Guizhou Province in China is known for its scattered canyons, towering peaks, and captivating stone forests. Despite the uneven terrain, the bridges that connect the mountains of Guizhou create a man-made network of highways. Anshun, located in the central and western part of Guizhou Province, has earned various reputations, including “China’s Township of Waterfall,” “Township of Fortress Culture,” “Township of Batik,” and “Beauty in Western China.”
The Baling River Bridge, situated in Anshun, is a prime example of the integration of bridges and tourism in Guizhou. This bridge starts from the Guanling interchange in the west, spans the Baling River waterway, and reaches the 320 National Highway in the east. It is a vital component of the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway.
In a short video series called “Be My Guest ยท Modern Guizhou,” Sana, a journalism and media studies major from Tunisia, was invited to visit Anshun by her friend, Lu Yonglin, an outdoor travel enthusiast. Together, they witnessed the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall and experienced the beauty of Dishui Beach Waterfall. They also enjoyed the local cuisine and music amidst the gurgling waterfall, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Guizhou.
Their adventures also took them to the Baling River Bridge, where they flew over the bridge on a motorcycle and embarked on a “High-altitude Trek” in the suspension of the steel frame. They even challenged themselves with bungee jumping from the world’s highest commercial bungee jumping platform. While under the bridge, they heard stories about the thousands of bridges in Guizhou, symbolizing the transformation of deep chasms into thoroughfares, bringing people and cultures together.
Sana expressed her enthusiasm and love for Anshun, stating that she didn’t want to leave and would cherish the memories of her trip forever. She hopes to return to Guizhou in the future to explore more of its breathtaking scenery.
Overall, Guizhou’s bridges are not merely functional structures but also integral parts of its tourism industry, connecting people and fostering friendly diplomatic relations between China and the rest of the world.