Liping Tiansheng Bridge (黎平天生桥, Liping Natural Bridge), a marvel of nature, stands as a majestic natural stone arch bridge with a total length of 256 meters. Spanning across the Fulu River, its main arch boasts an impressive span of 138.4 meters, making it the world’s largest natural arch bridge. The bridge is a staggering 118 meters wide, with the arch rising to a height of 36.64 meters above the water surface. The thickness of the arch’s top rock layer reaches 40 meters, emphasizing the bridge’s grandeur. Additionally, the accompanying arch has a span of 78 meters, a height of 28 meters, and a width of 119 meters.
What sets Liping Tiansheng Bridge apart is its extraordinary dimensions, surpassing the 2001 Guinness World Record holder, the Rainbow Bridge in Utah, USA. The Liping Tiansheng Bridge’s main arch span far exceeds that of the Rainbow Bridge, with the former measuring 138.4 meters compared to the latter’s 88 meters. This remarkable achievement earned Liping Tiansheng Bridge its Guinness World Record certification on January 15, 2001.
The bridge’s magnificence lies not only in its impressive size but also in the exquisite craftsmanship of nature. The precision of its structure, the curvature of the arch, the smoothness of the arch’s base, and the regularity of the rock layers at the arch’s top are all entirely natural, a testament to the awe-inspiring work of Mother Nature, untouched by human hands.
Liping Tiansheng Bridge boasts several stone caves along its body, some of which penetrate the bridge’s top, while others vary in depth. Countless bats inhabit these caves, adding to the mystical aura of the bridge. The top of the bridge and the sides of the bridge walls feature stone columns, stalactites, and rocks in diverse shapes – resembling lanterns in the dark, mighty warriors, and mythical creatures ready to take flight. Above the sheer cliffs, ancient pine trees stand tall, surrounded by lush vegetation, creating an exceptionally serene and deep environment.
Beneath the celestial bridge, the river flows gently, its ripples creating a shimmering effect. The crystal-clear pool reflects the interplay of sunlight with the shadows of the surrounding mountains and trees. When the sun sets at an angle, the symphony of bird songs, the rustling of pine trees, and the babbling of the flowing water create a harmonious ambiance. Liping Tiansheng Bridge stands not just as a structural wonder but as a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature’s elements.
Basic Informaiton
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 15 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00 |
Location and Transportation
Liping Tiansheng Bridge is located within the jurisdiction of Gaotun Street (formerly Gaotun Town) in Liping County, Qiandongnan Preferture, Guizhou Province, China. Situated approximately 16 kilometers from the county seat, the bridge is easily accessible. Additionally, it is in close proximity to Liping Airport, being just 3 kilometers away from this natural marvel.
To reach Liping Tiansheng Bridge, travelers can take a bus from Liping County Bus Station to Gaotun. These buses typically pass by or stop near Liping Tiansheng Bridge during the journey.
