China’s Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province, now open to the public, has set a new record as the world’s tallest bridge. The towering structure, surpassing the Eiffel Tower in height and towering over the Golden Gate Bridge, drastically reduces travel time across the canyon from two hours to a mere two minutes.
Spanning a vast canyon, the bridge is nearly as tall as China’s tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, standing at a remarkable height of 2,050 feet above the Beipan River. This engineering marvel, constructed over three years utilizing cutting-edge technologies like satellite navigation and drones, features “smart cables” with embedded sensors for continuous monitoring of stress and weather conditions to ensure long-term durability.
With a total length of almost a mile and massive steel reinforcements weighing 215 metric tons, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge aims to connect the remote region of Guizhou to other parts of the country, promising economic growth and regional integration. Officials anticipate enhanced economic ties between neighboring cities, fostering development and progress in the area.
The bridge project, costing £227 million and initiated in 2022, consists of 93 segments collectively weighing 22,000 tons – three times heavier than the Eiffel Tower. Each segment was meticulously constructed, extending the roadway over the vast canyon, offering breathtaking views of the countryside below when not shrouded in mist.
As a significant tourist attraction in its own right, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge features a glass walkway with transparent floors for a thrilling view of the canyon depths. Moreover, a glass-covered elevator on one of the tower supports allows visitors to ascend to the highest point for panoramic views. A complex atop the bridge includes a café and observation hall, with a 207-meter sightseeing elevator reaching the top in just one minute, offering a unique experience at a café suspended 800 meters above the river.
This fusion complex is hailed as China’s first bridge-tourism destination, combining sightseeing, adventure activities, and travel services in one exhilarating setting. The bridge promises activities like the “sky balance beam,” bungee jumping, and low-altitude skydiving, providing visitors with unforgettable experiences.
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