Cracking glass effect on bridge startles tourists

World
Europe

A video released online recently shows the glass panels of a mountainside bridge apparently fracturing beneath the feet of a tourist in northern China’s Hebei Province, causing the man to fall to the floor in terror.

GIF from CCTVNEWS Weibo account

Representatives at the East Taihang Mountain, where the glass bridge was built into the mountainside at a height of 1,200 meters above sea level, said the cracking glass was only a special effect using sensor technology, meaning it appears to fracture whenever someone moves over it.

But the effect, accompanied by the sound of cracking glass, was so convincing the public has questioned whether it is appropriate to use it at all.

Screenshot of comments on Weibo

“It is freaking me out! People who have heart problems will definitely have a heart attack!” posted @“tonybai_cn on Weibo.

Another user, @atongliyagen, said, “Anyone would be frightened if not notified earlier. It may trigger health risks to fragile people. I hope there is a warning sign.”

Photo from the official WeChat account of the scenic spot East Taihang

Glass-bottom bridges are the latest tourist craze in China, often built into mountainsides or suspended across deep ravines, designed to test the mettle of the most fearless travelers.