…之最
the -est in (the world, the country); a record
Structure
主语 （某项指标） ＋ 堪称／居／是 ＋ 范围（世界／全国／亚洲） ＋ 之最 · 创下 数量 项 范围 之最
What it means
之 is classical 的, so 世界之最 turns the superlative into a noun: the record, or the record-holder, within a range.
How it is built
Subject (the measure) + 堪称/居/是/创下 + range (世界/全国/亚洲) + 之最: 这座大桥的主跨长度堪称世界之最 (the bridge's main span is the world's longest).
When to use it
News, explainers and tourism writing; it can be counted (十项世界之最) and listed (中国之最). In speech say 世界上最大的 or 世界第一.
Watch out
It already contains 最: ✗堪称世界之最大 ✓堪称世界之最. Name the measure in the subject (主跨长度, 装机容量), or it is unclear what is greatest.
Examples
这座大桥的主跨长度堪称世界之最。
The bridge’s main span is the longest in the world.
这项工程一口气创下了十项世界之最。
The project set ten world records at a stroke.
中国高铁的运营里程居世界之最。
China’s high-speed rail network is the longest in operation anywhere in the world.
Learn this in Lesson 177 · HSK 7–9: 一度电的旅程 (The journey of a kilowatt-hour)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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