"China, known as the 'Land of Bridges,' and Guangxi, as a representative region in arch bridge design and construction, are poised to elevate arch bridge technology to new heights through the relentless efforts of Chinese bridge engineering and technology professionals. This advancement will further enhance the service of Chinese arch bridges to Guangxi, benefit China as a whole, and extend its influence globally." These were the remarks made by Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Academician Deng Xiuxin at the 2023 China Engineering Science and Technology Forum and the Second World Congress on Long Span Arch Bridge Construction Technology. Deng Xiuxin further stated that over the past four decades, China's bridge engineering industry has made significant strides, transitioning from being a follower and contender to becoming a global leader.

Academician Zheng Jielian on the construction site of long-span arch bridge

With its distinctive cutting-edge technologies, Chinese bridge engineering and technology professionals have continuously left their mark on the world's longest-span arch bridges. In December 2020, the Pingnan Third Bridge of the Lipu-Yulin Expressway, the world's longest-span arch, was completed and opened to traffic. The construction of this remarkable bridge was led by Zheng Jielian, member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor of Guangxi University. The bridge spans a remarkable distance, setting a new global record for arch bridges. The construction of the Pingnan Third Bridge represents an ambitious exploration of key technologies related to the construction of steel pipe concrete arch bridges with spans exceeding 500 meters. The project stands out as one of the most challenging, demanding a high level of precision and technical expertise. It has set new benchmarks in terms of the difficulties faced during construction, making it a leading example within China. Under the leadership of Academician Zheng Jielian, the research team focused on key technologies for long-span arch bridges, continuously achieving technological breakthroughs. In 2022, significant milestones were reached in the construction of the main bridge of the Tian'e Longtan Bridge, which Professor Zheng presided over. The closure of the arch truss and the completion of the external reinforced concrete bottom slab were successfully accomplished, marking a crucial stage in the bridge's construction. Once completed, the Tian'e Longtan Bridge will surpass the Pingnan Third Bridge and become the world's longest-span arch bridge.

Public transportation serves as a vital link between improving people's livelihoods and promoting economic development. Currently, the combined efforts of four expressways, including the Lipu-Yulin Expressway, have become important connections, aligning Pingnan with global trends. These expressways provide crucial links for the movement of people and goods between Pingnan and the outside world, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. By facilitating seamless connectivity, these expressways strongly promote the development of local economic entities in the region. Convenient road transportation has opened up a smooth path for rural revitalization, promoting the scale development of rural industries and facilitating the export of agricultural products.