Tianshan Shengli Tunnel

China has opened the world’s longest expressway tunnel, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, marking a major infrastructure milestone in its western region. Located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the tunnel dramatically improves connectivity across the rugged Tianshan Mountains and strengthens transport links between northern and southern Xinjiang.

Tianshan Shengli Tunnel Sets Global Records

Stretching 22.13 kilometres, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel passes through the heart of the Tianshan mountain range, one of China’s most formidable natural barriers. According to Song Hailiang, Chairman of China Communications Construction Company, the project has achieved two global firsts:

World’s longest expressway tunnel
Deepest vertical shaft ever constructed for a highway tunnel

The tunnel represents a significant engineering achievement, involving complex geology, high-altitude construction and extreme climatic conditions.

Key Link in the G0711 Expressway Network

The tunnel forms a vital part of the G0711 Urumqi–Yuli Expressway, which was also opened to traffic. This expressway serves as a major transportation corridor connecting urban clusters across Xinjiang.

The route cuts across the Tianshan Mountains, a mountain system extending nearly 2,500 kilometres, which historically limited movement between northern and southern Xinjiang and constrained economic integration within the region.

Travel Time Across Tianshan Reduced Drastically

Before the tunnel’s opening, crossing the mountains required long and hazardous journeys on winding roads, often disrupted by weather. With the new tunnel:

Tunnel crossing time: ~20 minutes
Urumqi–Korla travel time: Reduced from ~7 hours to ~3 hours

This reduction is expected to boost logistics efficiency, tourism, regional trade and emergency mobility.

Strategic and Regional Significance

The project aligns with China’s broader strategy of strengthening infrastructure in its western regions. Improved expressway connectivity supports:

Regional economic integration
Faster movement of goods and people
Enhanced disaster response and security logistics

The tunnel also reinforces Xinjiang’s role as a key transport hub linking China’s interior with Central Asia under long-term regional development plans.