On 26 September 2025, China officially opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou Province. The structure, which stands 625 metres above the Beipan River, has become the highest suspension bridge on the planet and one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent years.
Construction began in 2020 and took almost five years to complete. Its total length of 2,890 metres and main span of 1,420 metres make it a global benchmark in civil engineering. Beyond connecting two mountains, the project seeks to boost economic and tourism development in a historically isolated region.
A leap in mobility: from two hours to a few minutes
Before its opening, crossing the Huajiang Canyon meant more than two hours of travel on mountain roads. From September 2025, the journey time will be reduced to less than two minutes, an improvement that will transform the lives of thousands of local residents.
In addition to road traffic, the bridge incorporates panoramic lifts, glass viewing platforms, suspended walkways and a restaurant with 360º views, with the aim of also turning it into a tourist attraction open to the public from October 2025.
Record-breaking engineering and technical challenges
The Huajiang Canyon Bridge surpasses the Duge Bridge, also in Guizhou, which had held the record since 2016 with a height of 565 m. The new structure was designed to withstand loads of over 3,000 tonnes and extreme weather conditions, such as wind gusts of up to 200 km/h and moderate seismic activity.
The main towers, measuring 262 m and 205 m, were completed in mid-2023, while the steel deck was closed in February 2025. The structure underwent dynamic and load testing in July 2025, before receiving final certification from the Chinese Ministry of Transport.
More than a bridge: tourism, identity and regional development
In September, the Guizhou government announced the creation of an integrated tourist area around the bridge, with an estimated 1.5 million visitors per year from 2026 onwards. The idea is not only to connect: it is to attract, generate local employment and position Guizhou as a destination for engineering and nature tourism.
However, the total cost — 2 billion yuan (around 240 million euros) — has reopened the debate on the balance between public investment and economic return in regions with limited income. The key, according to local authorities, will be to maintain the flow of tourists and turn the bridge into a symbol of regional identity and pride.
Challenges and prospects
The Huajiang Bridge not only connects two mountains, but also links the past with the future of Guizhou Province. Its success will depend on how the challenges associated with its maintenance, environmental sustainability and economic balance are managed. If it manages to establish itself as a responsible tourist destination and a key infrastructure for regional mobility, the project could become a model that can be replicated in other mountainous areas around the world. More than a technical feat, the bridge is now a symbol of China's innovative drive and its ability to turn engineering into a driver of development.
