China apparently has an insatiable monumental thirst as seen in its recently opened glass-bottom bridge located in the country’s popular Zhangjiajie mountains in central Hunan province. The world’s highest and longest glass bridge was launched on 20 August and has since been a booming tourist attraction.
Image shows people taken selfies on the glass bridge.
However, tourists who suffer from vertigo have been warned to stay away from the site.
The bridge served as a source of inspiration for the Hollywood blockbuster movie Avatar as local authorities confirm an American photographer visited the site in 2008 to take pictures which were used for the film.
According to Xinhua, the bridge measures 430 meters (1,400 feet) long and is suspended at 300 meters above the earth, spanning the canyon between two mountain cliffs.
Image shows a large number of tourists visiting the site since its launch on August 20.
The hanging bridge measures 6 meters in width and is made of some 99 panels of clear glass.
A Report from Xinhua news agency quotes an official in Zhangjiajie as saying that the glass bridge can withstand an estimated 800 persons at the same time.
Image: Zhangjiajie glass bridge
Designed by an Israeli Architect Haim Dotam, adventurous tourists who’re keen on trying bungee jumping would find it a dream place for their sport.
“The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge was designed to be invisible as possible — a white bridge disappearing into the clouds,” Dotam said in a statement.
China’s CCTV, said the bridge cost $3.4 million to build.
It was originally scheduled to commence operations early this summer but the date was pushed forward to allow room for a thorough safety inspection.
Image shows volunteers putting the glass bridge to test.
Back in June this year, the company in charge of erecting this edifice invited volunteers who tried to prove its safety by smashing the glass panels with sledgehammers.
In another test, officials were said to have driven a car across the bridge to safety.
Test number 2 in progress.
“I wanted to feel awe-inspired by this bridge. But I’m not afraid — it seems safe!” Wang Min [a tourist at the bridge with husband and children] told News Agencies.
“It’s crowded today and a bit of a mess. But to be suspended 300 metres in the air, it’s a unique experience,” said Lin Chenglu [a tourist who visited with friends].
Only 8,000 people each day will be allowed to cross the bridge, Xinhua said, and tourists will have to book their tickets a day in advance, at a cost of 138 yuan ($20).
Image shows tourists having fun on the glass bridge.
The Zhangjiajie Bridge is not the only glass bridge in China but it’s the latest and perhaps, the most impressive in the recent past.
Another 88-storey glass skywalk debuted earlier this summer in Shanghai’s Jin Mao Tower, with similar experiences and thrills.
Image: The Zhangjiajie Bridge.
Cameras and selfie sticks are banned, and people wearing stilettos will not be allowed to walk on the bridge, Xinhua said.
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