China has officially opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge — now the world’s highest — to the public, heralding a new milestone in engineering and regional connectivity.

The suspension bridge soars 625 metres (2,050 feet) above a deep gorge in Guizhou province, surpassing the previous record-holder, the Duge Bridge, which crosses the same Beipan River about 200 km upstream. 

The 2,890-metre structure, with a centre span of 1,420 metres, also claims the distinction of being the largest-span bridge built in a mountainous terrain. 

Officials project that the new link will reduce the journey across the canyon from a grueling two-hour drive to just two minutes. 

Before opening, the bridge underwent an intense load test: over five days, 96 heavy trucks were positioned across critical segments to simulate real-world stress. 

Officials confirmed the structure held firm under full load, clearing a major safety hurdle. 

Construction began in January 2022 and officially concluded on 28 September 2025. 

Beyond its record-breaking height, the bridge is part of a broader plan to integrate southwest China’s often isolated terrain into national economic corridors. It carries the Guizhou S57 Liuzhi–Anlong Expressway, connecting districts separated by rugged topography. 

State media also highlight the bridge’s appeal as a tourist draw: viewing platforms, a sightseeing elevator, glass-floor sections, and sky cafes are planned to offer dramatic vistas of the canyon below. 

In its official coverage, Global Times noted that the new structure not only breaks height records but also sets a standard for long-span bridging in mountainous regions. 

The bridge underscores China’s continued focus on massive infrastructure projects, especially in its less-developed western provinces. While such works aim to stimulate local economies and improve connectivity, observers caution about long-term maintenance, environmental impact, and debt burdens. 

Engineering analysts praised the speed of construction — just under four years — as unusually rapid for a project of this magnitude. The region’s challenging terrain, unpredictable weather and high winds amplified the technical demands. 

Officials in Guizhou expect the bridge to serve as a showcase of modern engineering prowess and as a catalyst for regional growth.

Source: BBC

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