on-site impact and allow for future disassembly and reuse
• Low-maintenance detailing minimizes long-term environmental costs and material fatigue
• Optimized logistics reduce transport emissions and disturbance during construction

From Greenway to Green Future

The Kunming Dianchi Greenway is more than a path—it is a large-scale environmental intervention that reimagines the city’s relationship with its landscape. As urban areas worldwide face intensifying climate and spatial challenges, the project offers a replicable model for ecological infrastructure: one where movement becomes experience, and infrastructure becomes landscape.

Project: Kunming Greenway: Bridging Mountain, Lake, and Forest
Site: Kunming, China – 2025
Project Team: NEXT Architects, China Academy of Urban Planning and Design, Kunming Engineering Corporation Limited, Arcplus Group PLC
Client: Kunming Municipal Government
Keywords: Ecological infrastructure, Landscape urbanism, Green mobility, Sustainable city, Climate-resilient design, Urban ecology