Jinshajiang Bridge is the world's largest span suspension bridge

Jinshajiang Bridge is the world's largest span suspension bridge

China, asia

Length

N/A

Elevation

461 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! We're heading to Yunnan, China, for a bridge experience that'll blow your mind. I'm talking about the Jinshajiang Bridge, a true marvel of engineering.

Spanning the mighty Jinsha River, this steel giant is seriously impressive. Built between 2016 and 2020, it's an absolute stunner. They had to build it to survive earthquakes at high altitude, which makes it all the more of an achievement. We're talking record-breaking heights here: 461 meters (1,512 feet) above the original riverbed! It also boasts a crazy long span, stretching 1,386 meters (4,547 feet) between its towers.

It connects Panzhihua and Lijiang. More importantly, it slashes the drive time between the two cities from six hours to a mere two. As you drive, peer down at the Jin'an Dam below (when it’s full), and try not to get dizzy. It’s like looking down from a 110-story building! The drop to the original river is even more, at 461 meters. It's a beautiful drive that you'll never forget.

Where is it?

Jinshajiang Bridge is the world's largest span suspension bridge is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.8848, 103.0494

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Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Max Elevation
461 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
35.8848, 103.0494

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