Trip Overview
I've been hearing about this famous网红 (internet-famous) glass bridge for years. During my trip to Zhangjiajie, it rained for days, so I kept waiting for sunny weather. I imagined walking on the bridge without slipping, being able to see how transparent the glass is and how deep the canyon below is—maybe even trying bungee jumping. But since I still had many places to visit and couldn't come back multiple times, I decided to just experience the bridge itself.
Day 1: The Glass Bridge Experience
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (张家界大峡谷玻璃桥): Built on the peaks on both sides of the grand canyon, this is the world's highest and longest glass bridge. The entire bridge deck is paved with transparent glass. Construction started in May 2015 with pressure tests, rail pull tests, and wind tunnel tests. It opened in August 2016 and was renamed 'Yuntiandu' (云天渡), though locals still call it 'Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge.'
Zhangjiajie is scorching hot once the sun comes out. I took a break at my homestay in Wujiayu (吴家峪) around noon, planning to go when it cooled down. The bridge has no shade whatsoever. But I nearly missed the 4 PM entry deadline—doh! That meant there was definitely no time to enter the grand canyon from the bridge.
After changing into non-slip shoes at the entrance, I entered the scenic area. There's a round red stage right at the glass bridge entrance, facing the long bridge—probably used for performances during festivals. Many people were walking back. Were they like me, only able to do the bridge without going into the canyon?
The Bridge Details: The bridge spans 430 meters across the grand canyon, with the canyon floor 400 meters below. The grand canyon has numerous streams and waterfalls, earning it the title 'Museum of Zhangjiajie Landforms.' However, hiking the full canyon takes over 2 hours—it's narrow and long, requiring good physical fitness.
Looking down from the glass bridge, you can see the canyon below in all its glory.
Walking on the transparent glass, the blue sky and white clouds reflect back as if you're walking on clouds. But look down at your feet—that's when the real thrill kicks in. The abyss below is real. Many people worry about the glass's bearing capacity. And like me, some have a fear of heights—instant leg weakness!
Many小伙伴 (friends) come here just to experience this heart-pounding moment!
Foreigner tip: If you have a fear of heights, try this: don't look at the distance or what's under your feet. Focus on the bridge surface itself, take a few steps. Or do what she did—sit down and rest for a bit. The fear will gradually disappear. I was scared at first too, but by the time I walked back, I was strutting with my chest out, singing!
If you really can't handle it, just walk on the sides where there's no glass. There are also volunteer safety staff on the bridge who will tell you how to overcome your fear and will take care of you if you have a breakdown.
The Bungee Jump: Under the bridge center, there are two of the world's highest bungee jumping points, with 4 jump platforms that can accommodate 30 people simultaneously. After jumping, you'll fall for an average of 9 seconds before touching down the first time, then bounce multiple times. Those ear-piercing screams you see in short videos? They're mostly from here. Unfortunately, by the time I got there, the bungee jumping hours had ended. Only the canyon winds were howling. Pro tip: Book in advance!
Important Visitor Info:
The glass bridge limits 8,000 visitors dailyIn extreme weather like heavy storms, the bridge may closeOnly wallets and phones with cases are allowed on the bridge—no other itemsThose with health issues or wearing high heels cannot board the bridge
Getting There
1. From Wulingyuan: Take a bus (Wulingyuan to Cili) or from Zhangjiajie city, take a bus to Wulingyuan, then transfer to a Cili-bound route. You can also catch the route bus at Guanghe Shopping Center in Zhangjiajie city center to Jiangya Hot Springs.
2. Self-driving from Wujiayu Landmark Gate takes about 40 minutes. Beware of people on the roadside inviting you to stop—ignore them!
3. A taxi from Wujiayu costs around 80 RMB.