Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge – the tallest bridge in the world set to open in 2025

China is setting a new record in bridge engineering! The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is set to become the tallest suspension bridge in the world, with its towers reaching almost twice the height of the famous Eiffel Tower. This impressive structure, being built in Guizhou Province at a cost of $280 million, not only establishes new standards in bridge architecture but also significantly improves the region’s infrastructure.

Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in numbers

China has just completed a major phase of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge construction and has announced that the world’s highest suspension bridge is set to open in the second half of 2025. The structure will rise 625 meters above the river, with a total length of 2,980 meters and a main span of 1,420 meters. The primary load-bearing structure will be built from 93 segments, with a total weight of approximately 22,000 tons. It will be the largest suspension bridge of such a span ever built in mountainous terrain. The estimated construction cost is $280 million.

The tallest bridge in the world with tremendous importance

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is not only an awe-inspiring structure but also a crucial improvement in Guizhou Province’s transportation network in southwestern China. The bridge is designed to streamline transportation, strengthen regional cooperation, revitalize rural areas, and boost tourism. It will bring significant benefits to cities like Anshun and Guiyang, drastically reducing the time required to cross the canyon—from 70 minutes to just a few minutes.

A bridge merging innovation with masterful execution

Construction of the suspension bridge began in 2022, meaning this extraordinary structure will be completed in just three years. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the challenging terrain, which experts initially assessed as highly demanding. A significant factor influencing the construction pace is the unpredictable weather in the Huajiang Canyon region. This area, located at the junction of the Lower Yangtze Valley and the Yunnan Plateau, experiences large daily temperature fluctuations and strong canyon winds, posing an additional challenge for engineers and builders.

One specialist from Alimak, a Stockholm-based company supplying construction equipment, highlighted the dangers associated with building the bridge under these atmospheric conditions:

Being in a plateau region intensifies atmospheric temperature differences between day and night, increasing the likelihood of strong convective weather and persistent valley winds throughout the year.

Senior engineer Wu Chaoming, involved in the bridge’s construction, emphasized the critical role of specialized equipment, without which the project would not have been possible. He pointed out that the significant weight and immense span of the structural components posed enormous engineering challenges, requiring the use of advanced lifting and transport technologies equipped with intelligent monitoring systems.

Record holders in suspension bridge construction

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will claim the title of the world’s highest suspension bridge from another impressive Chinese structure. Currently, the record belongs to the Beipanjiang Bridge, also located in Guizhou Province. Opened in 2016, Beipanjiang Bridge stands at 565 meters above the river, connecting the provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan. Notably, it is located just 320 km away from the future record holder.

The world’s tallest bridge nears completion

The next phase of construction will focus on assembling panel segments between the trusses. Work is scheduled to resume after the Chinese New Year. Now, we only have to wait for photos of the completed masterpiece!

There is no doubt that the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is a structure that commands admiration and awe. While its monumental size captures attention, its height is not the only factor that makes it exceptional. The bridge also impresses with its advanced technological solutions, the determination of engineers and builders, and, above all, its functionality—becoming a key infrastructure element that will significantly improve transportation and enhance the quality of life for residents of the region.