The Baling River Bridge, a towering structure located in Anshun city, Guizhou province, is set to become both a world-class engineering feat and a hub for adventure tourism. Construction on the bridge began in 2019, and it is scheduled to open to the public in June 2025. Once completed, it will not only be a vital transportation link but also a destination for thrill-seekers and technology enthusiasts alike. This impressive steel beam and cable-stayed bridge will boast the largest span of its kind in China and will rank sixth globally, making it a significant landmark on both the national and international stage.
Stretching over the deep Baling River Valley, the bridge will measure 2,237 meters (7,339 feet) in total length, with a main span of 1,088 meters (3,570 feet). One of the most striking aspects of the Baling River Bridge is its height above the valley floor—an astonishing 370 meters (1,210 feet). This elevation will place it among the highest bridges in the world, and its construction has been a remarkable achievement given the challenging topography of the region.
The bridge’s design features a combination of steel beams and a cable-stayed structure, a method that provides both strength and elegance. The two main towers, which will stand 200 meters (656 feet) tall, will anchor the span on either side of the valley. These towers are critical to the bridge’s stability, supporting the cables that stretch across the Baling River in a sweeping arc, and they are anchored deep into the mountains to withstand the immense forces they must bear.
Guizhou province is well-known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, which has long posed challenges to transportation and infrastructure development. Over the years, the province has become a leader in bridge construction, and the Baling River Bridge is a testament to its expertise in this field. When completed, the bridge will significantly shorten travel times between major cities in the region, playing a key role in the economic development of this once-isolated part of China.
Beyond its utility as a transportation corridor, the Baling River Bridge will stand out for its role in tourism and recreation. As the first bridge in Guizhou to open its internal structure for sightseeing, it will offer guided tours that allow visitors to explore the inner workings of this engineering marvel. These tours will provide a rare glimpse into how such an enormous structure is built and maintained, from the steel framework to the tensioned cables that hold it in place.
In addition to sightseeing, the bridge will be a major attraction for adrenaline junkies, particularly those interested in extreme sports like bungee jumping. The bridge’s staggering height of 370 meters will offer one of the highest bungee jumps in the world, with participants leaping off the edge and plunging towards the valley floor below. The sheer scale of the jump, combined with the stunning scenery of Guizhou’s mountain landscapes, will make this a bucket-list activity for adventure seekers.
Complementing the bridge itself, the nearby Baling River Guizhou Bridge Science and Technology Museum will offer visitors a deeper understanding of the technological and engineering innovations involved in the project. The museum will document the history of the bridge’s construction, detailing the challenges engineers faced and the solutions they developed to overcome them. For those with an interest in civil engineering and bridge design, this museum will be an invaluable resource.
The museum will also serve an educational purpose, providing hands-on learning opportunities for local students. Designed as an interactive resource center, the museum will engage primary and secondary school students with practical activities related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). By showcasing how modern bridges are constructed in complex environments like Guizhou, the museum will aim to inspire the next generation of engineers, architects, and innovators.
As the Baling River Bridge approaches its scheduled opening in June 2025, it is poised to become a new symbol of Guizhou’s progress and ambition. This once remote and underdeveloped region is now home to one of the world’s most remarkable bridges—a structure that combines cutting-edge engineering with bold tourism and educational initiatives. Whether you are an engineer fascinated by its design, a tourist eager to experience its breathtaking views, or a thrill-seeker looking for the ultimate bungee jump, the Baling River Bridge will offer something for everyone. Once completed, it will not only be a vital link in China’s growing infrastructure but also a must-see destination for travelers from around the world.
