China: World’s tallest (or highest) bridge set to open

China is set to officially open the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge “soon”, marking a new pinnacle in global engineering — as the world’s tallest bridge. 

The newly-completed mega-link isn’t just high — it’s sky high, and Popular Science calls it “an undeniable feat of engineering.”

Towering at an astonishing height of 625 metres above the Beipan River, it surpasses France’s Millau Viaduct by 947 feet, setting a new world record for bridge height.

While still not open to the public, construction workers and heavy equipment are seen already moving on the bridge’s main span itself – but the public can't drive across it just yet.

Built in just three years for $283 million, this gravity-defying mega-bridge stretches across the Beipan River in the rugged mountains of Guizhou province. 

The result? 

An engineering marvel that slices a once hour-long canyon drive down to just a few breathtaking minutes — as long as your nerves can handle cruising 2,051 feet (625 metres) above the gorge floor.

To put that in perspective: that’s 275 feet taller than One World Trade Center in NYC. Yes, taller than America's tallest skyscraper.

Location

Located in the rugged mountainous terrain of Guizhou province in southwestern China, the bridge spans the dramatic Huajiang Grand Canyon, also known locally as the “earth crack.” 

This region, long isolated by difficult topography, will now experience transformative connectivity thanks to the bridge’s strategic placement between the Liuzhi and Anlong Special Districts.

Even before the Huajiang wonder arrived, China already claimed eight of the world’s top 10 tallest bridges, and a jaw-dropping 43 out of the top 50. 

The reigning champ before this: The Duge Bridge, also in China (Guizhou) standing proud at 1,854 feet.

Builder

The Guizhou Bridge Construction Group is a key player in its design and construction. The bridge is a mega project and is part of the Liuzhi-Anlong Expressway in Guizhou province. 

Final assembly

Its construction began on January 18, 2022. 

The last main steel truss segment (weighing 215 tonnes) was put into place in mid‑January 2025, marking the final step of the main structure before opening later this year, as per China Daily.

Here’s a quick summary:

The bridge’s steel trusses weigh around 22,000 metric tons — equivalent to three Eiffel Towers — underscoring the massive scale and engineering complexity of the project.

The project reflects China’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure in less developed, mountainous regions. Guizhou province already hosts nearly half of the world’s tallest 100 bridges, and this latest addition further cements its status as a hub of advanced bridge engineering.

Facilities

In addition to its transportation role, the mega-bridge is designed as a major tourist attraction.

Facilities include:

Moreover, an advanced sensor technology integrated throughout the bridge to monitor structural health in real-time, tracking vibration, temperature, and wind pressure to ensure safety and durability over the long term.

Modernisation

The bridge stands as a symbol of China’s rapid modernisation and engineering prowess, demonstrating the country’s ability to overcome geographic challenges while boosting local economies. 

The bridge opens up access to remote villages, facilitating better access to education, healthcare, and business opportunities, and is expected to accelerate tourism development in Guizhou.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is poised to become both a vital transportation artery and a world-renowned landmark drawing visitors from across China and beyond.

And clearly, when it comes to building bridges that flirt with the stratosphere, China has no fear of heights.