In 2016, China made headlines with the Duge Bridge in Guizhou province, which stood 1,854 feet (261 metres) above the river and held the record for the world’s highest bridge. But now, China has surpassed its own record with an even taller bridge – the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge rises 2,050 feet (525 metres) above the Beipan River, also in Guizhou province, making it the tallest bridge in the world. The bridge was opened on September 28 and not only reaches greater heights but also boasts one of the longest spans ever constructed in a mountainous region, stretching a total of 2,890 metres, according to a report by AFP.
The bridge links Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture with Anshun City, creating an important transportation route that strengthens the region’s economy and enhances social development.
According to CCTV, part of China’s state media, construction took three years. To make sure it was safe, engineers conducted a load-bearing test by driving nearly 100 trucks across it. The test was successful, and the bridge opened soon after.
How Huajiang bridge will help local communities
The bridge forms a key section of the 190-kilometre Shantian-Puxi Expressway, a major infrastructure initiative designed to enhance connectivity throughout southwestern China.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge isn’t just an engineering feat, it’s also part of China’s efforts to reduce poverty in Guizhou. This remote province has many deep valleys and before these bridges, locals had to take long, crowded bus rides to travel. In the 1980s, Guizhou had only 2,900 bridges. Today, it has more than 32,000, and the new bridge reduces travel time across the canyon from two hours to just two minutes.
A tourist attraction
The bridge is designed to attract visitors as well. Tourists can take a high-speed glass elevator to a cafe at the top of one of its towers and walk along a 1,900-foot-high glass walkway. In the future, the bridge will also offer paragliding and bungee jumping.
Authorities expect around 1 million visitors each year, which will help boost local tourism and bring more money to Guizhou. The region is even called the world’s “bridge museum” because of the many bridges built there.
The bridge is further expected to enhance regional tourism by linking natural attractions like the Huangguoshu Waterfall and scenic caves, according to a report by China Daily.