China has opened a unique suspension bridge . With clear glass panels for flooring, visitors will have an unhindered view of a 600-foot valley while being suspended between two mountain tops.
To cater to thrill seekers and adventure tourists, the 1,000-foot-long bridge stares down into the gorge 600-feet below, and nothing but a clear glass panel keeps them from falling. The bridge opened last week in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in central China’s Hunan province, and it links two peaks inside the Stone Buddha Mountain in Shiniuzhai Geopark. The mountains are part of the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park, which offers many breathtaking views and features some rare plants and vast ecological diversity.
According to those who envisioned the bridge, it was modeled after the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” ranges, which seem suspended mid-air. Incidentally, these mountains inspired James Cameron to create the surreal word of Pandora.
The creators are confident the suspension bridge could be named the longest and tallest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. The bridge is the brainchild of Tel Aviv-based architect Haim Dotan, who first shared conceptual artwork that showcased a glass-bottomed bridge that didn’t obstruct the view of those who dared cross it, BBC News reported .
Speaking about the bridge, Dotan had said, “I believe in nature, harmony, balance and beauty. Nature is beautiful as is. The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge was designed to be invisible as possible — a white bridge disappearing into the clouds.”
Though the bridge may look dangerous, every aspect of its construction has been carefully considered. Each glass panel is made up of 24 mm thick construction-grade double thick panes weighing over 300 pounds that are said to be 25 times stronger than your average piece of glass. The ropes holding the suspension bridge are 53 mm in diameter, which can hold a lot more weight than what it is designed to carry.
Locally dubbed as “Hero Bridge,” owing to the heroic daring one needs to muster to cross it, the suspension bridge in China can withstand high winds, earthquakes, frost, and the weight of 800 visitors at any given time, though safety protocol hugely restricts the number of people who can cross it at a time. Owing to the design, many who decided to brave it were found to be turning back or were stuck clinging to the safety railing, reported the Examiner .
Though there were attempts to offer similar thrilling experiences, this suspension bridge in China is terrifying in all aspects.
[Image Credit | YouTube Video Screen-Grab]
