Skip to main content

This 1,640-Foot Glass Slide in the Mountains of China Isn’t for the Faint-Hearted

China seems intent to outdo the sheer craziness and “go big or go home” mentality of almost any other country on earth (we’re looking at you, Dubai). First, they debuted the Great Wall of China toboggan. Then came the opening of the country’s two longest glass bridges (one of which cracked in 2015 with tourists on it). Earlier last month, a new adventure experience opened that encourages thrillseekers to jump across a precarious “gapped bridge” suspended hundreds of feet above a valley in Chongqing. Now, they’re upping the ante again with a massive glass slide that overshadows just about any other thrill ride in the country.

Newly opened in the northern Shanxi Province along the Yellow River is an impressive structure that resembles a towering roller coaster scaffolding topped with a series of glass platforms connected by walkways and slides. Riders start at the entrance by climbing a long set of stairs before reaching the viewing platform which sits at 1,300 feet above sea level. It’s the highest point in the area with stunning views of the Dayudu Yellow River Scenic Area.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

From the platform, the slide runs for a total of 1,640 feet with a 330-foot drop in elevation. If that doesn’t sound steep enough or long enough for you, consider that the sides and bottom are constructed entirely of glass. The transparency provides a clear 360-degree view in every direction and is said to feel thoroughly disorienting. If you can slow yourself down long enough (not likely), you might even catch a view of the surrounding area which is renowned for its natural beauty.

Recommended Videos

The ride opened for a series of test runs last month, with a grand opening planned later this year.

Americans seeking a similar experience without the overseas flight to Asia can check out L.A.’s U.S. Bank Tower building which opened its own glass slide in 2016. While only 45 feet long, the SkySlide takes visitors on a brief, but dizzying drop off the side of the skyscraper on an “express ride” from the 70th to the 69th-floor observation deck. Acrophobics need not apply.

Images Courtesy chinanews.com

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Study reveals the most magical spots to get engaged this year
Thinking about popping the question this year?
Cappadocia, Turkey

If you’re planning to pop the question in 2025, or simply looking for fun ideas, a new study has revealed the most enchanting places around the world to get engaged. The research, conducted by engagement ring specialists Angelic Diamonds, developed a “perfect proposal destination index” by analyzing 80 global destinations based on key romantic factors. These included the percentage of romantic hotels and restaurants, annual hours of sunshine, and the average cost of a bottle of wine – because no proposal is complete without a toast.

Topping the list is Imerovigli, Greece, a cozy village perched along the caldera cliffs of Santorini. Scoring an impressive 88.04 on the index, Imerovigli boasts more than 3,600 hours of sunshine annually, the most of any destination on the list, and an incredible 63% of restaurants rated as romantic. Wine lovers will also be pleased: a bottle averages just £4.22 ($5.25 USD). Recommended proposal spots include Skaros Rock for panoramic sunset views and Anastasi Church with its iconic blue dome.

Read more
This surprising Southern city is the most affordable place to vacation this summer
You may want to consider a trip to Raleigh, North Carolina this year
Raleigh North Carolina

If you're looking for a summer getaway that won’t break the bank, Raleigh, North Carolina might just be your best bet. According to KAYAK’s new Travel Check-In report, Raleigh ranks as the most affordable U.S. destination for an all-in summer vacation.

KAYAK analyzed flight and hotel prices to find the best deals for travelers. They found that the average round-trip flight to Raleigh costs just $291, and a five-night hotel stay comes in at $745, bringing the total for a five-day trip to an incredibly reasonable $1,036. With overall flight prices down 7% compared to last year, it’s a smart time to plan.

Read more
10 road trip podcasts to keep you entertained for miles
These podcasts make the journey as fun as the destination
Personal perspective of person driving on mountain road

There’s nothing like the open road, windows down, snacks in the console, and a killer podcast playing in the background. And a good road trip podcast can make the miles fly by. Did you know that, according to a recent survey, podcasts reach about 53 percent of American adults every month? Personally, I never leave for a road trip without a curated queue of episodes – true crime for when I need a thrill, comedy when the energy dips, and storytelling when I want to sink into something immersive. So if you're looking for something new to press play on, your new favorite podcast might just be waiting for you.
Best road trip podcasts

Here are 10 road trip podcasts I’ve loved (and sometimes binged in one sitting) that are worth adding to your playlist.
1. SmartLess
If you haven’t already hopped on the SmartLess train, consider this your sign. Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, this podcast feels like eavesdropping on three hilarious friends as they interview big-name guests without ever taking themselves too seriously. I listened to five episodes straight while driving through Utah, and honestly, it made the flat stretches feel like a comedy club on wheels.
2. Criminal
There’s something weirdly soothing about Phoebe Judge’s voice, even when she’s telling you about art theft, missing persons, or strange legal loopholes. Criminal is for anyone who wants true crime that’s more thoughtful than sensational. It's one of those shows that makes you go, “Wait, THAT happened?”
3. This American Life
A road trip classic. Every episode of This American Life is a beautifully crafted story (or set of stories) about real people, sometimes moving, sometimes hilarious, always deeply human. 
4. Stuff You Should Know
If you’re traveling with someone who loves random trivia or deep dives into oddly specific topics (hello, history of vending machines), Stuff You Should Know is gold. It’s conversational, quirky, and educational without trying too hard.
5. Normal Gossip
This podcast dishes out anonymous, everyday drama like your funniest friend whispering secrets in the passenger seat. Think “someone’s ex got too involved in a neighborhood Facebook group” or “there’s beef in a local kickball league.” It's juicy and delightful, especially when you want something lighter.
6. Song Exploder
For music lovers, Song Exploder is like pulling back the curtain on your favorite songs. Artists break down their process and inspiration, piece by piece. I played an episode featuring Fleetwood Mac on a rainy drive through the Smoky Mountains, it was moody perfection.
7. The Moth
Real people, real stories, told live. The Moth is packed with raw, powerful, often funny tales that are perfect for long stretches of highway. 
8. You’re Wrong About
Ever wondered if everything you learned about Y2K, the McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit, or Anna Nicole Smith was wrong? This podcast revisits misunderstood moments in pop culture and history with humor and heart. 
9. Radiolab
If you're into science, philosophy, or the mysteries of the universe, Radiolab is endlessly fascinating. It takes big ideas and makes them digestible, and even emotional. I’ve gotten so wrapped up in an episode before, I missed my highway exit.
10. Office Ladies
For The Office fans, this re-watch podcast by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey is basically a road trip hangout. It’s warm, funny, and full of behind-the-scenes stories that feel like a cozy reunion with old friends.

Read more