Abyss at Sky High China Unveils the World’s Highest Bridge
China is poised to unveil the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, a suspension span that rises about 625 meters above the canyon in Guizhou province’s southwest. When it opens at the end of September, it will crown itself as the world’s highest bridge, surpassing the 565‑meter Douge Bridge. The crossing sits in a dramatic landscape and redefines transport in a region long cut off from easy access, blending engineering audacity with a new landmark for movement and spectacle.
In This Article:
- A 625-Meter Giant — Specs and Milestones
- A New Lifeline — Transforming a Canyon Gorge into a Highway Corridor
- A Destination for Thrill Seekers
- Glass Elevator and Sky-Gazing Platform
- Guizhou — The Capital of High Bridges
- Rigorous Testing, Price Tag and World Stage
- A Global Benchmark How It Stacks Up Against Millau and Golden Gate
- Travel Tips and Tickets From Moscow to Guiyang
A 625-Meter Giant — Specs and Milestones
Rising 625 meters above the Huajiang Grand Canyon, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge claims the title of the world’s highest bridge. The suspension structure features steel trusses weighing about 22,000 tons, roughly the mass of two Eiffel Towers. The overall length is 2,890 meters, and the central span between piers reaches 1,420 meters, a record for bridges built in mountainous terrain. The project was designed and built entirely by Chinese engineers in under four years.
A New Lifeline — Transforming a Canyon Gorge into a Highway Corridor
The grand crossing forms a key link on the new Luochzhi-Along expressway, intended to improve transport connectivity for remote southwest provinces with the rest of China. Before its construction, crossing the canyon was a two‑hour ordeal along winding mountain roads. Now it can be crossed in minutes.
A Destination for Thrill Seekers
Beyond transportation, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge was designed as a major tourist attraction to showcase China’s engineering prowess and attract adrenaline lovers from around the world. Visitors will find pedestrian walkways, glass-floor halls with dizzying views into the abyss, panoramic viewing platforms, a restaurant, and the potential for the highest possible bungee jump in the world.
Glass Elevator and Sky-Gazing Platform
A glass elevator will carry visitors to 145 meters above the road deck, where a special platform hosts a bar and cafe for stargazing. Tourism infrastructure will be rolled out in phases.
Guizhou — The Capital of High Bridges
Guizhou Province, known for its rugged terrain, has long been an unofficial capital of high bridges — nearly half of the world’s 100 tallest bridges are located here.
Rigorous Testing, Price Tag and World Stage
Before opening, the bridge passed all necessary tests, including a five-day load test during which 96 fully loaded heavy-duty trucks drove onto the span and parked to prove its strength and reliability. The project is estimated at 1.87 billion yuan.
A Global Benchmark How It Stacks Up Against Millau and Golden Gate
Against the Millau Viaduct in France, currently the tallest bridge structure with a tower height of 343 meters, and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, which sits 66 meters above the water, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge looks utterly fantastical. In fact, the Golden Gate could fit under its deck more than twice.
Travel Tips and Tickets From Moscow to Guiyang
As of September 15, Russians may travel to China visa-free. Direct flights from Moscow to Guiyang are not available, so routes involve one or two layovers. We looked at October itineraries (departing Moscow on October 10–11, returning October 18–19). The most straightforward route from Moscow to Guiyang is via one of China’s major hubs, allowing a single connection and a single ticket. The optimal connection points are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu. For example, you could fly with China Eastern Airlines or China Southern Airlines from Moscow to Beijing’s Shoudu Airport (PEK) and then, using the extensive domestic network, reach Guiyang Longdongbao (KWE) in a few hours. One‑way fares with luggage from Moscow via Beijing start at around 60,200 rubles on China Eastern and around 76,700 rubles on China Southern. Another option is Moscow to Shanghai (PVG) with China Eastern; fares start at about 60,200 rubles per person for a connecting flight. You can also route through Chengdu, the Sichuan capital near Guizhou. Sichuan Airlines offers tickets from about 117,600 rubles per person with comfortable 2–3 hour connections from around 132,200 rubles for a similar itinerary. A further route goes via Guangzhou (CAN), where China Southern operates direct Moscow–Guangzhou services; tickets with convenient connections start at about 77,200 rubles per person with baggage. Which other long, tall, dangerous, and beautiful bridges are worth seeing is covered in this article. Elena Myagkova Photo: Guiyang Province Administration Social Media
