China’s Breaks Records with the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge Reaching a Monumental Length of Over 102 Miles Transforming Global Transportation Connectivity

Published on September 17, 2025

China’s Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge has firmly cemented its place in history as the longest bridge in the world, stretching an impressive 102.4 miles across Jiangsu Province. Completed in 2011, this colossal structure is a key component of the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, allowing trains to travel smoothly and swiftly over vast bodies of water, rivers, and wetlands. Its record-breaking length and exceptional design have revolutionized rail travel, cutting down travel times and providing a reliable, uninterrupted route that links two of China’s major cities. The bridge’s strategic placement was carefully planned to avoid flood-prone areas and soft soils, further highlighting its engineering brilliance. With an estimated construction cost of £6 billion, the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge represents the pinnacle of modern infrastructure, showcasing China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological and architectural achievement.

The Longest Bridges in the World: Engineering Marvels That Span Across Continents

Bridges are some of the most impressive feats of engineering, serving as vital connections across bodies of water, mountains, and cities. The sheer size of these structures, combined with the complexity of their design, is nothing short of breathtaking. However, ranking the longest bridges isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. Various methods are used to measure their length—some include only the stretch over water, while others take into account elevated sections and the distance from entrance to exit. To provide clarity, the World Population Review compiled a comprehensive list based on the total constructed length of each bridge. Here’s a look at the 10 longest bridges around the world.

10. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, USA – 38.4 km (23.8 miles)

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana holds the distinction of being the longest bridge over water in the world for many years. Spanning nearly 24 miles, this iconic bridge connects the cities of Mandeville and Metairie. Completed in 1956 and expanded in 1969, it runs just above the surface of Lake Pontchartrain. The causeway remains a critical transport route for residents and visitors in the region, offering stunning views of the lake along the way.

9. Metro Manila Skyway System, Philippines – 39.2 km (24.3 miles)

Serving as the longest elevated expressway in the Philippines, the Metro Manila Skyway has become an integral part of the country’s road infrastructure. The Skyway stretches across Metro Manila, linking key highways and providing a much-needed escape from the capital’s infamous traffic jams. Initially completed in phases starting in the early 2000s, this towering bridge helps commuters travel more efficiently, making it a crucial component of Manila’s road network.

8. Beijing Grand Bridge, China – 48.2 km (29.9 miles)

The Beijing Grand Bridge, an essential part of China’s high-speed rail system between Beijing and Shanghai, spans over 48 kilometers. Opened in 2011, it allows trains to glide above roads, rivers, and other obstacles, maintaining consistent travel speeds. The bridge plays a key role in one of the busiest high-speed rail lines globally, facilitating smoother journeys into and out of China’s capital.

7. Bang Na Expressway, Thailand – 54 km (33.5 miles)

The Bang Na Expressway in Bangkok is one of the longest road bridges in the world, stretching over 33 miles. Completed in 2000, it was built to address the city’s chronic traffic congestion. The elevated highway, which runs above an existing road, connects Bangkok to Chonburi, providing a direct route for thousands of daily commuters. It plays a vital role in improving travel efficiency, alleviating some of the city’s notorious traffic woes.

6. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge, China – 79.7 km (49.5 miles)

Crossing the Weihe River and other significant obstacles, the Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge is one of China’s most impressive engineering projects. Completed in 2008, this elevated viaduct is part of the Zhengzhou–Xi’an High-Speed Railway. At nearly 80 kilometers long, it enables high-speed trains to bypass rivers, highways, and urban areas, improving travel times across the region and contributing to one of western China’s primary transport routes.

5. Cangde Grand Bridge, China – 105.9 km (65.8 miles)

The Cangde Grand Bridge is part of China’s Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. Spanning nearly 66 miles, it was completed in 2010 and designed to withstand seismic activity. The bridge crosses a variety of terrains, including roads, waterways, and open countryside, allowing high-speed trains to maintain optimal speeds. The structure significantly reduces travel times between some of China’s largest cities, making it an essential link in the nation’s rail network.

4. Tianjin Grand Bridge, China – 113.7 km (70.6 miles)

Another monumental structure in China’s Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway, the Tianjin Grand Bridge stretches over 70 miles between Langfang and Qingxian. Completed in 2010, the bridge crosses both urban and rural landscapes, allowing trains to pass uninterrupted over rivers and farmland. This vital infrastructure link helps maintain high-speed rail connections between Beijing and other major cities in eastern China, improving travel efficiency for millions.

3. Kita-Yaita Viaduct, Japan – 114.4 km (71.1 miles)

The Kita–Yaita Viaduct, part of Japan’s Tohoku Shinkansen high-speed rail network, stretches over 71 miles. Built to accommodate Japan’s earthquake-prone terrain, it allows for smooth, continuous rail travel across northern cities. Completed in the late 1990s, the viaduct plays a critical role in ensuring reliable, high-speed travel, even in areas susceptible to seismic activity.

2. Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct, Taiwan – 157.3 km (97.7 miles)

Running along Taiwan’s west coast, the Changhua–Kaohsiung Viaduct is a key component of the nation’s high-speed rail system. Measuring nearly 98 miles, the viaduct was completed in 2004 and was designed to withstand powerful earthquakes. The bridge facilitates safe, high-speed rail travel across seismically active areas, providing crucial links between Taiwan’s largest cities. Its construction cost over £6.3 billion, but it remains one of the most earthquake-resistant bridges ever built.

1. Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, China – 164.8 km (102.4 miles)

The Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is the longest bridge in the world, spanning an incredible 102.4 miles across Jiangsu Province. This engineering marvel, which took four years to complete, was finished in 2011 and carries the Beijing–Shanghai High-Speed Railway. Designed to avoid flood-prone areas and soft soil, the bridge runs through lakes, rivers, and wetlands, facilitating uninterrupted high-speed rail travel across one of China’s most important transportation corridors. With a construction cost of approximately £6 billion, the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge is a testament to modern engineering and infrastructure design.

China’s Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge, at 102.4 miles, is the world’s longest bridge, transforming high-speed rail travel between Beijing and Shanghai by overcoming challenging terrains. Its remarkable design and strategic placement set new standards in engineering excellence.

These incredible bridges represent the pinnacle of engineering and innovation, enabling faster travel, reducing congestion, and providing vital connections across vast distances. Whether for cars, trains, or even pedestrians, these monumental structures will continue to shape the future of global transportation.