AusLeisure

Straddled between two cliffs in China's Hunan province, a 430-metre glass-bottomed suspension bridge has launched the world's highest bungy jump experience.

Visitors to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge can now take a leap from a height of 260 metres above the UNSECO World Heritage listed Wulingyuan wilderness.

Scheduled to open at the end of last year, the bungy jumping operation was delayed by restrictions imposed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Operator Jonni Deaker said business had been building slowly as domestic tourists began to return to the region, telling CGTN “we are probably averaging 20 jumps a day at the moment, which is pretty good for a jump this size”, stating ng he was confident of a solid July-August holiday season.

The pedestrian bridge, designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan and opened in August 2016, was once the longest glass-bottomed suspension bridge in the world.

It is one of a number of glass bottomed bridge and via ferrata in experiences in China that appeal to a growing market for risk and adrenaline-based attraction.

Explaining the appeal, Deaker believes the height of the experience makes it less intimidating than smaller jumps, adding “because it's so high, it actually makes it easier.

"When you're this high, it's kind of like skydiving."

The Zhangjiajie Gorge area is a popular i tourist attraction, famous for its quartzite sandstone pillars and peaks extending into the clouds, along with deep ravines and gorges.

Images: CGTN Photo.

Related Articles

21st June 2021 - Ecological protection boosts visitation to scenic lake in south west China

15th June 2021 - 27 officials punished over Chinese cross-country marathon event at which 21 people died

24th April 2021 - China domestic tourism activity returns to 93% of pre-pandemic levels

8th March 2021 - Second edition of Adventure Travel Guide Standards published

30th December 2020 - Almost half of China’s 1.4 billion population spend less than US$150 a year on leisure activities

23rd March 2020 - Bungy Jumping Standard underway at ASTM International  

3rd November 2019 - Safety concerns see glass bridges closed in China’s Heibei province

10th August 2018 - New Zealand bungy innovators launch world-first catapult experience

5th May 2018 - Chinese attraction opens giant swing above 300 metre chasm

14th March 2018 - ASTM International begins development of Bungy Jumping Standard

8th November 2017 - New research shows adventure travellers’ relationship with risk

25th August 2016 - World’s highest and longest glass bridge opens in Central China

31st May 2016 - Construction starts on Singapore’s first bungy tower

16th January 2016 - Asian travellers seek new experiences

8th October 2015 - Guests scream as glass floor shatters on Chinese cliffside walkway

6th October 2015 - New glass suspension bridge crosses Chinese canyon

26th May 2015 - Thai bungy jumping operator fined after woman jumps naked

18th October 2013 - AJ Hackett Bungy launches 25th birthday competition

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.