HUNAN, China – For most travelers, a bridge is a simple thing: a means to cross a divide, a link between destinations. But what if it could be the destination itself?
From the moment we reached the Aizhai Suspension Bridge, I was struck by its sheer scale. Two massive white towers stood at each end of the bridge. Between them, enormous steel cables arched gracefully across the canyon, seemingly delicate yet engineered to hold up the entire span. The surrounding mountains, partially veiled in drifting clouds, added a dreaminess to the scene.
And here’s the thing about this bridge: it’s not just massive, it’s gutsy. They didn’t just build it; they suspended it in the mountains to rank among the highest in the world.
Suspended 355 meters above the Dehang Canyon, the path offers stunning views of rolling mountains, pockets of greenery, and tiny rural villages scattered across the valley below. Stepping onto the pedestrian walkway beneath the bridge, I couldn’t help but feel small.
Spanning 1,176 meters between two mountain-carved tunnels, the bridge is part of the Jishou–Chadong Expressway, an ambitious infrastructure project designed to connect Hunan’s rugged landscapes to the rest of the province. With its 18 tunnels comprising nearly half its length, the highway twists through peaks and plunges into valleys.
Opened in 2012, the Aizhai Bridge set records at the time as the world’s highest and longest tunnel-to-tunnel suspension bridge. Its location — perched over the Dehang Canyon — required not only innovative engineering but also careful navigation of the region’s steep terrain and unpredictable weather.
Engineers relied on cutting-edge technology to stabilize the structure, with its main cables alone bearing loads of up to 280 meganewtons, the equivalent of 140 fully loaded Boeing 747 jets.
Even without delving into all the technical detail, the bridge still offers plenty to marvel at. There’s a compelling contrast at play as the audacity of a man-made megastructure converges with the majesty of nature.
Far below, the Dehang Canyon exudes a quiet, timeless power, while above, the hum of trucks and cars rumbling across the bridge adds a jarring, modern energy.
But the walkway isn’t just for leisurely strolls and musings. It beckons the bold with its adventurous side, offering obstacle courses that challenge you to hop across wooden planks or inch along narrow paths just outside the railing — secured by harnesses, of course.
And then there’s the bungee jumping. For the truly brave, the Aizhai Bridge offers one of the most heart-stopping experiences imaginable: a leap into the canyon with nothing but a cord to pull you back. I watched as a daredevil tourist took the plunge, with the cheers and screams of onlookers echoing across the valley.
The Aizhai Suspension Bridge isn’t the only tourist site in the province of Hunan. Just a short drive away lies Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the towering sandstone pillars famously known as the “Avatar” mountains. Nearby, the towering Tiānmén Mountain offers its own brand of excitement with glass walkways and a natural rock arch known as Heaven’s Gate.
For those drawn to history and culture, the ancient towns of Furong and Fenghuang provide a glimpse into China’s past. And then there’s the tranquil Golden Whip Stream, a calming pathway alongside crystal-clear waters. – Rappler.com
Disclosure: The author was part of a media delegation to the Envision 2024 Global Partners Conference hosted by Trip.com Group.