China opens world's highest and longest glass bridge for its visitors

The bridge connects two mountain cliffs in China's spectacular Zhangjiajie Mountains in Hunan province.

The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge opened to visitors in central China on Saturday.

The bridge connects two mountain cliffs in China's spectacular Zhangjiajie Mountains (better known as the Avatar Mountains after the American blockbuster film, Avatar) in Hunan province.

The 1,410 feet (430 metre) bridge is suspended 300 metres above ground. It is capable of carrying up to 800 people at the same time.

The state news agency Xinhua reported the bridge cost $3.4 million to build. It has been paved with 99 panes of three-layered transparent glass, which allows its visitors to peer down into the abyss through 99 triple-layered glass panels.

BBC reported that the officials said the six metre-wide bridge, designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, has set world records for its architecture and construction.

Xinhua said only 8,000 people each day will be allowed to cross the bridge and tourists will have to book their tickets a day in advance. The tickets are priced at 138 yuan (S$28).

According to the news agency report, the authorities have banned the use of cameras and selfie sticks on the bridge. People wearing stilettos will not be allowed to walk on the bridge.

The authorities in Zhangjiajie were eager to demonstrate the safety of the structure and organized a string of media events. The events included one action where people were encouraged to try and smash the bridge's glass panels with a sledgehammer and another where they drove a car across it.

"I wanted to feel awe-inspired by this bridge. But I'm not afraid - it seems safe!" Wang Min, a visitor told AFP.

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