The Bridge, a contemporary whiskey bar and restaurant is now open on Chengdu’s iconic Anshun Bridge.

Although on many postcards of Chengdu, Anshun Bridge 安顺桥 (the bridge that lights up gold at night and can be seen from Jiu Yan Qiao 九眼桥) has been somewhat of a sitting duck for years.

Since being built in 2003 (after it was damaged in a flood in the 1980s), it housed a fairly unremarkable Sichuan style restaurant that you’re not very likely to have visited. It closed around a year ago, and until this week was undergoing renovations.

Last night The Bridge Bar officially opened, clad in grey brick with a glass-block façade. Shanghai based design team Neri&Hu wanted to maintain the Chinese palatial look of the bridge whilst creating a contemporary, elegant space.

The first floor houses the Bridge Bar – the design team have attempted to create a treasure trove like experience – as you walk into the polished concrete space, the ceiling above the whiskey bar opens up to the floor above. The gold panelled tunnel is accessed by the bar staff on high ladders to reach the tall back lit shelves where they keep the good stuff.

The real treat is the outdoor terrace on the second floor where you have can enjoy to 360 degree views of the river – whilst still being able to look down into the bar below through the tunnel. We imagine the views, the outdoor bar and gas heaters should keep the terrace busy all year round.

The Bridge Bar has a wide selection of cocktails (The Sichuan Fizz infused with la jiao was great) and over 120 wines. Primarily the real focus will be on single malt whiskeys – with over 300 bottles to choose from. The dining room is in early stages and they will soon go on to offer afternoon tea. As expected with a location like this, cocktails alone set you back 90rmb a pop – but it’s really the view you come for.