China has become a global leader in constructing awe-inspiring glass canopy walkways, blending architectural innovation with natural beauty. These transparent structures offer visitors thrilling experiences, allowing them to walk amidst breathtaking landscapes with unobstructed views beneath their feet.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge: A Marvel of Modern Engineering
Located in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in Hunan Province, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge stands as a testament to China’s architectural prowess. Spanning 430 meters in length and suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor, it was the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge upon its completion in 2016. Designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, the bridge features a deck only 60 cm thick, constructed with triple-layered tempered glass panels and steel girders filled with reinforced cement .
To ensure safety, the bridge underwent rigorous testing, including driving a 40-ton truck over its surface and enduring hammer blows, which only shattered the top layer of glass. Despite initial skepticism, these tests demonstrated the bridge’s structural integrity. The bridge can accommodate up to 800 visitors simultaneously and has become a popular site for sightseeing, bungee jumping, and even fashion shows .
Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk: Walking Among the Clouds
Perched on the cliffs of Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Coiling Dragon Cliff skywalk offers an exhilarating experience. This 100-meter-long and 1.6-meter-wide glass walkway clings to the mountain’s side, providing vertigo-inducing views of the landscape below . At an elevation of 1,430 meters, visitors can gaze upon the famous 99 Bends road and the surrounding natural beauty.
The mountain features three glass skywalks: the east line, west line, and Panlongya (Coiling Dragon Cliff). Each offers unique perspectives and challenges, with the Panlongya being the longest. Visitors are required to wear shoe covers to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the glass surfaces .
Yalong Bay Forest Park Glass Bridge: A Coastal Perspective
In Sanya, Hainan Province, the Yalong Bay Forest Park Glass Bridge provides a different yet equally stunning experience. Stretching 400 meters, this bridge offers panoramic views of Yalong Bay’s tropical paradise. Constructed with 30mm thick tempered glass, it can support loads up to 1,000 kg per square meter. The bridge’s highest point stands 100 meters above the ground, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the coastal scenery .
East Taihang Glasswalk: A Controversial Attraction
The East Taihang Glasswalk in Hebei Province gained notoriety for its unique feature: an illusion of cracking glass beneath visitors’ feet. Infrared sensors triggered visual and sound effects to simulate glass shattering, leading to widespread criticism and eventual closure in 2019 due to safety concerns .
Safety and Maintenance: Ensuring Visitor Confidence
While these glass walkways offer thrilling experiences, safety remains paramount. Incidents like the cracking of the Yuntaishan glass walkway in Henan Province highlight the importance of regular maintenance and rigorous safety standards. In that case, the cracks affected only the top layer of the triple-layered glass, posing no real danger, but the attraction was temporarily closed for inspections .
Visitor Information: Planning Your Adventure
For those interested in experiencing these architectural marvels:
• Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge: Tickets range from CNY 138 to CNY 256, depending on the package. It’s advisable to book in advance due to high demand .
• Tianmen Mountain Skywalks: Accessible via a loop trail on the mountain’s summit, with a nominal fee for shoe covers .
• Yalong Bay Glass Bridge: Offers a unique coastal view, ideal for those exploring Hainan Island .
Visitors should check weather conditions, as these attractions may close during inclement weather, and adhere to safety guidelines, especially if they have health concerns or fear of heights.
China’s glass canopy walkways are not just feats of engineering but also gateways to experiencing the country’s diverse landscapes from unparalleled vantage points. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or serene views, these transparent bridges offer unforgettable journeys amidst the clouds.
Compared to Ghana
Exploring Ghana’s Iconic Canopy Walkways
Ghana is renowned for its rich natural heritage, and one of the most exhilarating ways to experience this is through its various canopy walkways. These structures offer visitors a unique perspective of the country’s lush forests, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems. Let’s delve into some of the most notable canopy walkways in Ghana.
1. Kakum National Park Canopy Walkway
Located in the Central Region, Kakum National Park is home to Ghana’s most famous canopy walkway. Established in 1992, the park features a 333-meter-long walkway suspended 27 meters above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views of the tropical rainforest. The walkway comprises seven bridges and provides an opportunity to observe the park’s rich biodiversity, including over 269 bird species and various mammals like forest elephants and leopards.
2. Amedzofe Canopy Walkway
Situated in the Volta Region, the Amedzofe Canopy Walkway is Ghana’s highest human settlement. Opened in November 2022, it has quickly become a popular attraction, recording nearly 30,000 visitors within its first year. The walkway offers a unique experience as it traverses a steep waterfall, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The site has significantly contributed to the local economy and has plans for further development, including the addition of a zip line.
3. Peninsula Canopy Walkway
The Peninsula Canopy Walkway, located at Akosombo, is currently the longest in Ghana and West Africa, measuring 550 meters in length and 38 meters above the ground. Constructed in 2019, it is supported by 15 concrete pillars and offers panoramic views of the Volta Lake and its environs. The walkway was built by Kenneth Akufo Asare, a renowned Ghanaian canopy walkway builder, and has become a significant attraction for visitors to the Peninsula Resort.
4. Kintampo Waterfalls Canopy Walkway
In the Bono East Region, the Kintampo Waterfalls now features a canopy walkway that enhances the visitor experience. Commissioned in April 2019 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the walkway spans over a valley and is constructed with high-tensioned tendons and wooden planks. It can accommodate up to twenty people at a time and is part of ongoing projects to boost tourism in the area.
5. Dormaa East Canopy Walkway
The Dormaa East District in the Bono Region inaugurated an ultra-modern canopy walkway in December 2024 as part of efforts to boost eco-tourism. Built on an earth dam, the facility includes a zip line, summer huts, and recreational centers. The project aims to conserve natural resources, provide educational platforms, and stimulate the local economy through job creation and business opportunities.
The Visionary Behind Ghana’s Canopy Walkways
A significant figure in the development of canopy walkways in Ghana is Kenneth Akufo Asare. Originating from Akyem Maase in the Eastern Region, Asare has been instrumental in constructing several of the country’s canopy walkways, including those at Kakum National Park, Legon Botanical Gardens, and Kintampo Waterfalls. His expertise has also extended beyond Ghana, with projects in Nigeria. Asare’s contributions have been pivotal in promoting eco-tourism and providing unique experiences for visitors.
Conclusion
Ghana’s canopy walkways offer more than just thrilling adventures; they are gateways to understanding the country’s rich biodiversity and commitment to eco-tourism. From the heights of Kakum National Park to the scenic views of the Peninsula Walkway, these structures provide unforgettable experiences for all who traverse them.
If you have a specific canopy walkway in mind or need more detailed information on any of these attractions, feel free to ask!
