Abstract: The shield method is a common construction method for pipelines crossing rivers. Here, with the pipeline installation in Heilongjiang Shield Crossing Project of China-Russia Eastern Gas Pipeline as an example, the curve laying technology of large-diameter pipelines was elaborated. In the project, the tunnel axis was designed as a straight downslope at 4% + an elastic laying section + a drift section + an elastic laying section + a upslope at 4%, and K65 longitudinally submerged arc welding (LSAW) steel pipes with 1 420 mm diameter and 33.4 mm wall thickness were installed. Due to the limited operating space of the shaft, pipeline traction was irreversible. The pipelines were installed in the way of transportation by rail trolley + traction, which was extremely difficult to complete, facing the risks of trolley suspension, derail and pipeline jamming. Finally, the curve laying technology of large diameter pipelines in small cross-section shield tunnels was adopted, overcoming the technical challenges of the design and manufacture of pipeline traction system, the derailing and suspension of pipeline trolleys in the curve section of the tunnel, and the needled hoisting of the "S"-shaped pipeline in the shaft, and further, reference was provided for installation of the large-diameter pipelines in the small cross-section shield tunnel and pipe-jacking tunnel.