Why has Guizhou been called the world’s bridge museum?

Guizhou is often called the "world’s bridge museum" because of the extensive number of bridges constructed across the province to improve connectivity over its challenging mountainous terrain. Since the 1970s, more than 30,000 road bridges have been built to span deep river valleys and karsts, allowing traffic to bypass steep canyons and avoid long, hazardous detours.1

These structures are essential for strengthening trade and transport within the region and with neighboring provinces. The province is home to several record-breaking engineering feats, including the Huajiang Canyon Bridge—the world’s highest bridge—and the Beipan River Bridge (Duge), which previously held the world record for height. By replacing difficult switchback routes with modern infrastructure, these bridges have significantly reduced travel times and improved access to the province's economic and data centers.123