China - October 16, 2024

World's highest bridge in southwest China soars in popularity among tourists

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Mega bridges built over soaring valleys and canyons in southwest China's mountainous Guizhou Province function not only as a means of transportation but also, increasingly, as tourist attractions.

Known as the Museum of World Bridges, the province is home to half of the world's tallest bridges, like the Beipanjiang Bridge.

It sits 565 meters above the river below and is the highest bridge in the world, for now.

Since opening in 2016, residents have been able to slash their travel time between neighboring provinces by hours. And then came the tourists.

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Ma Xuanjun, Local villager:

"Before the bridge was built, if we wanted to go out of the village, we had to climb up the mountain first, then down the mountain to the river, often taking four hours. Now we can earn a living at home, as tourists from many countries including Britain, Germany, France, Russia, Israel and Lebanon are coming to visit my hometown."

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Several of the bridges in Guizhou province have also built adjoining museums, hotels and restaurants to further boost tourism.

The bridges are also a natural fit for skydiving and other adrenaline-inducing extreme sports.

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Zhu Rong, Local official on culture, tourism:

"Since the Beipanjiang Bridge was completed, we have combined its transportation benefits with tourism initiatives. For example, we organized high-bridge low-altitude skydiving competition events in recent years, which has attracted more visitors as the bridge increased its popularity."

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By next year, the region's newest mega bridge will be complete.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will sit 625 meters above the river and will have a designated area for extreme sports.

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