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ADRENALINE junkies can test their head for heights following the opening of the world's 'highest and longest' bridge in China.

The glass-bottomed structure, which is 1,400 feet long and suspended 1,000 feet above ground level officially opened to visitors on Saturday.

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Tourists take in the view from the glass bottomed bridgeCredit: AP:Associated Press
Visitors cross the world's highest and l
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The bridge offers stunning views of the canyonCredit: Getty Images

Tourists can walk across the bridge, designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, and the more adventurous will be able to bungee jump or ride a zip line.

People visit a glass bridge at a gorge as it opens to public in Zhangjiajie
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Chinese officials say the bridge is the tallest and highest glass bottomed bridgeCredit: Reuters
People visit a glass bridge at a gorge as it opens to public in Zhangjiajie
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The bridge officially opened to visitors on SaturdayCredit: Reuters
A boy lies down to see the view through
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Tourists can look down through the glass bridge to the canyon below - if you dare Credit: Getty Images

To celebrate its opening, officials organised a number of special events, including one where people were encouraged to try and SMASH the bridge's glass panels with a sledge hammer to demonstrate its safety.

Another event saw a car being towed along it to test the strength of the 99 panels of clear glass.

"I wanted to feel awe-inspired by this bridge. But I'm not afraid -- it seems safe!" said Wang Min, who was visiting the new structure with her husband and children.

The bridge connects two mountain cliffs in Zhangjiajie park in China's central Hunan province.

Officials already say the bridge, which is designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, has already set world records for its architecture and construction.

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Only 8,000 people each day will be allowed to cross the bridgeCredit: AP:Associated Press
A visitor poses for a photograph on the
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Visitors were quick to test their nerve on the bridgeCredit: Getty Images
A visitor jumps for a photograph on the
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Visitors flocked to the new tourist attractionCredit: Getty Images

"It's crowded today and a bit of a mess. But to be suspended 300 metres in the air, it's a unique experience," said Lin Chenglu, who had come to see the bridge with his colleagues.

At six meters wide, the bridge can carry up to 800 people at a time.

But selfie fans look set to be disappointed after officials banned the use of cameras and selfie sticks while walking across the bridge and people wearing stilettos will also be unable to cross.

Chinese bridge
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Authorities also say the bridge has a Hollywood influence after a Hollywood photographer visited the area in 2008, taking images which were used for American blockbuster Avatar.


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