China is set to open the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in June, making it the world’s highest bridge. The massive bridge spans two miles across the canyon and was built at a cost of approximately ₹2,200 crore (216 million pounds). It will drastically reduce travel time across the canyon, from one hour to just one minute. At 2050 feet tall, the bridge is over 200 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower and weighs three times as much.
Boosting Tourism and Regional Development
Chinese politician Zhang Shenglin highlighted the bridge’s importance in showcasing China’s engineering prowess and supporting Guizhou’s efforts to become a world-class tourist destination. This bridge will not only provide vital transportation links in a rural area but also attract tourists with features like a glass walkway and the world’s highest bungee jump.
Construction and Materials
The bridge’s steel trusses weigh around 22,000 metric tonnes, equivalent to three Eiffel Towers, and were installed in just two months. Chief Engineer Li Zhao expressed immense pride in seeing the bridge come to life, marking a significant achievement for the team.
Tourism and Future Plans
In addition to its practical use, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is expected to become a major tourist attraction. Planners have also announced future additions, including living areas and various tourist attractions around the bridge.
A Symbol of China’s Bridge Building Ambition
The region where the bridge is being built already hosts almost half of the world’s 100 tallest bridges. This continues China’s focus on creating towering structures to connect remote areas. The Beipanjiang Bridge, built in 2016, previously held the title of China’s highest bridge at 1,854 feet.
