China’s tallest bridge, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, officially opened to traffic on Sunday. The bridge, completed after three years of construction, surpasses the height of the nearby 565-meter Beipanjiang Bridge.
Located in Guizhou province, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge rises 625 meters (2,051 feet) above a river and valley. State media aired live drone footage showing vehicles crossing its massive structure, with clouds partially covering its blue support towers.
At a ceremony, engineers, local authorities, and spectators celebrated the opening. Many expressed pride and excitement in live interviews with state media.
Zhang Yin, chairman of the province’s transport department, said the bridge reduces travel time between the two sides from two hours to just two minutes. She added, “Its opening brings enormous improvements to regional transportation conditions and injects new impetus into regional economic and social development.”
Guizhou province hosts nearly half of the world’s 100 highest bridges, reflecting China’s major infrastructure investments during decades of rapid urbanization and economic growth. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, with a 1,420-meter main span, is the largest-span bridge built in a mountainous area.
