China's highest bridge brings tourists and internet access to remote communities

China's highest bridge brings tourists and internet access to remote communities Hide caption Tourists pose for photos near the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, considered to be the world's highest bridge, in Anshun in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Friday, May 29, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption Mist covers the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, considered to be the world's highest bridge, in Anshun in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Friday, May 29, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption A worker tightens bolts on a pipe of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, considered to be the world's highest bridge, in Anshun in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Friday, May 29, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption Vehicles move on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, considered to be the world's highest bridge, in Anshun in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Friday, May 29, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption Tourists pose for photos on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge with the sign 625m marking the height of the bridge in Anshun in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Friday, May 29, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption A tourist poses near a sign promoting the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge as having the world's highest and longest dimensions in Anshun in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Friday, May 29, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption A worker rests under an umbrella near the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, considered to be the world's highest bridge, in Anshun in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Friday, May 29, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption A tourist leaps for a bungee jump from the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, considered to be the world's highest bridge, in Anshun in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Friday, May 29, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption An elderly woman knits miniature shoes to sell to tourists at Tianlong Tunpu, an ancient town in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption A Dixi opera performer prepares for a show at Tianlong Tunpu, an ancient town in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption A Dixi opera performer entertains people at Tianlong Tunpu, an ancient town in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption A woman walks with a child past a Chinese national flag made from dried chili at Tianlong Tunpu, an ancient town in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption Performers prepare for a Dixi opera show at Tianlong Tunpu, an ancient town in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption Residents rest near a stone bridge at Tianlong Tunpu, an ancient town in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption Red lanterns line a street of Tianlong Tunpu, an ancient town in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption Performers take part in a Dixi opera show at Tianlong Tunpu, an ancient town in southwestern China's Guizhou province, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP Hide caption Visitors look at a light show on Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, considered to be the world's highest bridge, in Anshun in southwestern China's Guizhou province on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Previous Next Ng Han Guan/AP 1 of 17 i View slideshow GUIZHOU, China — For tourists, a massive new suspension bridge in southwestern China is a new selfie spot and social media attraction. But for local residents, it's something far more practical: a link to the highway that cuts travel times from hours to just minutes, and a symbol of a flow of investment that has provided unprecedented access to high-speed internet in this remote region. At 625 meters (2,050 feet) above the river below, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in the mountainous province of Guizhou is considered the world's highest bridge. The structure stretches 2,890 meters (9,482 feet), with a main span of 1,420 meters (4,660 feet). Since it opened in September 2025, thousands of tourists have visited the area, where companies are also investing in high-speed 5G network infrastructure. The influx of visitors has given rise to new businesses, from stores and restaurants to homestays catering to tourists. The Associated Press recently joined a media tour of the region. As China expands transportation and internet infrastructure in remote areas, nearby communities have also benefited from broader internet coverage. One example is Tianlong Tunpu, an ancient town with more than 600 years of history located more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the bridge. Originally established as