China is set to inaugurate the Huaijiang Bridge this month, one of the world's greatest engineering feats, setting a new record as the world's highest bridge. Located in Guizhou province, the bridge stands at a staggering 624 meters above the ground, almost twice the height of the Eiffel Tower.
This gigantic project surpasses the country's previous record, held by the Beipanjiang Bridge with a height of 565 meters. The Huaijiang Bridge, 2,892 meters long, crosses a deep gorge known to locals as the "earth crack".
Construction of the bridge began in 2022 and is considered one of the most important infrastructure projects for the region. It is expected to drastically reduce travel time along the Beipan River between Guanling and Zhenfeng counties, home to about 600,000 people. From a two-hour journey, the route will now take just two minutes.
According to state news agency Xinhua, the bridge successfully passed a five-day load test late last month.
Special elements such as a 213-meter panoramic elevator and a half-mile-long glass-floored walkway make the bridge not only functional but also a spectacular tourist attraction.
However, while China continues to amaze with its gigantic projects, the country still faces safety challenges. Just a short while ago, in Qinghai province, 12 workers lost their lives after a bridge under construction collapsed.
