The largest natural bridge on Earth was virtually unknown to the rest of the world, until it was observed on Google Earth.
From the downstream side, Fairy Bridge can be reached via bamboo rafts with wooden chairs attached to them, which are propelled upstream using poles. A landing area only a short distance downstream from the bridge provides the exit point for the rubber raft trips and the starting point for the bamboo raft excursions. This landing area is accessible only by unpaved roads (as of the end of 2010).Under Fairy Bridge
Underneath Fairy Bridge. Photo by Gunter Welz (click image for larger version).
Fairy Bridge from downstream
Fairy Bridge from downstream. Photo by Gunter Welz (click on image for larger version). Until recently, Fairy Bridge has been virtually unknown outside of China. NABS first became aware of it in 2009 when Jay Wilbur was searching the area via computer using Google Earth and spotted what looked like a large natural bridge spanning a river. This was quickly confirmed by a Panoramio photo linked to Google Earth, taken by the Chinese photographer “ivanytng.” Estimates using Google Earth and other photos suggested that the span might be the largest in the world. This inspired Ray Millar to arrange a trip there, which proved difficult, and his first attempt to reach the arch in 2009 failed. A second effort in 2010, attended by six other NABS members, was successful, due in large part to pioneering efforts on the part of China Odyssey Tours, based in Guilin, China.
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