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A New Icon of Infrastructure is Set to Open Soon: Inside China’s Tallest Bridge

Apr, 11, 2025
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China
Authored by: TheCivilEngineer.org

In the heart of China’s mountainous Guizhou province, a new icon of civil engineering is preparing to make its debut: the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge. Rising a staggering 625 meters above the Beipan River—nearly twice the height of the Eiffel Tower and higher than the Empire State Building—this record-breaking structure will be the world’s tallest bridge when it opens in June 2025.

The bridge spans just under two miles and is part of a motorway linking the Liuzhi and Anlong areas, reducing travel time across the deep gorge from over an hour to just minutes. Designed with a main span of 1,420 meters, it also claims the title of largest-span bridge built in a mountainous region.

An illustration of the height difference of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge from it's predecessor Royal Gorge Bridge. Source: Highest Bridges

A Rapid Build with a Vision for the Future

What makes the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge even more impressive is the speed of its construction. Begun in 2022 and completed in just three years, the project involved hoisting steel truss segments—each weighing over 200 tons—with remarkable precision. These steel trusses, totaling 22,000 tons (the weight of three Eiffel Towers), were installed in only two months.

This bold infrastructure project isn’t just about breaking records; it’s a strategic effort to foster regional development. Officials expect the bridge to stimulate tourism and strengthen economic ties between Guiyang, Anshun, and Qianxinan. Plans for tourism enhancements include a glass walkway, private accommodations, and even the world’s highest bungee jump.

Officials expect the bridge to stimulate tourism and strengthen economic ties between Guiyang, Anshun, and Qianxinan. Source: Highest Bridges

Blending Engineering Excellence with Regional Growth

Built in one of the world’s most topographically challenging regions—where 92.5% of the land is mountainous—the Huajiang Bridge reflects China’s expanding expertise in high-altitude and long-span bridge design. As Guizhou already hosts half of the world’s tallest bridges, this latest addition cements its global leadership in mountain bridge engineering.

From concept to completion, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge exemplifies what is possible when vision, precision, and speed converge.

Check out the following video depicting the colosseum Huajiang Canyon Bridge, the newest infrastructure China's marvel.