China has officially opened a breathtaking new bridge that now holds the title of the world's highest, dramatically transforming travel in the mountainous Guizhou province. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, with a staggering deck-to-surface height of 625 metres, has reduced a journey that once took two hours down to a mere two-minute crossing, according to reports from Chinese state media.
A Record-Shattering Feat of Engineering
This monumental structure, which stretches 2,890 metres across a deep ravine known locally as the "Earth crack," surpasses the previous record holder by a significant margin. It stands approximately 60 metres taller than the Beipanjiang Bridge (Duge Bridge), also in China, which held the previous record at 565.4 metres. Construction on the ambitious project began in January 2022 and was completed in under four years, showcasing China's rapid infrastructure capabilities.
Before receiving approval for public use, the bridge underwent rigorous safety testing. A dynamic load test was conducted, involving 96 lorries driving onto specific sections of the span in organised groups to assess its stability and strength. Following these successful evaluations, the bridge was officially opened to traffic on 28 September 2025 and has since been awarded the official Guinness World Record.
Tourist Attraction and UK Comparisons
The bridge is not merely a transport link; it has been designed as a major tourist destination. It features dramatic glass walkways that allow visitors to look down at the Beipan River some 580 metres below. Viewing platforms and a glass lift ascending to a high-altitude café, set to open in November 2025, add to the experience. For adrenaline seekers, the bridge offers bungee jumping, with plans for professional BASE jumping events in the future.
China's swift delivery of such colossal projects has drawn comments from abroad, including from Reform UK MP Zia Yusuf. He recently expressed frustration on social media about the lengthy delays plaguing far smaller infrastructure schemes in Britain, highlighting a stark contrast in project delivery timescales.
Guizhou: The Global Capital of High Bridges
The new bridge further cements Guizhou Province's status as the global epicentre for high-altitude bridge engineering. According to the site Highestbridges, Guizhou is now home to more high bridges than every other country on Earth combined. The region is on track to boast over 1,000 bridges with a height exceeding 100 metres by the year 2030.
The opening of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge represents a new pinnacle in civil engineering, turning a formidable geographic barrier into a stunning and efficient crossing. It stands as a testament to modern construction techniques and is set to become a must-see landmark for engineers and tourists from across the globe.
