"I feel like I’m touching the clouds": What it’s really like to cross the world's tallest bridge
If you’ve ever worked on bridges, you might think you’ve seen it all — but Mr. Fu, who ensures safety for bungee jumping and rope swinging adventures, says his latest assignment at the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Southern China is on a whole different level.
"The view here is simply breathtaking," he shared with The Guardian. "Below us, the Beipan River winds through the valley, with Huajiang Village nearby and a stunning waterfall adding to the scenery. The sheer height of the bridge gives you a rush—it’s thrilling to stand on it and see the vastness around you."
Officially opened on 28 September, this new marvel isn’t just any bridge—it’s the world’s highest, towering 625 meters above the valley floor. It stretches nearly 3 kilometers across the canyon, with its main span of 1,420 meters earning it the record as the longest bridge situated in mountainous terrain, according to China’s state media.
But the bridge isn’t just about records and engineering feats. It’s set to revolutionize travel by slashing the journey between Liuzhi special district and Anlong county on the Guizhou S57 highway from two hours down to a mere two minutes. And here’s where it gets even more interesting: authorities are banking on turning the bridge itself into a tourist magnet. Plans include viewing platforms, a glass elevator whisking visitors up to a café perched atop one of the arches, and a heart-stopping glass walkway that lets you gaze straight down about 580 meters to the ground.
Adventure lovers aren’t left out either. The bridge offers bungee jumping and slacklining activities, with professional BASE jumping events in the pipeline, adding to its thrill appeal.
Not all attractions are up and running just yet—the café is slated to open in November—but the bridge is already drawing large crowds. Visitor numbers are capped at 5,000 per day to manage the flow.
Lin Guoquan, a local guesthouse owner, couldn’t be happier. His establishment is fully booked, and the platform where he once greeted guests is now swarming with hundreds daily.
"Since the bridge opened, I've crossed it four times," Lin said. "Even before it was done, I visited over 200 times just to watch its progress. Now, I can admire the world’s highest bridge right from my own courtyard."
Social media feeds are flooded with videos and stunning drone footage captured by Lin and others. One striking video showed cars moving across the bridge looking tiny—like ants scrambling along a vast expanse.
"While sitting in the car, it genuinely felt like I could reach out and touch the clouds," shared a visitor, painting a vivid picture of the surreal experience.
Yet, not everyone is swept away by the excitement. Some social media users have criticized the project’s high cost, complained about parking chaos, or lamented incomplete facilities. A few even questioned whether the trip was truly worth it.
Built in under four years, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge claimed the ‘world’s highest’ title from another one in Guizhou province. It's important to note it’s considered the highest because of the vast distance from the deck down to the valley floor—not because of the height of its towers, which at 262 meters tall place it as the 19th tallest bridge structurally worldwide.
This intriguing mix of awe-inspiring achievement and lingering controversy begs the question: Is this engineering masterpiece a game-changer for travel and tourism, or an indulgent monument costing too much—and perhaps too risky? What do you think? Share your thoughts and let’s dive into the debate!"
