China’s 7 Longest Suspension Bridges
7. Xihoumen Suspension Bridge
Located in the Zhoushan Archipelago – the largest offshore island group in China – the Xihoumen Suspension Bridge boasts the nation’s longest main span, reaching 1,650 meters. Although its inauguration was once delayed due to a ship collision incident in 2009, the project was completed in time and officially opened on December 25, becoming an iconic engineering landmark along China’s coastline.
6. Runyang Suspension Bridge
With a total length of 7,210 meters, the Runyang Bridge complex is the second longest bridge system in China, distinguished by its 1,490-meter main span. In engineering circles, the shorter name ‘Runyang Bridge’ is commonly used instead of the full translation ‘Runyang Yangtze River Bridge.’ The complex consists of two primary structures: a suspension bridge connecting Yangzhou City on the north bank to Zhenjiang on the south bank of the Yangtze River, and an adjacent cable-stayed bridge, together forming a vital transportation artery for the region.
5. Fourth Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge
Located in Jiangsu Province along China’s eastern coast, the Fourth Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge is one of the key crossings over the Yangtze River. The bridge features two separate carriageways, each comprising six lanes, allowing for high traffic capacity with speeds of up to 125 km/h. It plays a vital role in enhancing connectivity and supporting infrastructure development in eastern China.
4. Yangtze River – Jiangyin Suspension Bridge
Completed in 1997, the Jiangyin Bridge spans 3,071 meters and, upon its opening in 1999, was the longest bridge in China; however, it has since been surpassed by other structures. The bridge’s construction was scheduled to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Revolution (1949–1999).
3. Tsing Ma Suspension Bridge
Standing prominently against Hong Kong’s seascape, the Tsing Ma Suspension Bridge is an iconic structure linking Tsing Yi Island and Ma Wan Island. This two-level suspension bridge has a main span of 1,377 meters, surpassing the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States. The upper deck carries six traffic lanes, while the lower deck allows traffic to flow even during severe typhoons when the upper deck must be closed.
Constructed on an impressive scale, the bridge incorporates 160,000 kilometers of cables, each capable of withstanding up to 53,000 tonnes of force, along with tens of thousands of tonnes of concrete and steel. Beyond serving as a vital transport link, Tsing Ma showcases Hong Kong’s—and Asia’s—cutting-edge bridge engineering capabilities.
2. Baling River Suspension Bridge
Opened to traffic in 2009, the Baling River Suspension Bridge ranks as the tenth longest bridge in China, with a total length of 2,237 meters. It is also among the highest bridges in the world, suspended across the Baling River valley between the cities of Kunming and Guiyang.
1. Aizhai Suspension Bridge
Spanning rugged mountain terrain near Jishou City in Hunan Province, the Aizhai Suspension Bridge is one of China’s most remarkable engineering feats. Measuring 1,146 meters in length and built 350 meters above the valley floor, it links Chongqing and Changsha—two major economic hubs in central China.
Not only does it hold the title of the world’s sixth-highest bridge, Aizhai also boasts the longest main span among suspension bridges in China, showcasing the exceptional construction expertise of Chinese engineers. Notably, it became a destination for thrill-seekers when it hosted the International BASE Jumping Festival in 2012—an extraordinary airborne spectacle.
