Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in Hunan: one of the world's highest skywalks

High in Hunan’s mountains lies a bridge that not everyone dares to cross. It’s made of glass and hangs at a dizzying height, so stepping onto it feels like walking on air. This isn’t a theme-park stunt — it’s a real span framed by astonishing scenery.

What this bridge is and where it is

The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge stands in one of China’s most striking regions — the Wulingyuan area of Zhangjiajie National Park. These are the very landscapes that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar.

Opened to visitors on August 20, 2016, the bridge is not just glass — it ranks among the longest and highest in the world. It stretches 430 meters, about 6 meters wide, and crosses a deep canyon roughly 300 meters above the ground. For anyone wary of heights, the walk is a true test.

What the bridge is made of

Despite its near-invisible look, the structure is remarkably solid. A metal framework supports a deck of tough, multi-layered glass. More than 120 glass panels are installed, each made of three layers for extra reliability.

Up to 800 people can be on the bridge at once. Safety here is calculated and verified in advance.

Who conceived it

The project was designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, who wanted the span to dissolve into the landscape rather than distract from it. The result achieves exactly that: the bridge seems to hover in midair, letting the views take center stage.

When it first opened, the attraction proved so popular that within two weeks it had to close temporarily. It later reopened with a new visitation system and additional safety measures.

Thrills for the fearless

For the most daring, there’s a bungee jump from about 260 meters — among the highest in the world — conducted under instructor supervision and with full safety gear.

Interesting facts

• This bridge became a record-setter on several counts: height, length, and design.

• It’s a hit not only with tourists but also with people chasing unusual photos — the glass floor creates a flying sensation.

• There has been no information about repairs, accidents, or closures over the past year. It is operating as usual.

Why this place became so famous

The Zhangjiajie Bridge is less a stroll than an adventure. Some come to test themselves, others to capture breath-stealing photos, and many simply to see the world from an unexpected angle.

It feels suspended between sky and earth. The glass underfoot can be unnerving, yet it opens sweeping views of mountains, forests, and canyons. It’s the kind of place that lingers in memory long after a single visit, striking a rare balance between calm and thrill.

If a trip isn’t on your calendar yet, that’s fine. Even photos and stories from Zhangjiajie hint at how grand an idea can be when someone decides to span the distance between fear and wonder.