September 29, 2025, 10:54 am | Read time: 3 minutes
You don’t need to suffer from acrophobia to find this idea a bit eerie: In China, specifically in the southern province of Guizhou, the world’s highest bridge has now been opened. It proudly towers 625 meters above the river it spans. TRAVELBOOK knows the dizzying details about the construction project.
TRAVELBOOK previously reported on “the highest bridge” in the world: the Millau Viaduct in France. The pylons of this two-and-a-half-kilometer-long bridge, which spans the Tarn River, rise an impressive 336.4 meters high. The structure, which has long become a tourist attraction, still holds the title of the highest bridge in Europe. Yet, it seems almost modest compared to the newly completed Chinese Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge.
World’s Highest Bridge Opens in China
The designers of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China’s Guizhou province worked on something particularly grand: the actual highest bridge in the world, in terms of the height of the roadway above the ground. This is the Beipan River, which is already spanned by the Beipanjiang Bridge a few kilometers away; more info on it here. Until now, the Beipanjiang Bridge (also known as the Duge Bridge) was considered the highest bridge in the world in terms of the distance between the roadway and the ground.
The “super project”–as Chinese media like the “China Daily” call it–has been under construction since 2022. It has now been officially completed and the bridge opened. It could become a “world-class tourist destination”–at least that’s what Zhang Shenglin believes. He is the chief engineer of the responsible construction company and also a member of China’s highest parliament.
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Details on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge
According to “China Daily,” the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is not only the highest but also the longest bridge ever built in a mountain range. It connects the city of Liuzhi with Anlong County, crossing a previously hard-to-reach valley, also known as the “crack in the earth.” The reason why is clear from the pictures. Its key data make the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge a central hub of the southwestern Chinese expressway network. Previously, the journey would have taken about two hours; the mega-bridge reduces travel time to just two minutes.
The technical feat behind the construction project is demonstrated by the enormous weight of the bridge. The steel beams alone weigh about 22,000 tons. For comparison, the steel structure of the Eiffel Tower weighs “only” about 7,300 tons. Given the challenges of construction–especially over a deep gorge–the logistical effort of the assembly is also evident.
Background of the Super Project
The new Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is intended to boost the economy in the rural region. Improved accessibility is expected to promote the sale of regional products, from agricultural goods to traditional handicrafts. According to “China Daily,” the construction of the Yundu Service Center is also planned: a 21,100-square-meter multifunctional complex with dining, shopping, and entertainment options, as well as accommodations for visitors. The facilities will also include a café, a bar, a glass walkway, and even bungee jumping for adrenaline enthusiasts.