Bridges are not just pathways connecting two places; they are engineering marvels showcasing the continuous breakthroughs of human ingenuity. In China, these bridges stand out for their diverse functions and world-leading design and construction standards. Below, we introduce several iconic bridges that set records in length, span, height, and more, leaving an indelible mark on global bridge history.

　　1. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge: The World's Longest Sea-Crossing Bridge

　　In December 2009, construction officially began on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which connects Hong Kong SAR, Zhuhai in Guangdong Province, and Macao SAR. This mega sea-crossing infrastructure project was the first large-scale collaboration between the three regions under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. After six years of planning and nine years of construction, the 55-kilometer-long bridge opened to traffic in late 2018. Combining bridge, tunnel, and artificial islands, this challenging project has been called the "Mount Everest of bridge engineering" and was named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World." During its construction, scientists and engineers developed over 400 new patents and broke seven world records.

　　2. Beipanjiang Bridge: The World's Highest Bridge

　　The Beipanjiang Bridge spans the border between Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, connecting Liupanshui City in Guizhou with Xuanwei City in Yunnan. Part of the Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway, the bridge is 1,341 meters long and has a vertical height of 565 meters from deck to valley, equivalent to a 200-story building and nearly matching the height of the Shanghai Tower. In May 2018, it won the Gustav Lindenthal Medal at the 35th International Bridge Conference. The bridge's main piers stand 269 meters and 247 meters tall, with a 720-meter main span that ranks second among bridges of its type worldwide.

　　3. Dashengguan Yangtze River Bridge: The World's First Six-Track Railway Bridge

　　The Nanjing Dashengguan Yangtze River Bridge is China's first high-speed railway bridge across the Yangtze River. As a key component of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and a pivotal project for the Shanghai-Wuhan-Chengdu Railway and Nanjing Metro, construction began on July 18, 2006, with a total investment of 4.56 billion yuan. Spanning 9.273 kilometers, its main bridge supports six parallel railway lines, including two high-speed rail tracks, two conventional rail tracks, and two metro lines. It boasts a design speed of 300 kilometers per hour, holding four world records in volume, span, load capacity, and speed for high-speed railway bridges.

　　4. Wufengshan Yangtze River Bridge: The World's First High-Speed Railway Suspension Bridge

　　Located in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, the Wufengshan Yangtze River Bridge connects the Lianyungang-Huai'an-Yangzhou-Zhenjiang Railway and the southern extension of the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway. The bridge spans 6.409 kilometers, with a main span of 1.432 kilometers and a combined road-rail section of 1,444.799 meters. Surpassing Japan's Seto Ohashi Bridge, it became the world's first suspension bridge designed for both road and high-speed rail, with unparalleled load capacity and design speed.

　　5. Hutong Yangtze River Bridge: The World's Longest Cable-Stayed Rail and Road Bridge

　　The Hutong Yangtze River Bridge, spanning 11,072 meters with a 1,092-meter main span, is the world's first cable-stayed rail and road bridge to exceed 1,000 meters. It integrates national railway, intercity railway, and expressway functions, featuring six highway lanes on the upper deck and four railway tracks on the lower deck. As a critical crossing for the Shanghai-Nantong Railway, the Suzhou-Jiaxing Intercity Railway, and the Xitong Expressway, the bridge set new records in structure and functionality.

　　6. Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge: The World's Longest Railway Bridge

　　Part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, the Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge stretches approximately 164.8 kilometers, making it the longest railway bridge globally. Its construction significantly enhanced the efficiency of the high-speed rail line, showcasing China's robust capabilities in railway bridge construction.

　　7. Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge: A Historic First

　　Spanning 1,670.4 meters, the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge was the first combined road-rail bridge built across the Yangtze River after the founding of the People's Republic of China. This iconic structure represents a significant milestone in the nation's history, symbolizing both engineering prowess and national achievement.

　　8. Jiangyin Yangtze River Bridge: A Landmark Suspension Bridge

　　The Jiangyin Yangtze River Bridge, spanning 3,071 meters, is the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world. Beyond serving as a crucial transportation link across the Yangtze, its elegant design has made it a landmark along the riverbank.

　　These bridges represent China's extraordinary achievements in bridge construction, embodying the highest levels of global engineering expertise. Each bridge is not only a key transportation node but also a tourist attraction and iconic landmark, showcasing the remarkable advancements in China's infrastructure development.