Move over, Golden Gate and Sydney Harbour. China is set to open the world’s tallest bridge in June, the latest feat of engineering from the infrastructure-focused country. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is currently nearing the end of construction in Guizhou, southwest China. It will measure 2,051 feet above river level, which is 947 feet taller than current bridge title holder the Millau Viaduct in France. Guizhou province is a mountainous areas of China, with complex terrain. The bridge crosses the dramatic Huajiang Grand Canyon, also called the “earth crack.” China has a nationwide push to improve infrastructure, especially in relatively underdeveloped mountainous areas like Guizhou, which is 800 miles west of the city of Shenzhen. Thus, the bridge isn’t just about breaking a record — once in operation, it will be easier than ever for cars and trucks to traverse the area. According to state media, it will reduce travel time over the Huajiang Grand Canyon from two hours to just one minute. The bridge is a steel truss suspension bridge with a total length of 9,482 feet. Construction officially started on January 18, 2022 and is expected to be completed on June 30, 2025, Guizhou local state media said. Altogether, these trusses weigh about 22,000 tons, equivalent to three Eiffel Towers. “At present, the overall progress of the bridge has reached 95%, and it is planned to be opened to traffic in the second half of 2025,” Zhang Shenglin, chief engineer of Guizhou Highway Group, told the state-run newspaper China Daily. “By then, this super project that spans the “earth crack” will be the world’s first in both directions. It will become another landmark project to demonstrate China’s infrastructure strength,” Zhang added. Currently, nearly half of the top 100 tallest bridges in the world are in Guizhou. ________________ Interested in exploring of the world? Check out more stories from CNN Travel. Tech and travel Xiaohongshu, China’s answer to Instagram, is transforming the travel industry for younger adventurers. Locations that offer unique photo ops, such as basketball courts with great views of the Hong Kong skyline or paintwork on a wall in Seoul, have become huge tourist draws because of the app. On the opposite end of the scale, an American game streamer and his YouTuber buddy are ditching the smartphones that are the staple of their generation and attempting to cross Japan by motorbike without so much as a guidebook. They’re relying on basic Japanese and asking directions from locals. For an easier way to do old-school travel, our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have this round-up of the best vintage-inspired luggage and accessories. Mega-huge, mega-expensive CNN got a sneak peek at one of the biggest and most expensive theme parks ever built Florida’s Universal Orlando Resort will open its third and newest theme park, Epic Universal, on May 22 and it’s one of the largest, most expensive theme parks ever made. CNN got a sneak peek inside the first major theme park to open in the state in 26 years. In case you missed it Jonestown, Guyana, was the site of an infamous 1970s mass murder and suicide.CNN was among the first visitors to be taken there by tour guides. A 76-year-woman and her parrot, Plucky, were denied boarding on a Frontier Airlines flight.Here’s how Plucky got unlucky. She couldn’t stop thinking about the man she’d glimpsed when her ship visited a remote island.Then he wrote her a letter.
The world’s tallest bridge will open in China this summer
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"China to Open World's Tallest Bridge, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, This Summer"
CNN
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
China is poised to unveil the world's tallest bridge, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, this summer, marking a significant milestone in engineering and infrastructure development. Located in the mountainous Guizhou province, the bridge will soar 2,051 feet above river level, surpassing the previous record holder, the Millau Viaduct in France, by 947 feet. Construction of this steel truss suspension bridge began on January 18, 2022, and is currently 95% complete, with an anticipated opening in the second half of 2025. The bridge spans the Huajiang Grand Canyon, known locally as the 'earth crack,' and aims to enhance connectivity in an area that has been historically underserved in terms of infrastructure. State media reports indicate that it will drastically reduce travel time across the canyon from two hours to merely one minute, facilitating easier and quicker transport for both vehicles and freight in this remote region of southwest China.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is part of a broader initiative by the Chinese government to improve infrastructure in underdeveloped areas, particularly mountainous regions like Guizhou, which is situated approximately 800 miles west of Shenzhen. This bridge is not only a record-breaking structure but also represents a significant investment in regional development. The total length of the bridge is 9,482 feet, and its construction involves approximately 22,000 tons of steel, equivalent to the weight of three Eiffel Towers. According to Zhang Shenglin, the chief engineer of Guizhou Highway Group, the completion of this project is expected to further solidify China's reputation as a leader in infrastructure innovation, with nearly half of the world's top 100 tallest bridges currently located in Guizhou province. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is set to become a landmark achievement, showcasing the engineering prowess and infrastructure capabilities of China.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent announcement regarding the world's tallest bridge opening in China serves multiple purposes and carries significant implications for various stakeholders. This news is not just about an engineering marvel; it reflects China's ongoing commitment to infrastructure development and its ambition on the global stage.
Intent Behind the Announcement
The article emphasizes China's achievements in infrastructure, likely aiming to bolster national pride and showcase the country as a leader in engineering. By highlighting the bridge's record-breaking height and its utility in improving transportation, the narrative promotes a positive image of China's rapid development, particularly in less developed regions like Guizhou.
Public Perception
This news aims to create a sense of awe and admiration in the community, portraying China as a nation capable of accomplishing extraordinary feats. It encourages public support for further infrastructure projects, reinforcing the government's narrative that such developments are crucial for modernization and economic growth.
Potential Omissions
While the news celebrates a significant achievement, it may downplay potential environmental concerns or the socio-economic impacts on local communities affected by such large-scale projects. The focus remains on the technical aspects and benefits, possibly obscuring the broader implications of rapid infrastructure development.
Manipulative Elements
The article may possess a degree of manipulativeness, particularly in its language and framing. By emphasizing height and speed of travel reduction, it seeks to elicit excitement and pride while potentially glossing over deeper issues, such as the displacement of communities or environmental degradation.
Credibility of the Information
The factual basis of the article seems reliable, given the details about construction timelines and engineering specifications. However, the context and implications surrounding the project warrant a more nuanced exploration to fully understand its impact.
Comparison with Other News
When compared to other infrastructure-related news, this article aligns with a broader trend of reporting on major construction projects in China, which often aims to reinforce the narrative of national progress and capability. This connection to ongoing infrastructure themes in the media strengthens the perception of a focused national agenda.
Possible Socio-Economic and Political Effects
The completion of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge could have significant socio-economic effects, such as improved access for trade and tourism in Guizhou. Politically, it may enhance the government’s image domestically and internationally, showcasing China’s advancements in infrastructure as a form of soft power.
Target Audience
This announcement likely resonates more with communities invested in national pride, infrastructure development, and economic growth. It appeals to those who support large-scale projects that promise to uplift underdeveloped regions.
Impact on Financial Markets
While this specific news may not directly influence stock prices, companies involved in construction, engineering, and materials may see a positive impact in the longer term as infrastructure projects often stimulate economic activity.
Global Power Dynamics
The bridge’s construction can be interpreted as a symbol of China's growing influence and capability in the global arena, possibly shifting perceptions about its role in international infrastructure and development discussions.
Role of Artificial Intelligence
There’s a possibility that AI was utilized in drafting or optimizing the language of the article, especially in presenting technical details in a digestible format. The clarity and emphasis on specific achievements may suggest a strategic framing designed to engage a broader audience.
The analysis indicates that while the article provides factual information, it is also crafted to evoke pride and support for ongoing infrastructure projects in China. This duality of celebration and potential oversight of negative implications is a common characteristic of state-sponsored narratives in media.