Base jumping

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China has been officially opened and is now the highest bridge in the world – reducing the journey time for locals from two hours to just two minutes

China has unveiled a stunning new record-breaker after officially opening the world’s highest bridge in Guizhou province in the southwest of the country. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge has slashed journey times from two hours down to just two minutes, according to local state media.

The remarkable structure boasts a deck-to-surface measurement of 625 metres – more than half a kilometre – making it tower above the previous record holder. It beats the Beipanjiang Bridge (Duge Bridge), also in China, which stands at 565.4 metres, by nearly 60 metres.

China’s rapid construction capabilities have recently drawn admiration from figures including Reform UK MP Zia Yusuf, who publicly expressed frustration on social media about the lengthy timescales for smaller infrastructure schemes in the United Kingdom.

Work on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge commenced in January 2022 and was finished in under four years. The ambitious scheme resulted in a structure stretching almost 3km across a canyon dubbed the “Earth crack”.

The bridge measures 2,890 metres in total length and underwent rigorous testing before authorities gave the green light for public use.

As reported by ITV, before the bridge could be deemed safe for traffic, a dynamic load test was conducted, reports the Express.

This involved 96 lorries driving onto specific points of the structure in groups.

The new structure has now bagged the Guinness World Record for being the tallest bridge globally.

Now, globetrotters from all corners of the world are keen to witness the magnificent construction that officially opened its doors on 28 September 2025.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge boasts glass walkways for visitors to gaze down at the Beipan River, approximately 580 metres below.

It also features viewing platforms and a glass lift leading to its sky-high café, set to open in November this year.

For those seeking a thrill, they can bungee jump from the bridge.

State media have reported plans for professional BASE jumping events.

People travelling to the county next year may need to check their travel insurance

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for Italy. The FCDO regularly offers and updates travel advice for 226 countries and territories worldwide, covering a range of topics including warnings, insurance, and entry requirements.

The latest update was shared last week and remains current today, October 29. The update saw the FCDO issue new information about the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games planned to take place in Italy from February 6 to 22 and March 6 to 15. As outlined on the website, the updates were made to the ‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages.

The warnings and insurance page covers steps to follow before travel, travel insurance, and where to find travel advice updates. In an alert regarding travel insurance, the Foreign Office said: “If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.”

The guidelines state that travel insurance should cover all activities included in your holiday, including sports and adventure tourism, which could require specialist insurance. The safety and security page covers topics including terrorism threats, crime, laws and cultural differences, winter sports, and outdoor activities and adventure tourism.

In an alert regarding winter sports, the Foreign Office said: “Get advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations. You can contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before you travel.”

The advice also highlighted regulations for the ski season. It stated: “From 1 November 2025, all skiers, snowboarders, sledders, and tobogganers will be required to wear CE-certified helmets at all ski resorts. This law applies regardless of age or activity. Failing to do so risks a fine of up to €200 and ski pass suspension for up to 3 days.”

There’s also guidance for travellers planning to engage in outdoor activities and adventure tourism. The advice states: “Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports have specific risks. Check the company is well-established in the industry and make sure your insurance covers these activities.

“For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous, such as off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping, your insurance should include:

• mountain rescue services
• helicopter costs
• repatriation to your country of residence or transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment.”

The advice could be particularly useful for anyone attending the Olympic Games and who hopes to take part in winter activities during their trip. You should always check the weather forecasts and conditions before taking part in activities such as hiking or mountaineering, ensuring you’re properly equipped in case of an emergency.

Anyone planning a visit should read the general advice set out on the ‘Winter Olympics’ page. It states: “Italy will host the Winter Olympic Games from 6 to 22 February and the Paralympic Winter Games from 6 to 15 March. Competitions will be hosted across several distant locations in Lombardy and Northeast Italy.

If you are planning to attend:

• sign up to get email alerts about Italy’s travel advice
• check the official Olympics website for a calendar of events, venue information, ticket sales and to stay informed of anything that might affect your travel or plans
• keep your personal belongings and valuables safe, if your passport is lost and stolen, check the Getting help page.”

It also directs people to other advice pages, including the advice about winter sports and travel insurance previously mentioned.