The Tallest Bridge In The World: The BeiPanJiang Bridge
Spanning a total length of 1,340 meters (4,400 feet), with a main span of 720 meters, the Beipanjiang, otherwise known as the Duge Bridge, is a testament to China’s rapid advancement in civil engineering. It was designed and built by the Guizhou Road and Bridge Group, using a combo of steel and concrete, materials chosen for their strength and durability. This bridge is amongst the most awe-inspiring achievements of model engineering, stretching across the Beipan River gorge, linking Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province. The reason why this bridge is deemed the highest bridge is because it soars 565 meters above the river below, making it the highest bridge built during the time of its completion in 2016.
Before the bridge was built, traveling to the two provinces was tedious and dangerous, drivers having to navigate winding, treacherous mountain roads that could take hours to pass through. Ever since this bridge was built, it dramatically reduced traveling time and opened up new economic opportunities for the region.
This bridge maintained its “Highest Bridge in the World” title until 2025, where the Huajiang Canyon Bridge, also in Guizhou, eventually surpassed it in height. Regardless, this bridge still remains an iconic structure that showcases power of human ingenuity and ambition in moments where their goals seemed beyond the bounds of possibility.
