The Haixin Bridge spans 198 meters of water, with a total length of 488 meters and a width of 15 meters. [Photo by Zheng Erqi/chinadaily.com.cn]

A new pedestrian bridge across the Pearl River was officially opened on Friday, adding a new iconic structure to Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

The Haixin Bridge, a curved-girder, cable-stayed bridge spans 198 meters of water, with a total length of 488 meters and a width of 15 meters, according to a statement released by the city on Friday.

Running from Ersha island to the southern bank of the Pearl River in the city's central business district, the footbridge is currently the largest of its kind in the world, the statement said.

Tourists and residents can now walk from Canton Tower, commonly known as Xiaomanyao, to Ersha, Huacheng Square, Haixinsha Asian Games theme park, the Guangdong Museum and other landmarks in the city's Zhujiang New Town in Tianhe district.

The east side of the bridge deck is designed for leisure, allowing pedestrians to sit for a rest to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the river. It can also accommodate small-scale art performances.

The west side of the deck is the main access area, with a sunshade to enable walking with bicycles, health exercises or just enjoying a sunset.

The bridge is expected to be a popular destination and a new link for economic development, culture, business, sightseeing and general leisure on both sides of the river.