Tourism soars sky-high over grand bridge

Villagers near the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province are anticipating a tourism boom as the world's highest bridge prepares to open.

In about a month, the bridge, with a height of 625 meters from deck to water, will open as part of the local expressway system and cut travel time between the two banks from about one hour to just 90 seconds.

Huajiang village in Zhenfeng county sits about 1 kilometer from the span. The village, listed among China's traditional villages, has seen the promise of improved access quickly turn into preparations for incoming tourists.

"We are the village closest to the bridge, and we have the best view," said 35-year-old resident Lin Guoquan. Three years ago, when he learned the massive project would be built on his doorstep, Lin — who had worked in the tourism sector in Yunnan province — returned home and launched a homestay business.

In May 2024 Lin began converting old village houses into guest rooms decorated in Bouyei ethnic style. The homestay opened in October the same year and now offers 27 rooms.

"You can see the bridge directly from your bed," Lin said.

As the opening date approaches, Lin's homestay has become popular. Occupancy rates are high and the rooms often sell out.

"With the bridge opening in September, rooms are filling up fast," he said.

Lin also posts videos of the bridge, the gorge and the surrounding sea of clouds on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Several of his accounts tied to the project have attracted more than 1 million followers.

Some villagers are recording daily construction progress on their phones as the structure rises. One blogger who documents the work almost every day on Douyin has drawn more than 240,000 followers, attracting more visitors from nearby areas.

At present, Huajiang village has only Lin's homestay and two or three farm restaurants, but more renovations are already underway. Official plans released in July incorporate the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge and roughly 50 square kilometers around it into a coordinated tourism development scheme designed to turn distant check-ins into immersive, zero-distance experiences.

"The bridge's opening is an important milestone," Lin said. "Via ferrata, paragliding and other outdoor attractions are expected to arrive here. The focus will not be limited to the bridge itself; it will drive development across the surrounding area and help retain visitors."

In July the bridge's viewing corridor, high-speed racing track and viewing platforms were completed.

Visitors can test their driving skills on a 1,411-meter-long racetrack situated about 600 meters above the ground. Earlier plans also call for glass sightseeing elevators and a cafe.

"Not a day can be wasted and nothing can be sloppy. We are now completing the final painting and other finishing work," said Wang Songyu, deputy project manager for the contract section. He added that overall progress has surpassed 99 percent, and the bridge is expected to open to traffic by the end of September.