In preparation for the Olympic Winter Games in 2022, architecture studio Penda have teamed up with engineering firm Arup in order to design a bridge made up of overlapping rings connecting the city centre to Zhangjiaku

The location of the bridge is a gateway between the compactness of the city and undulating river valleys of north Beijing. The inspiration for the San Shan Bridge is a conjunction of its surrounding and the meaning of the Olympic symbol, consisting of five interlinked rings of equal dimensions. Each ring represents the five continents competing in the games. The design of the bridge means when viewed side on it resembles a trio of mountains, leading to the name San Shan Bridge, which translates as three Mountains Bridge.

The rings act as a main structural element and suspend the bridge deck with steel cables in-between them.

The structure of the San Shan Bridge connects the shores of the Gui River through a 452-metre long bridge deck and is then divided into three sets of cross-connected arch like steel structures, with a maximum span of 95 metres.

Hedges and trees will be placed to divide the deck into different segments. This will help pedestrians and cyclists keep their distance from cars and larger vehicles.

If the project is approved, it will be a massive addition to the city of Beijing ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics is expected to create an exciting and meaningful experience for those competing and watching.

Images provided by Penda