Return to site
Return to site

A Bridge too

Far

· Travel

I must have a thing for bridges. I wrote 18 months ago about some of the amazing structures around the world, and am compelled to follow up this week, because I am slightly too excited over the opening this week of the world's longest sea bridge which stretches from Hong Kong, all the way to Macau (more below).
Considering we are flying to Beijing, China on Monday, there's a distinct possibility I will experience this engineering miracle after our tour, when we spend a few days in Hong Kong itself. China actually seems to have a bit of a monopoly on spectacular bridges, but I do spread the love a little. Here are another 5 amazing bridges to experience.

TOP 5 - Bridges of the World

broken image

1. HKZM - Hong Kong to Macau, China (above and below)

It's taken 9 years to complete and create a whole lot of controversy, but the Hong Kong - Zhuzai - Macau (HKZM) bridge opens this week. It includes 22 miles of a three-lane highway from northern Lantau, right next to HKG Airport to the Western Shore of the Pearl River Estuary, with a 4.1 mile tunnel between two artificial islands along the way to prevent any disruption to sea traffic.

broken image

2. Zhangjiajie Canyon Glass Bridge, China (below)
This is the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge and despite needing to close for strengthening just 3 weeks after opening in 2016, it now handles a heavy flow of tourists, with a maximum of 600 at one time. As if it's not terrifying enough already, a bungee jump and ziplines are also available.

broken image

3. High Trestle Trail Bridge - Madrid, Iowa (below)
This dramatic bridge stretches a 1/2 mile across the Des Moines River and is part of a 25-mile trail that winds its way through five Iowa towns, from Woodward to Ankeny. Representing the area's mining past, it is beautifully lit at night with lights reflecting in the river below and bringing additional meaning to this "rails to trails" project.

broken image
broken image

4. Sydney Harbour Bridge - Australia
One of the most recognized structures in the world and home to the most spectacular New Years Eve fireworks display on the planet (above). Prince Harry climbed it just a few days ago along with the Australian PM as part of the launch of the Invictus Games, and this has become a tourist favorite activity in the last few years. The full climb (below) is a 3 1/2 hour experience and gives you an incredible 360 degree panorama of Sydney.

broken image

5. Millau Viaduct - Tarn, France (below)
About 40 miles NW of Montpelier in the south of France, is another world record holding bridge. It's the tallest in the world at 1,125 feet, which is taller than the Eiffel Tower. It's also over 1 1/2 miles long yet only touches the valley floor in 9 spots.
Top tip - head to a unique viewing area, created in the old Caussenarde farm of Brocuéjouls. It is the ideal place to look down on the giant viaduct. Meanwhile discover the Aveyron, its cultural and natural heritage and the local gastronomy.

broken image

Want to cross some bridges on your next trip? Click here to start planning!

broken image

Be social and follow us on our next adventure!

broken image
broken image

Want our blog posts delivered straight to your inbox?

Enter your email below to subscribe to our newsletter.

Subscribe
Previous
What's an Amenity?
Next
Nǐ Hǎo China
 Return to site
Profile picture
Cancel
Cookie Use
We use cookies to improve browsing experience, security, and data collection. By accepting, you agree to the use of cookies for advertising and analytics. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Learn More
Accept all
Settings
Decline All
Cookie Settings
Necessary Cookies
These cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. These cookies can’t be switched off.
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us better understand how visitors interact with our website and help us discover errors.
Preferences Cookies
These cookies allow the website to remember choices you've made to provide enhanced functionality and personalization.
Save