Glass Bridge – BTS ET2 – 03/09/2019
World's highest, longest glass bridge a symbol of the "power of new China"
CBS NEWS September 30, 2016, 7:01 AM
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge in China was closed earlier this month for
safety upgrades, after tourists flooded its span. But the popular and terrifying tourist
spot has now reopened and it’s got everyone acting like they’re kids again, reports
CBS News correspondent Adriana Diaz.
China’s newest tourist attraction is a dream come true – that’s if you can handle
it. Eight thousand lucky visitors pay to come each day.
The glass bridge in Central China is now the world’s highest and longest, stretching
more than 1,400 feet. It’s churning stomachs and leaving visitors amazed.
“I have to tell my brain it is safe. It just doesn’t feel right to walk when you can see
exactly what 1,000 feet below is,” Diaz said.
“Are you scared?” Diaz asked a man in Chinese.
“No, I think it’s great,” the visitor said.
“I feel a little scared. But, you know, I’m strong enough. So now, I’m superman!” said
another visitor, James Zhang said laughing, holding up a fist.
Glass Bridge – BTS ET2 – 03/09/2019
The
scenery
from
the
bridge inspired
the
floating
mountains
in
the
blockbuster “Avatar,” although it could have been the inspiration for Hitchcock’s
“Vertigo.”
To protect the glass, booties are required, high heels are banned and tickets are
limited. After opening in August, the bridge closed for a month because of overcapacity.
Last year, a different glass walkway in China shut after a panel shattered.
“Once you get used to it, it’s not that scary,” said vice general manager Joe Chen. But he
said they’re not taking any chances.
“There are three layers on each glass panel and each layer can withstand more than 40
tons,” Chen said.
To prove it, this summer, officials had visitors smash the glass with a sledge hammer
and ride an SUV over it. But Chen said the bridge is more than just a tourist attraction –
it symbolizes an ascending China.
“This bridge will represent the creativities and inventions power of new China,” Chen
said.
The bridge is also home to the world’s highest bungee jump -- which hasn’t opened yet
– and it’s being marketed as the world’s longest fashion runway.