Villagers near the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province are anticipating a tourism boom as the world's highest bridge prepares to open.
随着世界第一高桥 —— 贵州花江大峡谷大桥即将通车，桥附近的村民们正期待着旅游业的蓬勃发展。
In about a month, the bridge, with a height of 625 meters from deck to water, will open as part of the local expressway system and cut travel time between the two banks from about one hour to just 90 seconds.
这座大桥桥面至水面的高度达 625 米，约一个月后将作为当地高速公路系统的一部分正式通车。届时，两岸的通行时间将从约 1 小时缩短至仅 90 秒。
Huajiang village in Zhenfeng county sits about 1 kilometer from the span. The village, listed among China's traditional villages, has seen the promise of improved access quickly turn into preparations for incoming tourists.
贞丰县花江村距离大桥约 1 公里，这个被列入中国传统村落名录的村庄，已从交通改善的前景中看到机遇，迅速为迎接游客做起了准备。
"We are the village closest to the bridge, and we have the best view," said 35-year-old resident Lin Guoquan. Three years ago, when he learned the massive project would be built on his doorstep, Lin — who had worked in the tourism sector in Yunnan province — returned home and launched a homestay business.
“我们是离桥最近的村子，视野也是最好的。”35 岁的村民林国权说。三年前，得知这个大型工程将在家门口动工，曾在云南从事旅游业的他回到家乡，开起了民宿。
In May 2024 Lin began converting old village houses into guest rooms decorated in Bouyei ethnic style. The homestay opened in October the same year and now offers 27 rooms.
2024 年 5 月，林国权开始将村里的老房子改造成具有布依族风格的客房。民宿于同年 10 月开业，如今共有 27 间客房。
"You can see the bridge directly from your bed," Lin said.
“躺在床上就能直接看到大桥。” 林国权说。
As the opening date approaches, Lin's homestay has become popular. Occupancy rates are high and the rooms often sell out.
随着通车日期临近，他的民宿越来越受欢迎，入住率居高不下，客房常常一房难求。
"With the bridge opening in September, rooms are filling up fast," he said.
“大桥 9 月通车后，房间预订会更火爆。” 他说。
Lin also posts videos of the bridge, the gorge and the surrounding sea of clouds on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. Several of his accounts tied to the project have attracted more than 1 million followers.
林国权还在抖音上发布大桥、峡谷及周边云海的视频，几个与大桥相关的账号已吸引超 100 万粉丝。
Some villagers are recording daily construction progress on their phones as the structure rises. One blogger who documents the work almost every day on Douyin has drawn more than 240,000 followers, attracting more visitors from nearby areas.
还有些村民用手机记录着大桥一天天 “长高” 的建造过程。一位博主几乎每天都在抖音上更新施工进展，已吸引超 24 万粉丝，也带动了周边地区更多游客前来。
At present, Huajiang village has only Lin's homestay and two or three farm restaurants, but more renovations are already underway. Official plans released in July incorporate the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge and roughly 50 square kilometers around it into a coordinated tourism development scheme designed to turn distant check-ins into immersive, zero-distance experiences.
目前，花江村只有林国权的民宿和两三家农家餐馆，但更多房屋改造工程已在进行中。7 月发布的官方规划将花江大峡谷大桥及周边约 50 平方公里区域纳入协同旅游发展方案，旨在将远距离观光转变为沉浸式、零距离体验。
"The bridge's opening is an important milestone," Lin said. "Via ferrata, paragliding and other outdoor attractions are expected to arrive here. The focus will not be limited to the bridge itself; it will drive development across the surrounding area and help retain visitors."
“大桥通车是一个重要的里程碑。” 林国权说，“岩壁探险、滑翔伞等户外项目也有望落户这里。重点不会局限于大桥本身，它将带动周边地区整体发展，留住更多游客。”
In July the bridge's viewing corridor, high-speed racing track and viewing platforms were completed.
7 月，大桥的观景走廊、高速赛道和观景平台已建成。
Visitors can test their driving skills on a 1,411-meter-long racetrack situated about 600 meters above the ground. Earlier plans also call for glass sightseeing elevators and a cafe.
游客可在距地面约 600 米、长 1411 米的赛道上一展车技。早前规划中还包括玻璃观光电梯和咖啡馆。
"Not a day can be wasted and nothing can be sloppy. We are now completing the final painting and other finishing work," said Wang Songyu, deputy project manager for the contract section. He added that overall progress has surpassed 99 percent, and the bridge is expected to open to traffic by the end of September.
“每一天都不能浪费，每一项工作都不能马虎。我们正在完成最后的涂装等收尾工作。” 该合同段项目副经理王松宇说。他还表示，工程整体进度已超 99%，大桥预计 9 月底通车。
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