World’s highest bridge transforms Guizhou tourism, drawing 300,000 visitors in 9 days

CHINA – China’s Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, soaring 625 meters above the Beipan River, has become an unexpected tourism phenomenon since opening to traffic in September 2025.

The world’s highest bridge attracted over 300,000 visitors during the nine-day Spring Festival holiday in February 2026, with 75% arriving by car and more than half traveling from other provinces.

The engineering marvel has slashed travel time across the canyon from two hours to two minutes, creating what officials call a “one-hour golden tourism circle” linking scenic spots including Huangguoshu Waterfall and Shuangru Mountain.

Beyond Transportation: A Destination in Itself

Tourism functionality was integrated from the earliest planning stages, transforming the structure into a travel destination offering sightseeing elevators, glass walkways, cafes inside cable towers, and bungee jumping.

Visitors can experience VR bungee jumping recreating the 625-meter drop, walk transparent pathways, and enjoy nightly light shows extending average stays beyond four hours.

Economic Ripple Effects Reach Local Communities

The tourism boom has transformed villages beneath the bridge.

Over 40 migrant workers have returned home to start businesses, with more than 200 restaurants and B&Bs opening in surrounding areas and nearly 1,000 local residents finding employment.

Hotel owner Huang Longjiang reported full February occupancy with monthly revenue reaching tens of thousands of yuan.

Regional Tourism Integration Takes Shape

Anshun city received 66 million tourist visits and 17 million overnight stays in 2025, increases of 13% and 24% respectively.

Mayor Yin Hengbin noted the bridge opened “a new door for high-quality tourism development.”

On the opposite side, Qianxinan prefecture is leveraging the bridge to link Maling River Canyon and Wanfenglin scenic area, integrating culture, tourism, and sports.

Educational Opportunities and International Interest

Beyond recreation, the bridge serves educational purposes.

Geological Museum fossils now grace the site, with cultural products generating significant sales.

International visitors from South Korea, Japan, and Thailand have arrived, while Hilton, Marriott, and InterContinental expanded their Guizhou presence.

Looking Forward

Zhang Shenglin described the bridge’s tourism impact as exceeding all expectations.

“All of these are integrated into bridge-tourism development thanks to the unique geographical environment, the special design of the bridge, and the understanding of mountain sports. Such an effect was actually beyond the expectations of ordinary bridge builders,” he said.

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