China has officially opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, a monumental engineering achievement that now holds the title of the world's highest bridge. Soaring 625 meters above the Beipan River in Guizhou Province, the bridge commenced traffic operations on September 28, 2025. This new record-holder surpasses the previous highest bridge, the Duge Bridge, also located in Guizhou, which stands at 565 meters. The construction of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge began in early 2022, navigating the challenging terrain of the Huajiang Gorge.
Engineers utilized advanced suspension design techniques, incorporating towering pylons and a substantial deck length of 2,890 meters, with a main span of 1,420 meters. To ensure its stability against strong winds and temperature fluctuations, sophisticated monitoring systems were integrated. Rigorous load tests, including a trial with 96 trucks totaling 3,300 tons, confirmed the bridge's safety and structural integrity.
The opening of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity and economic development. Travel times across the gorge have been dramatically reduced from approximately two hours to just a minute, transforming journeys for local communities and integrating previously isolated areas. This enhanced accessibility is poised to unlock new economic opportunities and foster greater regional integration.
Beyond its utilitarian purpose, the bridge is envisioned as a major tourist attraction, with plans for glass-bottomed pathways, observation towers, and viewing decks. Guizhou Province is increasingly recognized for its adventure tourism and infrastructure innovation, with this bridge symbolizing its ongoing transformation. The project, with an estimated construction cost of $280 million, underscores China's rapid advancements in construction technology and its strategic focus on developing robust transportation networks.