The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, located in Guizhou province, southwest China, has officially opened, establishing itself as the world's highest bridge. Its deck sits 625 meters above the valley floor. This new infrastructure project is set to significantly reduce travel times and boost tourism in the region.
The bridge, which opened to the public on September 28, offers dramatic views and new travel opportunities. It spans nearly 3 kilometers. The main section of the bridge is 1,420 meters long, making it the world's longest bridge in a mountainous area, according to China's state media.
Key Takeaways
- The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is now the world's highest bridge, with its deck 625 meters above the valley.
- It cuts travel time across the canyon from two hours to two minutes.
- The bridge aims to attract tourists with viewing platforms, a glass lift, and adventure sports.
- Construction took less than four years to complete.
A New Landmark for Guizhou
The bridge's opening marks a major achievement in engineering. It is expected to transform local travel and economic activity. Previously, crossing the canyon took about two hours. Now, the journey takes only two minutes. This dramatic reduction in travel time connects the Guizhou S57 highway from Liuzhi special district to Anlong county more efficiently.
Local authorities hope the bridge will serve as a major tourist attraction. It features several visitor amenities. These include special viewing platforms, a glass elevator leading to a cafe on top of one of the bridge arches, and a glass walkway. The walkway allows visitors to look down approximately 580 meters to the ground below.
Mr. Fu, a safety worker for bungee jumps and rope swings, shared his experience: "The view from the bridge is fantastic. Beneath the bridge flows the Beipan River, with Huajiang Village nearby and a waterfall as well. It is very exciting – the bridge is very high, and many visitors come. Standing on it yourself feels thrilling as well."
Adventure and Tourism Potential
The bridge is designed to offer more than just scenic views. It also provides opportunities for adventure sports. Bungee jumping and slack-lining are available. There are also plans to host professional Base jumping events in the future, according to state media reports.
Bridge Facts
- Height: 625 meters (deck to valley floor)
- Length: Almost 3 kilometers total
- Main Span: 1,420 meters (longest in a mountainous area)
- Construction Time: Less than four years
- Travel Time Reduction: From 2 hours to 2 minutes
While some attractions, like the cafe, are still under development and expected to open in November, local tour operators report that the bridge is already drawing large crowds. Visitor numbers are currently limited to 5,000 people per day.
Local Impact and Visitor Experiences
The economic impact on the surrounding area is already noticeable. Lin Guoquan, who operates a guesthouse nearby, posted on social media that his business is fully booked. He noted that hundreds of people now visit a nearby viewing platform daily, an area that was previously less frequented.
Lin Guoquan expressed his excitement: "Since it opened, I’ve crossed the bridge four times. Before it was fully completed, I visited it more than 200 times just to see the bridge and monitor its progress… Now, I can see the world’s tallest bridge right from my courtyard."
Background Information
Guizhou province is known for its mountainous terrain and deep canyons, making it a challenging region for infrastructure development. The construction of high-span bridges is a key strategy to improve connectivity and economic development in this area. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge replaces another Chinese bridge, also in Guizhou, as the world's highest, measured by the distance from its deck to the ground below.
Social media platforms are filled with videos and images from the bridge. Drone footage, including some captured by Lin, shows the bridge's scale. One user commented that cars appeared "as small as ants" while driving across the structure. Another visitor described the sensation of being so high: "Sitting in the car, it felt as if I could reach out and touch the clouds with my hand."
Engineering and Structure
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge took less than four years to build. This rapid construction highlights China's advanced engineering capabilities. The bridge's height is measured by the distance between its deck and the ground below, which is 625 meters. This measurement is what earns it the title of the world's highest bridge.
Structurally, the bridge features two towers, each measuring 262 meters tall. These towers contribute to its overall impressive design. However, in terms of structural height, these towers rank it as the world's 19th tallest bridge. The combination of its deck height and main span length makes it a notable engineering feat.
Mixed Public Reactions
Despite the general enthusiasm, some public feedback has included complaints. On social media, individuals have raised concerns about the bridge's cost, parking management issues, and its unfinished state. Others have stated that the experience was "not worth the special trip." These varied opinions reflect the different expectations visitors have for new tourist attractions.
However, the overwhelming sentiment points to the bridge's success as both a functional piece of infrastructure and a destination. It represents a significant step forward in connecting remote areas and promoting regional tourism in Guizhou province.
