China opens world’s highest bridge, cuts canyon travel time from 2 hours to 2 minutes

China has officially opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge (also referred to as the Huajiang Canyon Bridge), now recognised as the world’s highest bridge with a deck height of 625 meters above the gorge.

The opening of the bridge dramatically cuts travel time between the two sides of the canyon: what used to take around two hours now takes just two minutes.

The bridge spans a total length of 2,890 meters, with a main suspension span of 1,420 meters. It is supported by twin towers and carries four lanes of traffic, part of the Guizhou S57 Liuzhi-Anlong expressway.

Construction began on 18 January 2022, and after more than three years of work, the bridge passed its load tests and was opened on Sep 28. The project cost is estimated at 2.1 billion RMB (Chinese yuan).

Officials and engineers pointed to the strategic importance of the bridge for regional connectivity. It is expected to strengthen ties between local cities such as Liuzhi, Anlong, and nearby districts, aiding economic development and improving access through China’s rugged terrain.

During its inauguration, the bridge underwent strict safety and load testing protocols. Reports mention that 96 heavy trucks were used during load tests, and over 400 sensors monitored structural integrity across key components.

The engineering feat has drawn attention both domestically and internationally, not only for its record height but also for how it overcomes challenging topography in Guizhou, a region known for its mountains, deep gorges, and complex terrain.

With the Huajiang bridge now operational, China further cements its reputation as a global leader in ambitious infrastructure, especially in remote and mountainous regions.