Time for some vertigo: Longest glass-bottom bridge finally opens in China | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Time for some vertigo: Longest glass-bottom bridge finally opens in China

Agency | ByAFP, Zhangjiajie
Aug 21, 2016 10:31 AM IST

Tourists who suffer from vertigo need not apply. The world’s highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge opened in China’s spectacular Zhangjiajie mountains on Saturday – the inspiration for the American blockbuster Avatar.

Tourists who suffer from vertigo need not apply. The world’s highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge opened in China’s spectacular Zhangjiajie mountains on Saturday – the inspiration for the American blockbuster Avatar.

The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is suspended above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province.(AFP)
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is suspended above a valley in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province.(AFP)

Some 1,400 feet long and suspended 300 metres above the earth, the bridge spans the canyon between two mountain cliffs in Zhangjiajie park in China’s central Hunan province.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Visitors flocked to the glass-floor suspension bridge in Zhangjiajie in southern China's Hunan Province on August 20, 2016. The bridge, which opened to the public on a trial basis, spans 1,410 feet and rises about 984 feet above a valley in a scenic zone, making it the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge according to Chinese state media. (AP)
Visitors flocked to the glass-floor suspension bridge in Zhangjiajie in southern China's Hunan Province on August 20, 2016. The bridge, which opened to the public on a trial basis, spans 1,410 feet and rises about 984 feet above a valley in a scenic zone, making it the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge according to Chinese state media. (AP)

Six metres wide and made of some 99 panels of clear glass, the bridge can carry up to 800 people at the same time, an official in Zhangjiajie – a popular tourist destination – told the Xinhua news agency.

Tourists can walk across the bridge, designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, and the more adventurous will be able to bungee jump or ride a zip line.

In pics | How China tests safety of world’s longest glass bridge

“I wanted to feel awe-inspired by this bridge. But I’m not afraid – it seems safe!” Wang Min, who was visiting the new structure with her husband and children, said.

Following an alarming glass bridge cracking incident at the Yuntai mountain in northern Henan in 2015, authorities in Zhangjiajie were eager to demonstrate the safety of the structure.

They organised a string of media events, including one where people were encouraged to try and smash the bridge’s glass panels with a sledge hammer, and another where they drove a car across it.

A woman does a split on the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge in Zhangjiajie. Visitors were required to wear protective footwear on the opening day of the bridge on August 20. (AFP)
A woman does a split on the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge in Zhangjiajie. Visitors were required to wear protective footwear on the opening day of the bridge on August 20. (AFP)

“It’s crowded today and a bit of a mess. But to be suspended 300 metres in the air, it’s a unique experience,” said Lin Chenglu, who had come to see the bridge with his colleagues.

Only 8,000 people each day will be allowed to cross the bridge, Xinhua said, and tourists will have to book their tickets a day in advance, at a cost of 138 yuan ($20).

Cameras and selfie sticks are banned, and people wearing stilettos will not be allowed to walk on the bridge, Xinhua said.

Selfie’s on the bridge connecting a valley in China's Zhangjiajie will be banned, presumably to avoid accidents. (AFP)
Selfie’s on the bridge connecting a valley in China's Zhangjiajie will be banned, presumably to avoid accidents. (AFP)
Tourists lie down on the glass-bottom bridge as a part of the experience of being on the world’s highest bridge. (AFP)
Tourists lie down on the glass-bottom bridge as a part of the experience of being on the world’s highest bridge. (AFP)
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is suspended between two mountains in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province. (AFP )
The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge is suspended between two mountains in Zhangjiajie in China's Hunan Province. (AFP )

Local authorities have said that one of the summits in Zhangjiajie Park inspired the floating mountain which appears in the American blockbuster Avatar.

A Hollywood photographer visited the area in 2008, taking images which were used for the film, according to media reports.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On