Guizhou’s bridges emerge as new tourism landmark in southwest China

International

Spectacular bridge network transforms mountainous province into a major infrastructure and travel destination

A network of dramatic bridges spanning deep gorges and towering karst mountains is reshaping the landscape of Guizhou Province in southwest China. Once known for its difficult terrain and limited transport connections, the region has undergone rapid transformation through large-scale infrastructure projects that are now also attracting growing numbers of tourists.

For decades, Guizhou was described as “a land with no three flat miles,” a reference to its rugged topography of steep mountains and fragmented valleys that made transportation difficult and slowed economic development. In recent years, however, major investments in infrastructure across western China have enabled the province to overcome many of these barriers.

Today Guizhou has built more than 32,000 highway bridges and operates an expressway network exceeding 9,000 kilometres. The province now offers expressway access to every county and high-speed rail connections to every prefecture-level city, forming a comprehensive transportation system that links even remote mountain regions.

Province becomes a global showcase for bridge engineering

Because of the concentration of spectacular structures across its mountainous terrain, Guizhou is often referred to as a “Bridge Museum.” Nearly half of the world’s 100 highest bridges are located in the province.

Several landmark projects have gained international recognition for their engineering achievements, including the Beipan River Bridge, the Pingtang Grand Bridge and the Baling River Bridge. These projects have received major international awards and have become symbols of China’s infrastructure capabilities.

One of the most recent additions is the Huajiang Gorge Bridge, which opened to traffic in 2025. Spanning the Huajiang Grand Canyon of the Beipan River, the bridge stands 625 metres above the river below, making it the highest bridge in the world. With a main span of 1,420 metres, it also ranks first globally among bridges built in mountainous terrain.

The new crossing has dramatically improved regional transport. A journey across the gorge that once took around two hours can now be completed in just two minutes.

Bridges evolve into tourism attractions

Beyond their role in transportation, the bridges are increasingly becoming tourism highlights. Local authorities are promoting a development strategy that combines infrastructure with scenic tourism.

Observation platforms, elevated walkways and adventure activities have been created around several bridges, turning them into destinations in their own right. Structures such as the Pingtang Grand Bridge, Baling River Bridge and the Beipan River Bridge have become popular viewpoints for visitors seeking dramatic landscapes and engineering landmarks.

Growing connectivity strengthens regional development

Improved expressways, high-speed rail links and expanding aviation connections are helping Guizhou integrate more closely into the New International Land–Sea Trade Corridor in western China. The initiative aims to strengthen economic, trade and tourism links between inland China, Southeast Asia and global markets.

From a mountainous province once isolated by geography to a region defined by high-speed infrastructure, Guizhou’s network of bridges now stands as a striking symbol of how modern engineering can transform connectivity, development and tourism.