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Introduction

The 2024 China Storyteller Partnerships is unveiling an immersive Guizhou tour from Sept 24 to 28. Join us on a journey like no other as we explore the stunning landscapes and unique culture of Guizhou.

Global storytellers enthralled by Guizhou's Bouyei heritage
By Joe Matthew Burns
The China Storyteller Partnerships 2024 guests pose for a group photo with residents of Yanyu village, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Guizhou province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Known for their rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, and vibrant community life, the Bouyei ethnic group embodies the cultural mosaic of Guizhou province.

A group of global influencers and journalists recently had the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Bouyei culture across Guizhou.

In Xingyi, famous for its picturesque mountains and lush valleys, the expats reveled in the breathtaking nighttime scenery of Fenglin Bouyei Scenic Area.

With ancient architecture already aglow with lights, guides from the local Bouyei community greeted the delegation with fireworks that danced across the building facades.

"You might feel like you've stepped into Disneyland when you're here. But what's special is how China keeps these cultures and traditions alive," said Miette Dierckx, a Belgian influencer living in China.

They were treated to a captivating dance show by local women, who also performed ancient songs that showcased the vast cultural history this ethnic group is famed for.

The young men and women of the Bouyei mainly express their love for each other through singing. They have nine kinds of love songs, including acquaintance, testing, praising, secret love, and eloping.

Guests were also gifted with Kangbao, pouches filled with fragrant rice bran that are given to symbolize romantic love.

"I'm very fascinated with this (kangbao). I really like the way they told the story about the boy and the girl. I loved the dance scene. I think it's really professional." said Laura Ugalde Aburto, a Mexican influencer who joined the trip.

British influencer Toby Symonds (L) poses for a photo holding his Kangbao, gifted by this Bouyei dancer. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Later in their Guizhou tour, the group was brought to Yanyu village, where the authentic spirit of Bouyei culture was on full display.

Anticipation filled the air as the journalists and influencers were welcomed by the village's entire population, who escorted them up the road leading into town.

Villagers erupted into a colorful celebration featuring a mesmerizing dragon dance accompanied by the lively beats of traditional Bouyei music.

Participants enjoyed watching as dancers gracefully maneuvered through the streets, bringing the mythical dragon to life while embodying the ethos of prosperity and harmony cherished by the Bouyei community.

As trumpet players lined the roadside and drummers moved amongst the crowd, local women, clad in traditional Bouyei ethnic clothing, urged guests to participate in the traditional rice wine greeting, a symbol of hospitality and respect among the Bouyei people.

The rich, fragrant brew warmed hearts and gave guests the energy and confidence to enter the village via fast and precise bamboo pole dancing.

Mexican influencer Laura Ugalde Aburto (R3) and Belgian influencer Miette Dierckx (R2) pose for a photo with villagers wearing traditional Bouyei outfits. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Further engaging with the local culture, the group participated in various Bouyei ethnic games, highlighting the community's playful spirit and competitive nature.

Similar to catching the bouquet at a wedding, one ethnic game involved ladies tossing large bran bags across the village square to find love! If you caught one of the many bags flung through the air, you would be betrothed to its sender. If the young man can't catch the bag, the girl will sing to ask for a gift. Therefore, some women purposely throw it very high so the men can't catch it and the girl can receive a gift.

"Yanyu has been wonderful. It was, without a doubt, the warmest welcome I have ever received,” remarked Toby Symonds, a British influencer.

The Guizhou tour left the expat group not just with souvenirs but with heartfelt connections and a deeper understanding of the Bouyei people's heritage.

The warmth of the Bouyei culture enriched their tour of Guizhou, affirming that the province's ethnic diversity holds countless tales waiting to be told.

Tie-dye'd Bouyei style
By Joe Matthew Burns
(left) Villagers eager to work on new materials as I provide them with my wardrobe; The results of Bouyei tie-dying on an obscure British T-shirt are one of a kind. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nestled in the hills of Zhenfeng county in Guizhou province's Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Yanyu village offers a vibrant glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Bouyei tribe. As part of my journey with the 2024 China Storytellers Partnership tour, I immersed myself in their age-old traditions.

During my visit, I was warmly welcomed by the entire community, who greeted us with dragon dances and copious amounts of rice wine. But what really intrigued me was the village's own style of tie-dyeing, reflecting the tribe's deep connection with nature and community.

After witnessing the villagers dyeing banners for the parade, I rushed for my suitcase, eager to apply their art to my attire! They demonstrated this meticulous process using natural dyes derived from plants and minerals, skilfully transforming plain fabric into stunning, intricate designs that tell unique stories. Each piece is not just a garment but a canvas of history and identity. The materials used are also essential components of traditional Chinese medicine.

As I watched them work, they shared tales of their ancestors and the significance of their craft. Emphasizing sustainability, they highlighted the importance of preserving ancient techniques in the face of modernization.

I was initially hesitant about this deeply colored dye, but the villagers assured me I'd have perfectly azure designs. The experience was not merely about fashion; it was a celebration of culture and creativity deeply rooted in the Bouyei way of life.

As tourism grows, Yanyu village remains a shining example of how cultural heritage can captivate visitors while fostering respect and appreciation for the traditions that continue to thrive in modern China.

Experience a day like Bouyei people

Foreign social media influencers visited the Yanyu village in Zhenfeng county, Southwest China's Guizhou province on Thursday. They were welcomed by the fragrant rice wine and exquisite kangbao, which are pouches filled with rice bran, from the Bouyei people. 

The Yanyu village has more than 600 years of history, with all those traditions well-preserved. And Belgian social media influencer Miette Dierckx had the chance to experience some customs such as spinning and dancing.

Click the video to experience a day like Bouyei women with Mimi!

Foreign media guests explore beauty and culture of Guizhou
Foreign media guests in a group photo with the Bouyei people in Xingyi city, located in the Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture of Southwest China's Guizhou province on Tuesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Foreign journalists and content creators participated in the 2024 China Storyteller Partnerships in Guizhou province to explore its beauty and culture from Sept 24 to 28.

The event invited foreign media reporters and content creators from eight countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Russia, Belgium, Turkey, Vietnam and Mexico.

The members experienced thrilling activities in different cities in Guizhou such as rafting, rock climbing and kayaking, attended the International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports 2024, danced with the Bouyei people to learn about the local culture and customs, and visited the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge and the Suntree Tea Plantation.

Joe Matthew Burns, a British expert from China Daily, takes photos of the architecture of Xingyi in the Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Tuesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Joe Matthew Burns, a British expert from China Daily, said he was amazed by Guizhou's scenery when viewing it from the air plane. He expressed that Guizhou has become one of his most desired destinations.

"Living in China for a long time has fostered a deep affection for the land," he said, adding that he regards China as his "second hometown."

German social media influencer Robert Michael Adolf praises traditional Bouyei cuisine in Yanyu village, Zhenfeng county, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Thursday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

German content creator Robert Michael Adolf, whose Chinese name is Baozi, has been staying in China for a while and has visited over 50 ancient villages in Guizhou. "The hospitable local customs and the charm of ethnic cultures is why I deeply love Guizhou."

Belgian content creator Miette Dierckx (R) experiences making tea at the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The invited foreign media reporters and content creators used their lenses and writing to capture and share Guizhou's efforts in promoting cultural and tourism integration during the trip.

Mexican content creator Laura Beatriz Ugalde Aburto visits the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Mexican content creator Laura Beatriz Ugalde Aburto said she realized that the journey was not just about capturing beautiful sceneries but also about taking in the spiritual essence of Guizhou.

"I want to showcase Guizhou's unique charms to the world, especially to the people of Mexico and Latin America," she said. "The trip to Guizhou has brought me unexpected surprises."

Turkish journalist Ibrahim Orcun Gokturk is on a visit to the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Ibrahim Orcun Gokturk, a journalist from Türkiye, said that Guizhou's practical experience in cultural heritage protection and sustainable development is valuable for Türkiye and the world.

Canadian China Daily specialist, Felix Antoine Bachand experiences making tea at the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
British content creator Tobias Orlando Robert Symonds is on a visit to the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Turkish content creator Ugur Kayan makes glutinous rice cakes in Yanyu village, Zhenfeng county, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Thursday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Russian content creator Viacheslav Shchekin experiences rafting through the Maling River Canyon in Xingyi city, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
International media members explore Guizhou's geological wonder

Foreign social media influencers visited the Geological Museum of Guizhou on Saturday, experiencing a unique "time-traveling" through the museum.

Located in Guiyang, Southeast China's Guizhou province, the Geological Museum of Guizhou houses more than 100,000 items in its collections, including paleontological fossils, minerals and crystals, and ore specimens.

Learning about Guizhou, which was once an ocean area with hundreds of prehistoric species living, Ugur Kayan, a Turkish social media influencer, said it was "unbelievable."

Foreign media guests experience tea culture in Guizhou
Foreign social media influencers on a visit to the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of China-based foreign correspondents and social media influencers paid a visit to the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday.

Suntree Tea Plantation is located along Baihua lake in Guiyang city, maintaining traditional ecological cultivation and preservation methods, which prohibits the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and growth hormones, to eliminate artificial or environmental pollution.

"SUNTREE white tea" was awarded the title of "Tea treasure" by the tea industry development research center of the Chinese academy of social sciences in 2013.

Foreign social media influencers on a visit to the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign social media influencers on a visit to the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign social media influencers on a visit to the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign social media influencers experience making tea at the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign social media influencers experience making tea at the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign social media influencers experience making tea at the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign social media influencers experience making tea at the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign social media influencers experience making tea at the Suntree Tea Plantation in Gaozhai village, Zhuchang town, Guiyang city in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Saturday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Experience thrilling 600-meter via ferrata climb

Southwest China's Guizhou is known for its unique Karst landforms and has since developed many outdoor sports based on it, and via ferrata – a climbing route equipped with fixed ladders, cables and bridges – is one of them. Click the video to experience this 600 meter-long intense climbing journey from 165 meters above the ground.

Visitors impressed by world's tallest bridge under construction

Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Friday, marveling at the project with comments like "incredible" and "spectacular".

The bridge, which is under construction, spans across the renowned "Earth's Crevice," the Huajiang Grand Canyon, with a total length of 2,890 meters and height of 625 meters from the bridge deck to the Beipanjiang River below. Upon completion in 2025, the bridge will not only boast the world's longest main span among mountain bridges but also set a new record as the world's tallest bridge.

This photo taken on Sept 27, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which is under construction, in Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign visitors take a selfie against the backdrop of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which is under construction, in Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
This photo taken on Sept 27, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which is under construction, in Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
A social media influencer takes a selfie against the backdrop of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which is under construction, in Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
This photo taken on Sept 27, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which is under construction, in Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign visitors take a photo with a staff member against the backdrop of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which is under construction, in Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign media guests capture charm of Bouyei culture
Villagers present the traditional wine to German social media influencer Robert Michael Adolf. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Bouyei people welcomed foreign correspondents and social media influencers in Yanyu village, Zhenfeng county, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Thursday.

They offered fragrant rice wine and exquisite kangbao, which are pouches filled with rice bran. They performed traditional songs and dances. Together with foreign social media influencers, they participated in bamboo pole dancing, spinning, tie-dyeing, pounding glutinous rice cakes, and wrapping zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).

German social media influencer Robert Michael Adolf, whose Chinese name is Baozi, is a TikTok blogger who has been deeply involved in Guizhou for three years. This young German man especially loves visiting the countryside and has explored many ancient villages across Guizhou. He is not only attracted by the warm-hearted people but also by the incredible natural beauty.

Robert records the scene of wrapping zongzi. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Robert expressed his desire to use his own camera to capture the traditional customs and cultures of China's ethnic groups, emphasizing their unique charm. He mentioned that he aims to showcase these traditions to a broader international audience, enabling more people abroad to gain a deeper understanding of China's local customs and practices.

Robert told reporters that he is fortunate to encounter so many well-preserved intangible cultural heritages and unique ethnic customs in China. He said his greatest wish is to enable more overseas fans to have a better understanding of China, of each province of China, and of China's ethnic groups.

Villagers demonstrate spinning thread. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Villagers show how to make glutinous rice cakes. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign social media influencers dance with villagers. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Robert praises traditional Bouyei cuisine. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
German social media influencer Robert Michael Adolf. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Unlocking modern-style Bouyei dance: Tradition meets innovation
By Xia Ji

Foreign friends and the Bouyei people gathered around a bonfire, igniting the night with their dance in Zhenfeng county, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Southwest China's Guizhou province, on Thursday. What happens when traditional music collides with contemporary moves? Let's unravel the modern flair of Bouyei dance together!

International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports 2024 kicks off in Guizhou
By Du Juan and Dong Xinyi
[Photo by Zheng Yuxiao/Guizhou Daily]

Global guests gathered on Thursday in Xingyi city, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Southwest China's Guizhou province, to unveil International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports 2024. The theme is "Integration of Culture, Sports and Tourism Presents a High-Quality Life".

The certification criteria and guidelines of world famous tourism mountains were launched at the conference. Fourteen mountains, including Fanjing Mountain in Guizhou province, were endorsed as the first batch of world-renowned tourism mountains at the ceremony. Xingyi was awarded as a world health and wellness city.

[Photo by Zheng Yuxiao/Guizhou Daily]

The event has three parts — historical and cultural experiencing areas, main activities, and supporting activities — involving 17 different types. Since 2015, the conference has been held for 7 consecutive years, functioning as a significant platform for Guizhou to show its distinctive tourism resources and for the world to understand the province.

In recent years, Guizhou has deeply promoted the industrialization of tourism and tried to make itself a world-class tourist destination.

According to data, from January to August this year, the number of tourists received in Guizhou increased by 10.9 percent year-on-year, among which the number of tourists from China's other provinces rose by 8.8 percent year-on-year. The figures show that the tourism industry here is steadily developing.

[Photo by Zheng Yuxiao/Guizhou Daily]
[Photo by Zheng Yuxiao/Guizhou Daily]
[Photo by Zheng Yuxiao/Guizhou Daily]
Foreign media guests visit geopark museum in Guizhou
By Sun Ru
Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of foreign correspondents and social media influencers based in China visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. Designed per international standards, the museum features six halls on the Xingyi region's fauna, marine evolution, biodiversity, Triassic reptile relationships, and the geopark's landscape and culture.

Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum in Southwest China's Guizhou province on Wednesday. [Photo by Han Feng/chinadaily.com.cn]
Foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Xingyi Global Geopark Museum, in Southwest China's Guizhou province, on Wednesday. [Photo by Han Feng/chinadaily.com.cn]
Thrilling rafting adventure with Joe
By Xia Ji

Join China Daily reporter Joe Burns on an exhilarating 13.8-kilometer water ride through the Maling River Canyon. Experience the thrill of rafting in this stunning location in Xingyi city, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Guizhou province.

China Storyteller Partnerships start Guizhou tour

The 2024 China Storyteller Partnerships commenced their Guizhou tour on Tuesday. Foreign journalists and content creators visited Fenglin Bouyei scenic spot in Xingyi city, located in the Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture of Southwest China's Guizhou province. Local girls of the Bouyei ethnic group performed traditional dance.

The scenic spot is a typical cone-shaped karst landform, with solitary peaks, stalagmites, clints and karst caves. Over 600 Bouyei-style residential buildings and supporting facilities were built along the mountain.

Local girls of the Bouyei ethnic group performed traditional dance. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Local girls of the Bouyei ethnic group performed traditional dance. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
The first stop of foreign content creators of the 2024 China Storyteller Partnerships was Fenglin Bouyei scenic spot. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Over 600 Bouyei-style residential buildings and supporting facilities were built along the mountain. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
The first stop of foreign content creators of the 2024 China Storyteller Partnerships was Fenglin Bouyei scenic spot. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
The first stop of foreign content creators of the 2024 China Storyteller Partnerships was Fenglin Bouyei scenic spot. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
The first stop of foreign content creators of the 2024 China Storyteller Partnerships was Fenglin Bouyei scenic spot. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Over 600 Bouyei-style residential buildings and supporting facilities were built along the mountain. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Over 600 Bouyei-style residential buildings and supporting facilities were built along the mountain. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Bouyei ethnic group dazzles foreign guests with its culture

The British China Daily specialist, Joe Matthew Burns, and German content creator, Robert Michael Adolf, were utterly enchanted by the distinctive culture of the Bouyei ethnic group, as well as the mesmerizing night light shows. Embark on their adventure as they delve into the stunning architecture and rich ethnic heritage of Xingyi in the Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Mexican content creator explores Bouyei dance in Southwest China

Mexican content creator Laura Ugalde was captivated by the mesmerizing dance performances of the Bouyei ethnic group. Join her journey as she explores the enchanting landscapes and ethnic culture of Xingyi, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Guizhou's five record-setting bridges
By Wang Danning and Chen Ziyan

Editor's note: Guizhou province in Southwest China is a mountainous area, with 92.5 percent of its land covered by mountains and hills. The province has built nearly 30,000 bridges since the late 1970s. These eye-catching bridges facilitated transportation, bringing greater benefits to local residents.

Beipanjiang Bridge: World's highest bridge

Beipanjiang Bridge in Southwest China's Guizhou province is the world's highest bridge with the height of 565.4 meters above the Beipanjiang Grand Valley. [Photo by Liu Yelin/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Located on the boundary of Southwest China's Guizhou province and Yunnan province, Beipanjiang Bridge sits over 565.4 meters above the Beipanjiang Grand Valley and has a largest span of 720 meters, making it the world's highest bridge and the second-longest steel girder cable-stayed bridge.

With a total length of 1,341.4 meters, the four-lane bridge was opened to traffic in December 2016, as a part of an expressway linking Hangzhou city in East China's Zhejiang province and Ruili city in Guizhou's neighboring Yunnan province. It has shortened the travel time between Liupanshui city in Guizhou province and Xuanwei city in Yunnan province from over 4 hours to within 1 hour.

In 2018, the bridge won the Gustav Lindenthal Medal, considered the Nobel Prize in the international bridge industry. In 2019, it received the Award of Special Merit of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, another prestigious international bridge award.

Qingshuihe Bridge: World's sixth-highest bridge

An aerial view of Qingshuihe Bridge in Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo/VCG]

Qingshuihe Bridge is the world's sixth-highest and China's second-highest bridge with a height of 406 meters.

As a part of Guiyang-Weng'an Expressway, the bridge, spanning 2,171 meters, links Kaiyang county and Weng'an county in Guizhou province. Since its operation in December 2016, the travel time between Guiyang city and Weng'an county has shortened to 1 hour.

Balinghe Bridge: World-class base of extreme sports

Balinghe Bridge in Anshun city, Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo/VCG]

Located in Anshun, Guizhou province, Balinghe Bridge is a suspension bridge over the Balinghe Valley connecting Zhenning and Shengjingguan in the province.

As China's longest steel truss suspension bridge, it has a total length of 2,237 meters, with the main span crossing the river extending 1,088 meters.

The bridge is a world-class base of extreme sports, including bungee jump, parachuting, trapeze and gliding. With a height of 370 meters, it is the highest Guinness-certified commercial bungee jump facility.

As a key section of the G60 Shanghai-Kunming Expressway, it opened to traffic in December 2009, slashing the travel time across the river from 1 hour to 4 minutes.

In 2014, it won the Luban Prize for Construction Projects, regarded as the Oscars of Chinese architecture.

Pingtang Bridge: World's highest reinforced concrete bridge tower

An aerial view of fog-shrouded Pingtang Bridge in Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Pingtang Bridge, constructed in a mountainous area of Guizhou province, has the world's highest reinforced concrete bridge tower. The tower, 332 meters high, stands equivalent to a 110-storey skyscraper.

The bridge, spanning 2,135 meters across the Caodu River Valley, serves as a major connection on the Pingtang-Luodian Expressway. Opened to traffic in December 2019, it has cut the travel time between Pingtang and Luodian from 2.5 hours to 1 hour.

Its unique design features classical attire and dance elements of local ethnic groups, thus blending strength and beauty. In 2021, it was awarded the Gustav Lindenthal Medal.

Near the bridge is the Sky Bridge service zone. It is a tourist destination-type of service area, featuring a bridge museum and a sightseeing hotel.

Yachihe Bridge: World's longest steel truss, cable-stayed bridge

An aerial view of Yachihe Bridge in Southwest China's Guizhou province. [Photo/VCG]

Yachihe Bridge, standing 434 meters above the Yachi River on the boundary between Qianxi county and Qingzhen city in Guizhou province, has a total length of 1,450 meters. Its 800-meter span is the world's longest for a steel truss, cable-stayed bridge structure.

After the bridge was open to traffic in July 2016, the travel time between Guiyang city and Qianxi county was cut down from 2 hours to 50 minutes.

In 2018, it won the Gustav Lindenthal Medal.

Huajiang grand canyon bridge under construction in Guizhou
Constructors are seen on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Southwest China's Guizhou province, Sept 3, 2024. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 2,890-meter-long bridge is located in Bouyei-Miao autonomous county of Guanling and is part of an expressway linking the Liuzhi special district of Liupanshui city and Anlong county of Bouyei-Miao autonomous prefecture of Qianxinan, Guizhou province.

The last main tower of the bridge was completed on Oct 24 of 2023. And the main cables of the bridge have been set completely in recent days since its construction beginning on April 9 of 2024.

With a designed construction period of 42 months and a total cost of two billion yuan (about $280 million), the bridge will become the world's highest one, surpassing the Beipanjiang Bridge, after its completion.

A constructor is seen on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Southwest China's Guizhou province, Sept 3, 2024. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A drone photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
This photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
This photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
This photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A drone photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A drone photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
This photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A drone photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A drone photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
A tourist walks past the bottom of the Huajiang Grand Canyon in Southwest China's Guizhou province, Sept 3, 2024. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
This photo taken on Sept 3, 2024 shows the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge under construction in Southwest China's Guizhou province. With a designed height of 625 meters between the bridge deck and the Beipanjiang River below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which began its construction in 2022, is set to be the highest in the world after it is completed in 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
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