The recently inaugurated Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southern China has claimed the title of world’s highest bridge, with its roadway suspended 625 meters above the valley floor. Spanning nearly three kilometers across the dramatic landscape, this engineering marvel officially opened to traffic on September 28th.
The structure’s immense scale becomes immediately apparent to visitors. “The perspective from the bridge deck is absolutely breathtaking,” described one worker involved with the bridge’s adventure activities. “Looking down, you can see the river winding through the canyon and waterfalls cascading down the rock faces. The height creates a truly exhilarating experience.”
Beyond its record-breaking stature, the bridge serves as a vital transportation link, reducing what was previously a two-hour canyon crossing to just two minutes. The structure carries the Guizhou S57 highway between Liuzhi special district and Anlong county.
Tourism development has been integral to the project’s planning. The bridge complex features multiple viewing platforms, a glass elevator ascending to a future café atop one of the arches, and a transparent walkway allowing visitors to look directly down to the ground 580 meters below. Adventure sports including bungee jumping and slack-lining are already operational, with professional BASE jumping events under consideration.
Local businesses report immediate economic benefits since the bridge’s opening. A nearby guesthouse owner noted his property has been consistently fully booked, with hundreds of daily visitors now frequenting areas that previously saw minimal traffic. “I’ve watched this bridge progress through more than 200 visits during construction,” he remarked. “Now I can see the world’s highest bridge right from my courtyard.”
While many visitors express awe at the engineering achievement and panoramic views, some early feedback has highlighted ongoing development work and logistical challenges. The bridge’s construction was completed in under four years, surpassing another Chinese bridge in Guizhou province for the world height record. The designation as world’s highest is determined by the distance from the bridge deck to the ground below, while its 262-meter towers rank it among the world’s tallest bridge structures.
