With its engineering capabilities, China constructed the world’s tallest bridge, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge. Located in the Huajiang region, this monumental structure is set to surpass all previous records and is expected to be opened later this year.
The bridge, which spans 2.9 kilometres and stands at an astonishing 2050 feet above the Beipan River, is already hailed as a marvel of modern engineering. Its height is remarkable, measuring nine times greater than London’s Golden Gate Bridge and double the height of the Eiffel Tower. Stunning drone footage from the construction site captures the bridge's scale, with clouds often seen passing over it as workers put the finishing touches on the project.
The construction of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is a massive feat. The bridge's central section is composed of 93 sections, weighing 22,000 tonnes, three times the weight of the Eiffel Tower. The bridge’s location, high above the river, means it not only requires an exceptional level of engineering expertise but also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Currently, China holds the world’s highest bridge record, with the Beipanjiang Bridge in Guizhou province completed in 2016. This bridge, standing 1,788 feet above the Beipan River, is about 320 kilometres north of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge. Despite being the previous record-holder, the Beipanjiang Bridge will soon overtake the Huajiang structure once it is completed.
The opening of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will significantly improve local connectivity. Previously, it took at least an hour to travel across the vast valley the bridge now spans. Once operational, this journey time will be reduced to just two to three minutes, greatly enhancing regional transportation efficiency.
The $292 million construction cost of the bridge is a testament to China’s commitment to ambitious infrastructure projects. Work on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge began in 2022, and in just three years, it is nearly ready to open.