China has opened the "world's highest and longest" glass-bottomed bridge in the Zhangjiajie mountains.
The 430 metres long bridge was completed in December and stands 300 metres above the ground.
According to state news agency Xinhua it cost around $3.4m to build and has been paved with 99 panes of three-layered transparent glass.
World's longest glass-bottomed bridge starts trial operation in Zhangjiajie, C China's Hunan. Dare to walk on it? pic.twitter.com/CjJVP3Gt7s
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) August 20, 2016
The six-metre wide foot bridge was designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan and has already set world records for its architecture and construction.
Dotan said the bridge was "designed to be invisible as possible - a white bridge disappearing into the clouds."
Zhangjiajie grand canyon's glass-bottom bridge in trial operation in Hunan Province Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Vh8xcQn2oV
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) August 20, 2016
Tourists on the world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge in Zhangjiajie, China. By @freddufour_afp pic.twitter.com/KDNOK1hX6Q
— AFP news agency (@AFP) August 20, 2016
One visitor told AFP today: "I wanted to feel awe-inspired by this bridge. But I’m not afraid — it seems safe!"
Park officials have said that only 8,000 people will be allowed to cross the bridge each day and visitors must book their tickets a day in advance.
"It’s crowded today and a bit of a mess," said another spectator. "But to be suspended 300 metres in the air, it’s a unique experience."
