China has opened what it claims to be the world’s longest expressway tunnel in Xinjiang province, a major milestone in transport infrastructure. The Tianshan Shengli tunnel spans 22.13 kilometers and passes through the central Tianshan Mountains, connecting northern and southern Xinjiang.
Officials say the tunnel has dramatically shortened travel across the mountains. A journey that once took several hours can now be completed in about 20 minutes. Before the tunnel, driving between Urumqi, the provincial capital in the north, and Korla, the largest city in southern Xinjiang, took around seven hours. The new expressway cuts this to roughly three hours.
Song Hailiang, chairman of China Communications Construction Company, highlighted the tunnel’s global significance. He said it sets two world records: it is the longest expressway tunnel in the world and has the deepest vertical shaft among highway tunnels.
The tunnel is part of the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, which also opened on Friday. The expressway serves as a major transport artery linking city clusters across northern and southern Xinjiang.
The Tianshan Mountains stretch about 2,500 kilometers across central Xinjiang, forming a natural barrier between Urumqi and Korla. The challenging terrain has long made travel slow and dangerous. By cutting through the mountains, the tunnel provides a safer and faster route for vehicles, freight, and commuters.
Construction of the expressway took five years and covers 324.7 kilometers in total. The project involved an investment of 46.7 billion yuan, roughly USD 6.63 billion. Officials describe it as a landmark infrastructure project, reflecting China’s focus on improving regional connectivity.
The tunnel also supports economic development in Xinjiang by improving logistics efficiency and reducing transport costs. Businesses in northern and southern Xinjiang can now move goods more quickly, boosting trade and regional cooperation. The new route is expected to enhance tourism, allowing easier access to scenic areas in the Tianshan Mountains.
Engineers involved in the project faced multiple challenges. Excavating through hard rock at high altitudes and navigating complex geological conditions required advanced technology and careful planning. The tunnel’s vertical shafts, which are among the deepest in the world, were crucial for ventilation, emergency access, and construction safety.
Experts say that large-scale projects like this tunnel reflect China’s strategy to expand modern transport networks in remote and mountainous regions. By improving highway infrastructure, authorities aim to reduce travel times, support local economies, and strengthen regional integration.
The opening ceremony included officials from both provincial and national transport authorities, who described the project as a milestone for infrastructure engineering. They emphasized its importance for national highway networks and cross-regional mobility.
With this achievement, China continues to set benchmarks for tunnel construction globally. The Tianshan Shengli tunnel is not only the longest expressway tunnel but also an engineering feat demonstrating the country’s ability to overcome extreme natural challenges.
Travelers in Xinjiang now benefit from faster, safer journeys, while local communities gain improved access to markets, services, and opportunities. The tunnel marks a major step forward in modernizing transport infrastructure in one of China’s most challenging regions.
