Don’t look down. The world’s longest, highest, and most terrifying glass bridge is in the very final stages of its construction.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is found above the Tianmenshan National Forest Park in the mountainous Hunan province of southern China. This idyllic backdrop is said to have inspired the “floating Hallelujah mountains” in James Cameron’s movie “Avatar.” In fact, part of the reason it was constructed out of glass was to reduce the impact on these surrounding sights.
The bridge is some 300 meters (985 feet) above the ground and trails for a length of 430 meters (1,400 feet), with a glass sky-walk that measures around 6 meters (20 feet) across.
In order to curtail vibrations, which could potentially undermine the structure, the bridge is fitted with over 70 glass balls, each weighing over 750 kilograms (1,650 pounds), Wan Tianbao, a chief engineer on the project, explained to China Daily. The structure has also undergone over 100 safety tests to ensure that it can support the weight of at least 800 people.
Among the 10 world records that this glass bridge will hold is it will be the world's highest bungee jump. But if all this isn’t giving you vertigo as it is, you’ll be pleased to know the bridge also features three of the world’s highest swings.
Speaking to Inhabitat, Joe Chen, the vice general manager of the Zhangjiajie Canyon Tourism Management Company, said: "It's true that we will have a swing on the bridge and it's not a swing but three swings, including one giant swing which has a total length of about 150 meters to 170 meters [490 feet to 560 feet.]"
Visitors will be able to enjoy the views and a panic attack when the bridge opens later this year, although an official opening date remains unconfirmed and has been pushed back in the past.
[H/T: South China Morning Post]
