The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwestern China has set a new global benchmark, standing as the world’s highest bridge.
Towering 625 meters (2,051 feet) above the Beipan River in one of the nation’s most mountainous provinces, the structure has served as a transformative economic force since its opening last September. Beyond reducing cross-canyon transit times from approximately two hours to mere minutes, the project has attracted over three million visitors in its inaugural year. Tourists can now explore glass observation platforms, bungee jumping facilities, and an exposed walkway beneath the roadway, while local villages have seen new businesses and improved mobile connectivity. It’s not only slashed journey times across the canyon from roughly two hours to just minutes, but it’s transformed the region economically, since opening last September. With more than three million visitors turning out in its first year, tourism is booming. There’s the bungee jump, along with an exposed walkway beneath the road, for those with even more adventurous tastes. Shops and cafés are popping up in the village below and new cellular base stations have been added to improve mobile phone coverage, guest accommodations.
International travel highlights this week also feature a recognition for artisanal dairy. A 24-month-aged Comté, sourced from the eastern border of France, has secured the top prize at the World Cheese Awards in Spain. The victory serves as a reminder for travelers to check their own cupboards for aged products that may rival world-class offerings. Weekly newsletter, sign up for Unlocking the World. The world’s highest bridge, plus a new feature: Postcards, in our roundup of travel stories this week: The world’s best cheese for 2026. Is also following the FAA ground stop affecting flights. You might well have the makings of a world-class product, if you’ve got some dairy products that have been sitting there since 2024.
In the world of aviation and infrastructure, Singapore Airlines has introduced what it describes as the “largest double bed in the skies,” marking another notable development for the carrier. Meanwhile, engineering efforts are progressing on the construction of the world’s longest and deepest underwater road tunnel, which is projected to reach depths exceeding 1,200 feet below sea level upon completion. According to an explorer in a strange land, I’d hammered tent pegs and, “merci” to the ice-cream man.
Market and commercial landmarks continue to draw massive interest. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, dating back to the 15th century, remains one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, hosting up to 400,000 visitors daily. Behind the bustling storefronts lies an intricate network of specialized craftspeople. By contrast, Shinsegae Centum City in Busan, South Korea, holds the title for the world’s largest department store, covering 3.16 million square feet and featuring traditional jjimjilbang spa experiences. With up to 400,000 daily visitors, is a hidden network of craftspeople in tiny workshops who are masters of age-old techniques, behind the vibrant and brightly lit world of the market floor. Waiting for my response, the little girl stared.
Elsewhere, the Mall of Asia in the Philippines serves as a massive commercial and entertainment hub, recently expanding its offerings with the opening of the Museo del Galeon. This new site preserves the seafaring history of the Manila galleons and the crews that navigated them.
The week also marks the debut of a storytelling feature titled Postcards. One inaugural entry reflects on the cultural complexities of travel, featuring a childhood anecdote about a French camping trip. The narrative recounts a moment of social awkwardness at a jungle gym, where the author, then seven years old, struggled to communicate with local children, describing their interaction as feeling like the figures gathered in “The Birds.” Plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay, get news about destinations.
