China to inaugurate the World’s tallest bridge in June 2025

Reuters

China is set to unveil the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the tallest bridge in the world, on June 30, 2025, in the remote and mountainous Guizhou province, marking a major milestone in both engineering achievement and regional development.

Soaring 2,051 feet (625 meters) above the Beipan River, the bridge will surpass France’s iconic Millau Viaduct by nearly 950 feet (289 meters). Spanning the dramatic Huajiang Grand Canyon, nicknamed the “earth crack,” the bridge underscores China’s growing leadership in world-class infrastructure projects.

A Monumental Engineering Feat

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge extends 9,482 feet (2,890 meters) across the canyon, with a main span of 4,660 feet (1,420 meters) and towers reaching 860 feet (262 meters) high. Designed as a steel truss suspension bridge, it avoids support pillars in the gorge below, minimizing environmental impact while navigating the province’s rugged terrain.

The bridge's steel trusses weigh over 22,000 tons — roughly equivalent to three Eiffel Towers. Construction began in January 2022, and progress has reached 95%, with full completion expected in time for the late-June inauguration. The total cost of the project is approximately $280 million (€258 million).

Economic and Social Impact

Once operational, the bridge will reduce travel time across the canyon to just one minute, a dramatic improvement that is expected to boost regional connectivity, reduce transportation costs, and stimulate economic activity in Guizhou, one of China’s less-developed provinces located about 800 miles (1,287 km) west of Shenzhen.

“The Huajiang Bridge will not only benefit locals but also attract global attention,” said Zhang Shenglin, chief engineer of Guizhou Highway Group, in an interview with China Daily. Officials hope the bridge will become a landmark of engineering and tourism.

A Future Tourist Icon

Plans for the bridge extend beyond transport. One of its towers will include a glass elevator, a Stargazing Bar and Café, and the world’s highest bungee jump. Tourists will also be able to walk across a glass floor deck, offering panoramic views of the canyon below.

China already hosts almost half of the world’s 100 tallest bridges, with Guizhou alone accounting for a significant share. This will be China’s third time claiming the world’s tallest bridge title, following the Beipanjiang Guanxing Bridge (2003) and Duge Bridge (2016).

The completion of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is a symbolic testament to China’s infrastructure ambitions, particularly in underdeveloped regions, and stands as a visible reminder of the country’s continued push for engineering dominance on the global stage.

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