China Opens World’s Highest Bridge in Guizhou

China Opens World’s Highest Bridge in Guizhou

China has opened the world’s highest bridge to traffic, marking a major engineering milestone in the country’s mountainous Guizhou province.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge soars 625 metres (2,051 feet) above a river and deep gorge, surpassing the nearby Beipanjiang Bridge (565 metres) to claim the new record.

Live drone footage showed vehicles crossing the colossal structure, its blue support towers rising through the clouds. Engineers, officials, and residents gathered on the bridge for an inaugural ceremony, expressing pride in the achievement.

According to Zhang Yin, head of the provincial transport department, the bridge reduces travel time across the gorge from two hours to just two minutes. She said the project will significantly improve regional connectivity and inject fresh momentum into economic and social development.

Construction of the bridge took more than three years. With a 1,420-metre main span, it is also recognised as the world’s largest-span bridge in a mountainous area.

Guizhou, known for its rugged terrain, is now home to both the world’s highest and second-highest bridges. The province alone hosts nearly half of the world’s 100 tallest bridges.

China has poured vast investment into infrastructure over recent decades to support its rapid urbanisation and growth, with the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge standing as its latest emblem of engineering ambition.

Globally, while the Huajiang Bridge is the highest by vertical clearance, the tallest structure remains France’s Millau Viaduct, with towers reaching 343 metres.