In a monumental feat of engineering, China has literally sliced a mountain in half to construct a new high-speed highway that features the world’s highest bridge. The project, located in the rugged and mountainous Guizhou province, showcases the country’s relentless pursuit of infrastructure development, no matter the natural obstacles.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, a key part of the new highway, is an awe-inspiring suspension bridge that soars 625 meters (2,051 feet) above the Huajiang Grand Canyon. This height is so extreme that the Eiffel Tower could be tucked beneath its deck with room to spare. This new bridge surpasses the previous record holder for the highest bridge in the world, the Beipanjiang Bridge, also located in Guizhou.
The decision to carve through the landscape rather than build a winding tunnel was both a practical and a symbolic one. Guizhou’s terrain is notoriously difficult, with a vast network of steep peaks and deep valleys. The new highway is designed to drastically cut travel times, turning what was once an hour-long, treacherous commute into a smooth, one-minute journey.
The construction, which involved the use of explosives and precision excavation, has drawn both awe and concern. The sheer scale of the project is a testament to Chinese engineering capabilities. The new route not only provides a vital transport link but is also expected to become a major tourist attraction, further boosting the region’s economy.
This ambitious project is the latest example of China’s “bridge museum” reputation, as the country has built an extensive network of record-breaking bridges to overcome its challenging geography.
