Amanze Chinonye
China has officially opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the world’s highest bridge, soaring 625 meters (about 2,051 feet) above the Beipan River in the mountainous province of Guizhou.
The long-awaited engineering feat, which connects Liuzhi Special District and Anlong County, opened to traffic on September 28, 2025, after less than four years of construction. Stretching 2,890 meters (9,480 feet) in total length, with a main span of 1,420 meters, the suspension bridge now stands as a global benchmark for design and engineering excellence in challenging terrain.
A Leap in Connectivity and Development
Before the new bridge, traversing the Huajiang Canyon required a two-hour winding drive through narrow mountain roads. The new expressway crossing now reduces that journey to just two minutes, revolutionizing regional travel and trade across Guizhou’s remote highlands.
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Local officials say the project part of the Guizhou S57 Liuzhi–Anlong Expressway will boost economic growth and tourism, opening up one of China’s most rugged regions to faster movement of people and goods.
Engineering on the Edge
Construction of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge began on January 18, 2022. The project team overcame immense geological and structural challenges, completing the span in record time. The bridge’s twin towers rise 262 meters (860 feet) above their foundations, supporting a deck that hangs more than half a kilometer above the canyon floor.
Ahead of its opening, the bridge underwent a rigorous load test in August 2025, when 96 heavy trucks weighing more than 3,300 tonnes were driven across its deck to verify its strength and stiffness. Engineers reported zero structural abnormalities.
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A Tourist Attraction in the Sky
Beyond its transport function, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is already drawing global attention as a tourist destination. Visitors can experience sweeping views of the canyon from glass skywalks and observation platforms built into the bridge complex.
A glass-walled café called Interstellar Coffee is located near the top of one of the bridge towers, about 800 meters above sea level, offering a rare dining experience among the clouds. While the café’s full public opening is expected later this year, it has already become a social-media sensation for its breathtaking views.
The bridge’s design also includes a high-speed glass elevator for visitors, and sections dedicated to adventure activities such as bungee jumping and slack lining part of a broader plan to position the structure as a world-class tourism and recreation hub.
A Symbol of Modern China’s Engineering Ambition
Experts told Prime Business Africa that the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge not only represents a technological milestone but also reflects China’s strategic focus on infrastructure-driven development. Guizhou, once known for its rugged isolation, now boasts some of the world’s most daring bridges and expressways, many built in just the past decade.
“Guizhou’s terrain has turned the province into a laboratory for world-class engineering,” said a transportation analyst quoted by China Daily. “Projects like this transform not just mobility, but also the perception of what’s possible in mountain infrastructure.”
With its record-breaking height, bold architecture, and dual function as both transit corridor and tourist attraction, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge embodies the convergence of innovation, beauty, and economic vision in modern China.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
