Ropeless Bungee Coming to World's Highest Bridge

A new "ropeless bungee jump" from the 625-meter-high Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou Province is set to open soon, after a viral test video sparked online debate over its safety.

The video shows a sandbag dropping from a high platform onto a safety net, which shook slightly on impact. Some netizens questioned whether such tests could accurately reflect real conditions.

Local officials confirmed to The Beijing News on October 20 that the project has completed live human trials and meets safety standards.

Unlike traditional bungee jumping, the ropeless version uses no harness or rope. Participants leap directly onto a 160-square-meter fixed safety net that can be lowered to a platform below for easy exit.

The attraction offers jump heights ranging from 20 to 50 meters, priced at 1,688 yuan (US$237) – lower than the scenic area's standard bungee jump, which costs 2,999 yuan. Tests using 75-kg and 100-kg sandbags verified the net's stability and load-bearing capacity.

Staff said the main safety net complies with national standards and is reinforced by an additional air cushion underneath. Environmental conditions such as wind speed are monitored daily, and the project will be suspended if weather conditions become unsuitable.

Safety precautions also include helmets, knee guards, and professional on-site guidance to prevent head or limb contact with the net.

Responding to public worries about being bounced out of the net, the scenic area explained that the net's sides are reinforced with air cushions that absorb the impact and contract inward, preventing any rebound outside the net.

The project will open to the public once final checks are completed.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge — the world's highest bridge — opened to traffic on September 28. Stretching 2,890 meters across Guizhou's mountainous terrain, it soars 625 meters above the river below.