China is preparing to open the world's highest bridge later this month, marking an extraordinary engineering achievement that has amazed construction experts worldwide. The Huajiang Canyon Bridge soars an impressive 625 meters (2,051 feet) above the Beipan River canyon in Guizhou Province, easily surpassing the current record of 343 meters held by France's Millau Viaduct.
The massive 2.9-kilometer (1.8-mile) bridge was completed in remarkably fast time, with construction beginning in 2022 and finishing just over three-and-a-half years later. This rapid construction timeline has drawn significant attention from engineering professionals around the globe. Calgary University professor Mamdouh El-Badry told Newsweek that the speed is truly astonishing, explaining that "in other parts of the world, a project of this scale would typically take five to 10 years from groundbreaking to completion, depending on environmental, political, and logistical factors."
Last month, the bridge successfully passed a crucial load test when 96 trucks were driven across its span in batches, demonstrating its structural integrity and safety for future traffic. This comprehensive testing process ensures the bridge meets all safety standards before opening to the public. The load testing represents a critical milestone in the bridge's completion process.
With a construction cost of approximately NZ$500 million (around $300 million USD), the Huajiang Canyon Bridge will dramatically transform travel in the region. The new structure will slash travel times from a grueling two hours to just one minute, providing enormous convenience for local residents and commercial traffic. This time reduction will have significant economic and social benefits for the communities on both sides of the canyon.
Beyond its practical transportation benefits, the bridge is designed to become a major tourist attraction featuring multiple adventure activities. Plans include the installation of a glass walkway that will offer breathtaking views of the canyon below, as well as bungee jumping and rope-swinging facilities for thrill-seekers. These attractions are expected to draw tourists from around the world and boost the local economy.
The Huajiang Canyon Bridge represents just one example of China's massive infrastructure development in this mountainous region. Guizhou Province has become home to an incredible 30,000 bridges built since the 1970s, showcasing the country's commitment to connecting remote areas and improving transportation networks. Remarkably, nearly half of the world's 100 tallest bridges have been constructed in Guizhou Province alone, making it a global center for high-altitude bridge construction and engineering innovation.
