Why China's Record-Breaking Bridge Has Been Forced To Close After 13 Days

China's record-breaking glass bridge has been forced to close, just 13 days after opening.

The structure stretches 430 metres over Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, with 99 triple-glazed panels providing breathtaking views of the 300 metre drop below.

However, after opening on August 20, it simply couldn't stand up to the hype - with demand estimated at 10 times its load capacity of 8000 people per day.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS HERE.

The closure was announced on Chinese microblogging site Weibo, officials assuring the public that "there was no problem" and that there had been no accidents.

According to Xinhua, China's state-run news service, the bridge will now undergo an "internal system upgrade", to update "software and hardware" related to managing visitors.

Park officials will use the closure to improve car parks, booking system and customer service.

It's not yet clear when the bridge will reopen to visitors.

nzherald.co.nz