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World's longest pedestrian suspension bridge opens in Switzerland

Updated 0530 GMT (1330 HKT) August 4, 2017

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Measuring 1621 feet long, the newly opened Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, according to Zermatt Tourism.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge (Switzerland) – Measuring 1621 feet long, the newly opened Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, according to Zermatt Tourism.
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It spans the valley between the towns of Zermatt and Grächen.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge (Switzerland) – It spans the valley between the towns of Zermatt and Grächen.
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The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge stretches across two hills and is 300 meters above ground. It has a <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/china-zhangjiajie-glass-bridge-closed/index.html" target="_blank">glass bottom</a>.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge by Haim Dotan Architects (Zhangjiajie, China) – The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge stretches across two hills and is 300 meters above ground. It has a glass bottom.
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At just over 3,000 ft, the Danjiang Bridge -- one of the last commissions awarded to the late <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/31/architecture/zaha-hadid-appreciation/">Zaha Hadid</a> -- will be the world's longest single-tower, asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, according to <a href="http://www.zaha-hadid.com/" target="_blank">the firm</a>. <br /><br />The subtle design is meant to have visual impact without obscuring the Taipei sunset.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Danjiang Bridge by Zaha Hadid Architects, in progress (Taipei, Taiwan) – At just over 3,000 ft, the Danjiang Bridge -- one of the last commissions awarded to the late Zaha Hadid -- will be the world's longest single-tower, asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, according to the firm.

The subtle design is meant to have visual impact without obscuring the Taipei sunset.
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The name and shape of <a href="http://www.nextarchitects.com/en/what/2016/" target="_blank">NEXT Architects</a>' Lucky Knot Bridge refer to the Chinese art of decorative knotting, which is associated with good luck.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Lucky Knot Bridge by NEXT Architects, in progress (Changsha, China) – The name and shape of NEXT Architects' Lucky Knot Bridge refer to the Chinese art of decorative knotting, which is associated with good luck.
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In a rare twist, the <a href="http://www.ljusarkitektur.com/en/" target="_blank">Sölvesborg Bridge</a> -- Europe's longest pedestrian bridge at 2480 feet -- was specially enhanced by a lighting design firm rather than an architect. Ljusarkitektur mounted the structure with color-change LED lights.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Sölvesborg Bridge by Ljusarkitektur, 2013 (Sölvesborg, Sweden) – In a rare twist, the Sölvesborg Bridge -- Europe's longest pedestrian bridge at 2480 feet -- was specially enhanced by a lighting design firm rather than an architect. Ljusarkitektur mounted the structure with color-change LED lights.
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When it opened in 2010, Singapore's Helix Bridge was the first to incorporate the shape of a double-helix. The structure is meant to symbolize life, renewal and growth, and sits near Moshe Safdie's <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/20/travel/moshe-safdie-interview-destination-singapore/">$5.7 billion Marina Bay Sands casino</a>.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Helix Bridge by Cox Architecture, 2010 (Marina Bay, Singapore) – When it opened in 2010, Singapore's Helix Bridge was the first to incorporate the shape of a double-helix. The structure is meant to symbolize life, renewal and growth, and sits near Moshe Safdie's $5.7 billion Marina Bay Sands casino.
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There's more than meets the eye with this structure. The bridge, designed collaboratively by <a href="http://www.cobe.dk/" target="_blank">COBE Architects</a> <a href="http://www.dw.dk/" target="_blank">Dissing + Weitling</a> and <a href="http://www.cowi.com/menu/home/" target="_blank">COWI</a>, includes passageways for both trains and cars, as well as a full station and park-and-ride facilities. It's set to open in 2018.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Køge North Station by COBE, in progress (Køge, Denmark) – There's more than meets the eye with this structure. The bridge, designed collaboratively by COBE Architects Dissing + Weitling and COWI, includes passageways for both trains and cars, as well as a full station and park-and-ride facilities. It's set to open in 2018.
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Uruguayan architect <a href="http://www.rvapc.com/" target="_blank">Rafael Viñoly's</a> circular bridge can only be truly appreciated from above. The circular bridge, which replaced a raft crossing, creates the effect of a lagoon within a lagoon.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Puente Laguna Garzon by Rafael Viñoly Architects, 2015 (Garzón, Uruguay) – Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly's circular bridge can only be truly appreciated from above. The circular bridge, which replaced a raft crossing, creates the effect of a lagoon within a lagoon.
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<a href="http://bcq.es/" target="_blank">BCQ Arquitectura Barcelona's</a> plant-covered bridge takes Heatherwick's green concept one step further. Their proposed upgrades to the existing Sarajevo Bridge include photoluminescent stones to light the pathway without electricity and concrete that converts pollution into harmless substances. As of now, there is no set completion date.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Sarajevo Bridge by BCQ Arquitectura Barcelona, in progress (Barcelona, Spain) – BCQ Arquitectura Barcelona's plant-covered bridge takes Heatherwick's green concept one step further. Their proposed upgrades to the existing Sarajevo Bridge include photoluminescent stones to light the pathway without electricity and concrete that converts pollution into harmless substances. As of now, there is no set completion date.
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Artist <a href="http://www.olafureliasson.net/" target="_blank">Olafur Eliasson</a> was inspired by the city's history as a port town when he designed Cirkelbroen. The five round platforms and wired masts give the illusion of boats floating on the harbor.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Cirkelbroen by Olafur Eliasson, 2015 (Copenhagen, Denmark) – Artist Olafur Eliasson was inspired by the city's history as a port town when he designed Cirkelbroen. The five round platforms and wired masts give the illusion of boats floating on the harbor.
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Danish firm <a href="http://www.bystrup.dk/" target="_blank">Bystrup</a> won the commission to build a bridge in South London's Pimlico neighborhood. However, the pedestrians-only curving structure is not without controversy. Critics worry the new bridge, which is not yet under construction, will destroy Pimlico Gardens, one of few public green spaces in the area.
Photos: The most spectacular bridges in the world
Nine Elms Bridge by Bystrup, in progress (London, UK) – Danish firm Bystrup won the commission to build a bridge in South London's Pimlico neighborhood. However, the pedestrians-only curving structure is not without controversy. Critics worry the new bridge, which is not yet under construction, will destroy Pimlico Gardens, one of few public green spaces in the area.
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charles kuonen suspension bridgecharles kuonen suspension bridge 2 glass bridge china 1zaha hadid danjiang bridgelucky knot bridge next architectsljusarkitektur lumenpulse bridge helix bridge singaporekoge north station bridgerafael vinoly architects puente laguna garzon bcq arquitectura sarajevo bridgeolafur eliasson cirkelbroen bridgenine elms bridge pimlico bystrup

(CNN)Spanning an awesome 1621 feet and rising as high as 279 feet, the newly opened Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge in Switzerland has broken the record for the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, according to Zermatt Tourism. The bridge offers hikers views of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Bernese Alps.

"How often do you get the chance to cross a real world record suspension bridge?" said Daniel Luggen, director of Zermatt Tourism, at the bridge's inauguration on July 29. "The thrill experienced high over the precipice is indescribable."
Construction in China's 'skyscraper capital' shows little sign of slowing
Construction in China's 'skyscraper capital' shows little sign of slowing
The bridge, which has replaced an older bridge that was damaged by falling rocks, was named after its chief sponsor, a psychologist and co-owner of a Swiss winery.
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    It spans the valley between the towns of Zermatt and Grächen. According to Edith Zweifel, a spokesperson for the travel board, it cuts the journey across the valley from three to four hours to a mere 10 minutes. (The total journey time between Zermatt and Grächen is about two days.)
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    While the bridge's height has removed the risk of rock fall, more height-averse hikers may want to plan ahead before making the trek.
    "People who have problems with a fear of heights, they have to close their eyes, or have someone to walk just behind," Zweifel said.