Guiyang (Brussels Morning Newspaper) October 8, 2026 – The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China’s Guizhou Province has officially opened as the highest bridge in the world, soaring 625 metres above the river below. The monumental alpine suspension structure dramatically reduces cross-canyon transit times while intersecting a region historically traversed by the Red Army during the Long March.
Spanning the deep gorge of the Beipan River—frequently referred to locally as “Earth’s Crack”—the engineering project stretches for a total length of 2,890 metres. Featuring a main span of 1,420 metres, the crossing carries vehicular traffic between Liuzhi and Anlong, slashing travel times across the treacherous canyon from more than two hours down to approximately two minutes.
Architectural Specifications and Engineering Scale
The bridge structure positions itself at a designated height of 625.01 metres (2,053 feet) between the bridge deck and the canyon floor, surpassing the nearby Beipanjiang Bridge to claim the title of the world’s highest bridge. Its 1,420-metre main span also establishes a global record as the longest span among suspension bridges constructed within mountainous terrain.
The construction represents a significant milestone in high-altitude engineering capabilities within China’s mountainous regions. Guizhou Province, characterized by its karst landscapes featuring thousands of limestone mountains and deep valleys, hosts a vast proportion of the world’s highest bridges. The completion of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge adds a prominent structure to regional transport networks designed to improve economic connectivity across isolated rural terrain.
Historical Context and Regional Geography
The location of the bridge holds historical significance, situated in an area where the Chinese Red Army passed approximately ninety years ago during the Long March. Historical accounts note that military forces previously navigated the rugged terrain, steep mountains, and deep valleys on foot. Modern infrastructure projects now bridge these geographical barriers, transforming transit routes that historically required arduous multi-hour journeys across winding mountain roads.
The integration of the bridge into the local transport matrix aims to facilitate smoother logistics and commerce between previously isolated communities in western Guizhou. Regional authorities planned the infrastructure to support both local mobility and broader economic integration within the province.
Integration of Tourism and Public Facilities
Beyond its primary function as a transportation link, the bridge development incorporates extensive tourism and service infrastructure. An area exceeding 50 square kilometres surrounding the bridge site has been designated for a comprehensive tourism zone.
Facilities integrated into the project include the Yundu Service Area, which features observation decks, a bridge science museum utilizing virtual reality exhibits detailing the construction process, and pedestrian walkways. Commercial amenities such as a cliffside hotel, camping zones, and a high-altitude restaurant positioned near the upper structures have also been established to cater to visitors.
Thrill-seeking activities have additionally been incorporated into the site design, featuring a glass skywalk, high-speed glass elevators, and provisions for bungee jumping operations directly from the towering span. These additions reflect a growing trend in the region to combine major transport infrastructure projects with commercial tourism operations.
