In just 3 decades, China has surpassed all limits in terrain and technology to become the world's leading bridge-building country. From deep canyons, fierce seas to super-large urban areas, Chinese engineers are building bridges that break world records in height, length and complexity.
A study published in the Chinese Journal of Transport Science and Technology shows that by 2030, most of the records of suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges or mountain overpasses will have the Chinese mark.
This technical revolution is driven by precision measurement technologies, 3D modeling, new materials and especially artificial intelligence combined with automated construction equipment.
The bridge over Quy Chau mountain range will become the world's highest bridge when it officially opens to traffic in 2025, with a height from the bridge surface to the bottom of the abyss of up to 625m, equivalent to two overlapping Eiffel towers.
Duong Tu Truong Tinh Cao Bridge (Giang To), expected to be completed in 2028, will be the longest suspension bridge in the world with a main span of 2,300m. In particular, the 350m high main bridge - equivalent to a 125-storey building - will be the tallest bridge pillar ever built.
Duong Tu Truong Thai Bridge, connecting the cities of Truong Chau and Thai Chau, will be the largest cable-stayed bridge in the world, breaking the current record of russky Bridge (Russia). With a length of more than 10km, including both road and rail, this is also the longest continuous steel bridge in the world.
The railway - road bridge in Zhejiang is expected to become the world's largest 2-storey bridge, with a foundation drilled 60m deep into the seabed - an unprecedented number in the bridge construction industry.
Long Dam Thien Ai Bridge (Vuang Tay) has overcome Pingnan 3 Bridge to become the longest concrete arch bridge on the planet, opening a new direction for building a bridge in the mountainous areas.
The Hong Kong (China) - Zhuhai - Macau (China) overpass, 55 km long, is the longest overpass in the world, with a 6.7 km underwater tunnel and 4 artificial islands.
By applying mixed structures such as prefabricated steel - concrete, China has both increased load-bearing capacity and reduced the weight and cost of building bridges. Bridges such as Truong Tinh Cao also use sensors and AI systems to monitor safety in real time.
By 2028, the list of 10 longest cable-stayed and suspension bridges in the world will have up to 9 bridges with Chinese brands - proving the country's leading position in the field of bridge construction.
From a strategic perspective, the construction of giant bridges also plays a role in promoting regional linkages, shortening travel time, exploiting poor areas and enhancing geopolitical strength.
China is not only building bridges, but is overcoming the "unimaginable bridges" of history.
