Visit China: Tianjin illuminates Haihe River for SCO summit

Tianjin recently unveiled a massive upgrade to the nighttime lighting along the Haihe River ahead of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.

More than 200 riverside buildings, 13 bridges, seven piers, and 8.2 kilometers of riverbank have been revamped using smart lighting controls to create dynamic displays of light and color. It marks the fourth overhaul of the river's illumination system, following previous efforts in 2008, 2015, and 2017, according to the local government.

The latest project focuses on the river's core section between Beiyingmen Bridge and Jinfu Bridge, introducing a "one bridge, one scene" concept design for the 13 Haihe River bridges.

"We are not just putting makeup on the bridges, but restoring their unique charm," said Bao Guang, the project's lighting design director.

"The 13 bridges are categorized into styles reflecting classical beauty, structural beauty, and power, with finely tuned lighting expressions to restore their architectural essence," he added.

The steel curves of Liberation Bridge, twisting lines of Jinbu Bridge, and sculptures of Daguangming Bridge have all been accentuated.

The lighting showcases Tianjin's culture with designs ranging from Tianjin kite patterns to images of A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains, and from Tianjin Port's smart terminal to robotic arms representing advanced technology.

The Tianjin Eye, Jinwan Plaza, and other landmarks have also received updated lighting and interactive features.

"The changes have made the riverbank more beautiful, and familiar streets now look fresh," said Liu Hui, a resident of Hebei district who frequently walks along the river.

City officials say the renovation aims to build an "urban living room", presenting Tianjin as a vibrant, inclusive metropolis where "rivers and seas reflect each other, East meets West, and past blends with present".

"We use lighting to refine urban details, making nighttime Tianjin more vibrant, cultured, and international," said Li Muhua, director of the City Management Commission's urban landscape management office.