China has just shattered engineering records by opening the world’s longest expressway tunnel, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel. Spanning an impressive 22.13 kilometers, this tunnel cuts through the heart of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a rugged area notorious for challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.
Before the arrival of the tunnel, crossing the Tianshan Mountains could take several hours as drivers navigated winding mountain roads and braved tough conditions. Now, the same journey takes just 20 minutes, making travel across the region safer, much faster, and far more convenient for everyone.
The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is a vital part of the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, a road network that has transformed connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang. Thanks to this development, the trip from Urumqi in the north to Korla in the south has dropped from about seven hours to just three.
Officials are confident that the tunnel will play a huge role in boosting trade, tourism, and the movement of goods and people throughout Xinjiang. It’s also set to make it easier to reach remote areas and strengthen the connections between cities.
Celebrated as a groundbreaking achievement in engineering, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel marks a major milestone for Xinjiang and signals China’s ongoing commitment to huge infrastructure projects and regional development. This tunnel doesn’t just set a new world record—it’s opening up possibilities for faster, more efficient travel across western China.
