The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in central China has finally opened to the public this week. The bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Zhangjiajie National Park and the valley below with its completely transparent floor.
It is the world’s highest and longest glass panel bridge, constructed with 99 panes of three-layered transparent glass and costing an outstanding $3.4 USD to build. The bridge connects two mountains cliffs, referred to as the ‘Avatar Mountains’, (Avatar was filmed here) in the Hunan province, Zhangjiajie.
Designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, the bridge stands an amazing 1,000 metres above the ground, stretches 430 metres long and is 6 metres wide. Speaking about his design to Dezeen Magazine, Dotan said,
“The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge was designed to be as invisible as possible – a white bridge disappearing into the clouds,”
“As the designer of this bridge located in an incredible and magical national park, I believe in nature, harmony, balance and beauty,”
”Nature is beautiful as is. One wants to make the least impact upon it.”
Prior to the official opening of the bridge, officials held high-profile events to reassure the public of the bridge’s safety. People took to the bridge with sledgehammers and one man even drove a car, carrying passengers, over the bridge to ease the mind’s of those sceptical of it’s structure.
Local officials have stated that only 8000 spectators will be permitted access to the bridge each day. Costing $21 USD, people are encouraged to book slots in advance. Although visiting is not for the faint-hearted, this is definitely something to add to your bucket list!
And we can guarantee you’ll return home with some incredible selfies!
Check out the videos of tests performed on the bridge below. Much love!
