Guizhou is home to 49 of the world's 100 highest bridges - that's nearly half of all "sky-high bridges" on the planet. And in September 2025, Guizhou added a new record-breaker: Huajiang Canyon Bridge, now the world's tallest at 625 meters.
When I heard that 100,000 visitors flocked to this bridge during its first National Day holiday, I had to ask: what makes a bridge this popular?
Based on our on-site inspections and in-depth research, I finally understood: These aren't just bridges connecting point A to point B. They're engineering marvels that offer breathtaking views where human achievement meets nature's raw power.
Standing on a glass observation deck 600+ meters above a canyon floor? That's the kind of experience that makes your legs shake and your camera roll explode.
Based on the location, accessibility, and tour activities, the following four bridges are the most worth visiting: Huajiang Canyon Bridge, Balinghe Bridge, Pingtang Bridge, and Beipanjiang Bridge.
Which Bridge to Visit in Guizhou?
You don't need to visit all four bridges. The experiences are quite similar - observation decks, glass walkways, and extreme activities like bungee jumping. Choose one based on your itinerary.
| Name | Location | Height & Length | Main Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huajiang Canyon Bridge | 3.5 hours' drive from Guiyang, 1 hour drive from Huangguoshu Waterfall |
625 meters high 1420 meters long |
✓ High-altitude sightseeing ✗ Walking inside the bridge's steel skeleton ✓ Glass walkway ✓ Thrilling Activities (bungee jumping, rock climbing) ✓ Water screen light show ✓ Canyon hiking ✓ Museum visiting |
| Balinghe Bridge | 1.5 hour from Guiyang, 15 minutes' drive from Huangguoshu Waterfall |
370 meters high 1088 meters long |
✓ High-altitude sightseeing ✓ Walking inside the bridge's steel skeleton ✗ Glass walkway ✓ Thrilling Activities (bungee jumping) ✓ Water screen light show ✗ Canyon hiking ✓ Museum visiting |
| Pingtang Bridge | 2.5 hours' drive from Guiyang, half hour's drive from China FAST |
332 meters high 2135 meters long |
✓ High-altitude sightseeing ✗ Walking inside the bridge's steel skeleton ✗ Glass walkway ✗ Thrilling Activities (bungee jumping) ✗ Water screen light show ✗ Canyon hiking ✓ Museum visiting |
| Beipanjiang Bridge | 4 hours' drive from Guiyang, about 1.5 hours away from Wumeng Grassland |
565 meters high 720 meters long |
✓ High-altitude sightseeing ✗ Walking inside the bridge's steel skeleton ✗ Glass walkway ✗ Thrilling Activities (bungee jumping) ✗ Water screen light show ✓ Canyon hiking ✓ Museum visiting |
- Balinghe Bridge/Huajiang Canyon Bridge: Both bridges are located along the same route as Huangguoshu Waterfall. Considering the richness of the experience and the opportunity to see the world's highest bridge, I recommend visiting the Huajiang Canyon Bridge, even though it adds about an extra hour of driving time. However, for a day trip from Guiyang, this requires you to finish your visit to Huangguoshu Waterfall relatively early (ideally before 4:00 PM). If you finish later than this, I advise opting for the closer Balinghe Bridge.
- Beipanjiang Bridge: Traveling through western Guizhou near Liupanshui? Head to Beipanjiang Bridge. You can combine it with Wumeng Grassland or Meihua Mountain, both about an hour's drive away.
- Pingtang Bridge: Exploring southern Guizhou? Pingtang Bridge is your best bet. It's just 30 minutes from China's FAST telescope (the "Eye of Heaven"), making it easy to visit both in one day. Add Pingtang Tiankeng (sinkhole) scenic area - an hour away.
1. Huajiang Canyon Bridge: The Tallest Bridge in the World
Huajiang Canyon BridgeOpened in September 2025, Huajiang Canyon Bridge isn't just for "passing through". It's designed specifically for tourism, offering a complete sightseeing experience.
Imagine stepping into that transparent elevator - your stomach drops as the ground falls away beneath you. At 600+ meters up, even the clouds seem close enough to touch.
What's even more impressive is that you can visit the café located at the top of the bridge tower, 775 meters above the ground. Enjoy a cup of coffee there while overlooking the Huajiang Grand Canyon. With clouds drifting beneath your feet, it offers a truly unique experience unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Best Time to Visit:During sunset, when the crowd is thinner and the canyon is bathed in golden light, making it perfect for photos.
Best Photo Spots:
- Head to the observation deck for the full bridge-and-canyon contrast shot. It's the one that'll make your friends ask, 'Is that real?'
- Inside the elevator: You can shoot downward for a stunning visual impact of the 600-meter-deep canyon.
- At the café on top of the bridge tower: Capture an aerial view of the canyon - especially breathtaking when it's enveloped in mist and clouds.
Travel Suggestion:The most classic option is to combine it with a day trip to Huangguoshu Waterfall. It is recommended to visit the bridge after exploring the waterfall. In the late afternoon, the lighting becomes softer, and with the backdrop of the sunset, it's easier to capture stunning photos.
2. Balinghe Bridge: The Only Bridge to Walk Inside
Balinghe Bridge
Walk Inside Balinghe BridgeThe Baling River Bridge opened to traffic in October 2009. It is the only world-class bridge in Guizhou that you can enter and explore the interior of its main truss structure. You can literally walk into the "belly" of the bridge, get up close to the massive steel trusses.
If you are interested in engineering technology or planning an educational trip with children, this is the ideal destination. You can learn about the thrilling techniques of high-altitude construction in the canyon through the bridge museum. For example, how the "first guideline" was laid using rockets or drones, and how the subsequent "catwalk" was built.
Best Time to Visit:Between 7 AM and 9 AM, or during sunset.
Best Photo Spots
- Inside the Bridge Truss: Capture the linear beauty of the steel structure. Try using black-and-white mode for a more industrial feel.
- Center of the Bridge Deck: Shoot toward both sides to highlight the symmetry of the suspension cables.
- Canyon Viewing Platform: Frame the bridge in its entirety. It looks most stunning at dusk.
Itinerary Suggestions
Located right next to Huangguoshu Waterfall, Balinghe Bridge can easily be combined with a visit to Huangguoshu Waterfall or the Dragon Palace Scenic Area for a one- or two-day trip.
Additionally, you can explore the nearby Buyi ethnic villages in Guanling County, where you can experience traditional handicrafts like embroidery, batik, and weaving in local workshops. Read more about Guizhou tour covering Balinghe Bridge.
3. Pingtang Bridge: Only Half an Hour from China's FAST
Pingtang bridgeOpened to traffic in 2020, the Pingtang Bridge is primarily focused on sightseeing. The viewing area is located at the nearby tourist service zone. Built on a mountainside, this service zone is famously known as the "Sky Bridge" Service Zone.
From the infinity-edge viewing platform there, you can take a 360-degree panoramic photo of the bridge. You can also visit the Bridge Museum within the zone to gain a comprehensive understanding of Guizhou's bridge construction achievements through models, videos, and other exhibits.
Best Time to Visit:5 PM - 7 PM. This is during sunset when the bridge towers are bathed in golden light, offering the best conditions for photography.
Best Photo Spots
- The viewing platform provides a full-frame shot of the bridge.
- The service zone parking lot allows you to capture a contrast between the bridge towers and vehicles, highlighting their immense height.
Travel Route Suggestions
The Pingtang Bridge is situated on the southern Guizhou tourism loop. It can be easily combined with visits to China's FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope) and the Pingtang Tiankeng Group (sinkhole cluster). The driving time between these attractions ranges from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Beipanjiang Bridge: Primarily for Sightseeing and Hiking in Canyon
Beipanjiang BridgeOpened in 2016, the Beipanjiang Bridge's main activity involves visiting the Duoge Town Viewing Platform. It offers a panoramic view of the canyon and the bridge's imposing structure. This is the optimal spot for photography and experiencing its grand scale.
In addition, guided hiking tours are available in the canyon area beneath the bridge. You can look up at the bridge from below - seeing it like a steel rainbow spanning the sky. And you'll also immerse yourself in the raw and rugged beauty of the Beipanjiang Grand Canyon.
Navigating among colossal karst rocks, you could observe up close the uniquely textured cliff faces sculpted by the river over millions of years. In spring (March to May), you can admire some wildflowers, such as azaleas, blooming on both sides of the canyon. In autumn (late October to November), the landscape is adorned with golden fall foliage.
Note: The hiking trail conditions in the Beipanjiang Canyon are mostly composed of gravel and rocks, with some steep sections requiring the use of both hands and feet. The difficulty level presents some challenges, and it is not recommended for children under 8 years old or elderly individuals with mobility issues.
Travel Route Suggestions: It's recommended to visit from Liupanshui City in western Guizhou, which is about a 1.5-hour drive. A dedicated trip from Guiyang is not recommended due to the approximately 4-hour drive.
For a day trip, it can be combined with visits to the Wumeng Grassland or the Meihua Mountain Scenic Area, both within about an hour's drive.
Best Time to Visit the Bridge?
The bridge viewing experience is highly dependent on weather conditions.
- For high visibility: It is recommended to visit between September and November in autumn.
- For sea of clouds: From June to August in summer, you are more likely to witness this spectacular phenomenon.
- Spring (March to May): There are typically 10–15 rainy or overcast days per month, resulting in lower visibility. It may affect both the scenery and your overall experience.
- Winter (December to February): The mountainous area can be quite cold (ranging from -3°C to 10°C), and the wind on the bridge is often strong, so be sure to dress warmly.
Insider Tip:
- It is recommended to avoid China's National Day (Oct. 1-7) and May Day (May 1-5). It is very crowded, and you can wait in line for more than 2 hours. If you cannot avoid traveling during holidays and plan to combine with Huangguoshu Waterfall, I suggest staying near the waterfall the night before and starting your tour early the next morning to avoid large tourist groups.
- All extreme sports activities are highly susceptible to weather conditions. In cases of strong wind or heavy rain, equipment operations will be suspended. It is advisable to consult and make reservations in advance with our local guide, and strictly adhere to safety regulations.
Explore Guizhou Bridge with China Highlights
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