China’s Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which rises 2,054 feet above the Beipan River, has transformed a transportation project into a tourism destination. The 9,482-foot-long structure connects Guanling Bouyei-Miao Autonomous County with Zhenfeng County, cutting the canyon crossing from two hours to two minutes. It opened to traffic on September 28, 2025, after three years of construction, surpassing the Beipanjiang Bridge, also known as the Duge Bridge, as the world’s highest. Its predecessor had held the record since 2016, at approximately 1,854 feet above the river.
The exceptional height reflected engineering considerations rather than a pursuit of records. Chief engineer Yang Jian explained that a lower bridge would have required longer tunnels through neighboring mountains, increasing costs and contributing to driver fatigue. Tourism was nevertheless incorporated from the outset, with 50 square kilometers allocated around the bridge. A maintenance passage became a 2,611.55-foot sightseeing corridor. Visitors can take elevators into the structure, access a glass observation hall, cross a suspended narrow plank walkway, go bungee jumping, or run along a 4,629-foot elevated track. Nighttime attractions include water-screen and light shows.
The project has recorded approximately 3.3 million visits, while Huajiang Township and nearby areas have received more than 1.48 million. Improved transportation links have benefited local businesses, and hotels have gained from visitors staying nearby. Wu Fuying, manager of Xiyuan Hotel in Huajiang Township, said rooms are often fully booked on weekends and public holidays. During China’s week-long National Day holiday, the bridge also hosted concerts, racing activities, and food events.
