First Bridge of the World

The First Bridge of the World is a natural rock arch connecting two sections of the Yuanjiajie plateau, spanning about 40 metres with a drop of roughly 300 metres beneath it. The safety railings added along its length make it accessible to visitors who would otherwise decline to cross; standing at the midpoint looking directly down is one of the more confronting experiences the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers.

The Avatar Hallelujah Mountain is visible from the bridge's midpoint, looking down and slightly north. The view in the opposite direction takes in a different arrangement of columns and forested gorges that is equally dramatic and less photographed. The bridge is reached via the Yuanjiajie plateau trails from the Bailong Elevator; most circuits that include the elevator also include the bridge without significant extra walking distance.

things to do sight
A story
The bridge connects two columns of the Yuanjiajie plateau, with a drop of about 300 metres beneath its span. Safety railings were added in the 1990s when the site became a formal tourist attraction; before that, it was accessible only to those willing to cross without them, which the accounts of early travellers to the area suggest some did. The bridge is entirely natural — no human construction is involved — which is the basis of its claim to priority over engineered glass bridges in the area.