The latest glass bridge in China

In yesterday’s post, we looked at the Jingdong Stone Forest Gorge and it’s new glass platform. Today, we’ll look at the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Bridge in Hunan Province in China. The bridge is still under construction, but it’s nearing its anticipated opening in July 2016. The bridge is 1,312 feet long and is perched a mere 984 feet above the ground. When it is opened, the bridge will lay claim to being the longest, highest glass bridge in the world.

Long span joins Zhangjiajie Glass Skyway

Construction delays have pushed back the opening of the bridge; originally, builders expected the span to open in 2015, but weather and other delays pushed back the grand opening until July. In addition to swings, the bridge will also host the longest bungee jump in the world.

The bridge was designed by Haim Dotan, an Israeli architect, and can accommodate 800 people at one time. Operators have also suggested that the bridge might provide a unique backdrop for fashion shows and other events. Admission to the bridge will set you back about USD$20, on top of the USD$18 it will cost to get you into the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Scenic Area, home to the soon-to-be-famous span.

To get the full effect of China’s glass bridge infatuation, you’ll also need to plan a trip to the nearby Zhangjiajie Tianmenshan Glass Skywalk, which is shorter, higher and narrower than the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Bridge. The Zhangjiajie Tianmenshan Glass Skywalk is about 5 miles away and about 1,000 meters in the air. (That’s about 3,300 feet.) It’s just 60 meters in length and a scant 1.5 meters across. It’s part of the Tianmen Mountain and is not part of the nearby Zhangjiajie National Park. If you decide to make that trip, as long as you’re on the mountain, check out the Tianmen Temple, the Cliff-Hanging Walkways and the Tianmen Cave.

We look forward to the grand opening of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Until that time, if you need some glass-based lofty inspirations, check out the rest of our site. If you’d like to purchase Glassprimer™ glass paint, please visit our online store .

Photo Credit: FT, via Flickr.com