China has opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou, claiming the title of the world’s tallest bridge. Soaring about 2,050 feet above a river and gorge, the bridge surpasses the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, which stands 956 feet above the Arkansas River, according to NBC News. The 4,600-foot-long structure is also the longest bridge in a mountainous region.
Officials say the bridge, completed after three years and eight months of construction, will cut travel time across the canyon from two hours to two minutes. It aims to boost tourism and economic growth in one of China’s less-developed regions. Visitors can take a high-speed glass elevator to a café 2,600 feet above the river, walk a 1,900-foot glass walkway, or bungee jump from the bridge, reported NBC News.
Technician Tian Hongrui told CCTV News: “Leaving now is bittersweet, but this isn’t the end. It’s the start of a new chapter.” Guizhou, home to about 40 million people, has more than 32,000 bridges completed or under construction.
Here are the world’s top ten tallest bridges, according to Highestbridges.com:
- 01
Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge – Zhenfeng, Guizhou, China
Height: 2,051 feet
Main Span: 4,659 feet
Completed: 2025
Details: The world’s tallest bridge, designed to connect major tourist spots. Offers a glass elevator, a 1,900-foot glass walkway, and bungee jumping.
- 02
Beipanjiang Bridge Duge – Dugexiang, Guizhou, China
Height: 1,854 feet
Main Span: 2,362 feet
Completed: 2016
Details: Previously the world’s highest bridge; spans a deep gorge in Guizhou and is crucial for regional connectivity.
- 03
Tianmen Bridge – Qinggangling, Guizhou, China
Height: 1,837 feet
Main Span: 2,690 feet
Expected Completion: 2026
Details: Another major Guizhou bridge, set to provide improved travel through mountainous terrain.
- 04
Xiaowan Lancangjiang Bridge – Fengqing, Yunnan, China
Height: 1,706 feet
Main Span: 5,167 feet
Expected Completion: 2028
Details: A long-span bridge in Yunnan province, designed for both transportation and regional development.
- 05
Siduhe Bridge – Yesanguanzhen, Hubei, China
Height: 1,627 feet
Main Span: 2,952 feet
Completed: 2009
Details: One of China’s pioneering high bridges, bridging a deep river gorge in Hubei.
- 06
Lugu Lake (Woluohe) Bridge – Changbaixiang, Sichuan, China
Height: 1,617 feet
Main Span: 5,512 feet
Expected Completion: 2026
Details: Designed to support Sichuan’s regional connectivity and tourism, crossing Lugu Lake and surrounding terrain.
- 07
Puli Bridge – Pulixiang, Yunnan, China
Height: 1,591 feet
Main Span: 2,060 feet
Completed: 2015
Details: High bridge in Yunnan province, combining engineering feat with scenic value.
- 08
Jinshajiang Wudongde Bridge – Hemenkou, Sichuan, China
Height: 1,591 feet
Main Span: 3,871 feet
Expected Completion: 2028
Details: Part of Sichuan’s infrastructure expansion, crossing the Jinsha River.
- 09
Yalong Liangshan Bridge – Xichang, Sichuan, China
Height: 1,575 feet
Main Span: 3,937 feet
Expected Completion: 2026
Details: A high bridge supporting travel and commerce in Sichuan’s mountainous regions.
- 10
Nanpanjiang Bridge Puzhehei – Shedexiang, Yunnan, China
Height: 1,558 feet
Main Span: 3,051 feet
Expected Completion: 2028
Details: The tallest bridge in Yunnan, aimed at improving regional infrastructure and tourism.
