China builds world’s highest bridge across ‘Earth’s crack’

Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou, spans the gorge of the same name, often referred to as “Earth’s crack.”

The steel truss suspension bridge has a length of 2,890 meters with a main span of 1,420 meters.

The bridge opened to traffic in September 2025, slashing travel time between the two sides of the canyon from nearly two hours to just two minutes.

It sits 626 meters above the Beipan River, about the height of a 200-story building.

Beyond its transport role, the bridge is a popular scenic spot in Guizhou.

Thanks to the terrain and humid climate of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, a sea of clouds frequently forms around the bridge in the early morning.

Standing on the bridge, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the gorge and the clouds blanketing the mountain cliffs.

The bridge is being developed as a tourist attraction offering a variety of thrilling activities.

Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the bridge tower for panoramic views from the observation deck, conquer a cliff-hanging wooden walkway, or try bungee jumping from a height of 625 meters for 2,999 yuan (US$443), according to China Insider.

A tourist bungee jumps from Huajiang Bridge on May 29, 2026. Photo by AP/Ng Han Guan

At night, the bridge stands out with a record-breaking water display, certified by Guinness World Records.

As reported by China Lighting Network, water flows through a 1.26-kilometer supply line to form a massive water curtain, where bright lasers create stunning visual effects over the canyon.

The attraction of Huajiang Bridge is breathing new life into the village at its foot.

According to People’s Daily newspaper, many old houses are being rented and renovated into homestays by investors, while young locals are returning to their hometown to open lodging businesses and tourism services.

The outlet also reported that the area has drawn over 1.3 million visitors and 300,000 vehicles this year.

The village beneath the bridge now has 16 homestays and 14 more are under construction.

Huajiang Bridge also opens up a journey of cultural discovery in Guizhou.

Thanks to convenient transport links, tourists can easily combine their trip with visits to ancient villages and experience the daily life of the local Miao and Bouyei ethnic communities, according to the China Expedition Tours blog.

Tianlong Tunbao ancient town, located over 100 km from the Huajiang Bridge, is among the localities benefiting from the transport infrastructure connected to it.

People there are developing tourism through cultural activities like Dixi opera and promoting the destination on social media.