World's tallest bridge adds glass elevator

The glass elevator under construction will reach a height of 207 meters, going straight to the top of the main tower. [Photo by Liang Dekang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

As the world's tallest bridge nears completion in Guizhou, a 70-story glass elevator will soon allow visitors to gaze down at the rushing waters of the canyon while leisurely sipping a cup of coffee at the summit.

Rising beside the main tower of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the elevator reaches 207 meters high. It will lift guests to a cafe at the tower's summit, which is about 800 meters above the Beipan River.

Liu Rui, the lead engineer for the elevator's steel framework, said he and his team chose high-transparency glass for the car's exterior so that nothing would block the view.

"There are two elevator cars and a separate emergency staircase," he explained. "If the elevator loses power, passengers can use the escape route to descend safely."

Construction of the elevator itself is 85 percent completed. Liu added that workers are also building a glass corridor, a sky-high swing, and a running track.

According to the work-zone chief Li Ping'an, all of these additional attractions should be ready by mid-July.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge is part of the province's effort to blend infrastructure with tourism. Its elevator, skywalk, and extreme sports facilities are designed to draw a broad spectrum of travelers.

The glass elevator under construction will reach a height of 207 meters, going straight to the top of the main tower. [Photo by Liang Dekang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The glass elevator under construction will reach a height of 207 meters, going straight to the top of the main tower. [Photo by Liang Dekang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The glass elevator under construction will reach a height of 207 meters, going straight to the top of the main tower. [Photo by Liang Dekang/For chinadaily.com.cn]