China is nearing completion of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which is expected to become the tallest bridge in the world when it opens. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, located in Guizhou Province, is close to completion and is expected to open to traffic in June 2025.
Once it finished, it will become the tallest bridge in the world, standing at 625 meters (2,051 feet) above the Beipan River—making it taller than the Eiffel Tower and beating the current record-holder, the Millau Viaduct in France.
This massive bridge, stretching 2.9 kilometres (9,482 feet) in total length, is being built to connect remote regions of Guizhou, a province known for its rough terrain and deep mountain valleys. It’s not just a record-breaking structure—it’s a symbol of how China is advancing with modern infrastructure, especially in its less-developed western areas.
The bridge is designed as a steel truss suspension bridge and has been under construction since January 18, 2022. The project is now 95% complete, and it is expected to be fully operational by the second half of 2025, according to Zhang Shenglin, the chief engineer of the Guizhou Highway Group.
“At present, the overall progress of the bridge has reached 95%, and it is planned to be opened to traffic in the second half of 2025,” Zhang said in an interview with China Daily. “By then, this super project that spans the ‘earth crack’ will be the world’s first in both directions. It will become another landmark project to demonstrate China’s infrastructure strength,” he added.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon, often called the “Earth crack” due to its deep and narrow formation, is one of the most dramatic landscapes in China. Previously, it took about an hour to drive across the canyon using narrow, winding roads. But with the new bridge, that journey will be reduced to just one minute.
This improvement will not only save time for local drivers but will also help businesses by lowering transportation costs and improving regional connectivity.
Chen Jianlei, deputy director of the Guizhou Transport Department, said “The completion of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will strengthen economic ties between Guiyang, Anshun and Qianxinan, fostering regional economic integration,” he said.
This project is also attracting international attention. Mamdouh El-Badry, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Calgary, told Newsweek that the speed of construction is impressive, especially for such a tall and complex structure.
“In other parts of the world, a project of this scale would typically take five to ten years from groundbreaking to completion, depending on environmental, political, and logistical factors,” El-Badry said.
He also noted the unique construction challenges due to the bridge’s altitude. “Working at such heights requires innovative construction methods likely relying on cable crane systems, modular deck sections, and high precision anchoring,” he explained.
“Despite its scale, the bridge has a slim profile and sleek design, which reduces wind resistance and material use and minimizes visual disruption to the canyon environment.”
The steel trusses used in the bridge construction weigh around 22,000 tons, which is about the same as the three Eiffel Towers. Building something of this size and height required advanced engineering, smart planning, and careful execution.
China has been investing heavily in infrastructure in its western and mountainous regions. Guizhou, in particular, is now home to almost half of the world’s 100 tallest bridges. This effort is part of a larger national strategy to improve transportation, reduce travel times, and bring economic growth to underdeveloped regions.
El-Badry also said that China’s approach to building large-scale infrastructure is much faster than in Western countries. “Over the past 20 years, China has adopted a top-down approach to infrastructure, giving priority to large-scale projects to drive economic development and regional connectivity,” he said.
“This includes massive investment, fewer hurdles, and streamlined approval processes compared to many Western countries which often face lengthy environmental reviews, funding uncertainties, and local opposition.”
Zhang Shenglin, who is also a member of the National People’s Congress, shared thoughts about the project: “This super project spanning the ‘Earth’s crack’ will showcase China’s engineering capabilities and boost Guizhou’s goal of becoming a world-class tourist destination.”
