China Opens World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel in Xinjiang

Landmark Infrastructure Achievement in Western China

China has opened to traffic the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel , now recognised as the world’s longest expressway tunnel , marking a major infrastructure milestone in the country’s western region. Located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region , the tunnel significantly improves connectivity across the formidable Tianshan mountain range , long regarded as a natural barrier between northern and southern Xinjiang.

Record-Breaking Engineering Feat

Stretching 22.13 kilometres , the Tianshan Shengli tunnel sets two global records. It is the longest highway tunnel in the world and also incorporates the deepest vertical shaft ever constructed for an expressway tunnel . The project was executed by China Communications Construction Company , whose chairman described it as a breakthrough in high-altitude and complex mountain engineering.

Strategic Role in the G0711 Expressway

The tunnel forms the core segment of the G0711 Urumqi–Yuli Expressway , which has also become fully operational. This expressway serves as a vital transport corridor linking major urban clusters across Xinjiang. The Tianshan Mountains , extending nearly 2,500 kilometres , historically restricted movement and trade, making the tunnel a critical enabler of regional integration.

Drastic Reduction in Travel Time

The tunnel has dramatically shortened travel durations. A crossing that previously took several hours through winding and hazardous mountain roads can now be completed in around 20 minutes . Overall travel time between Urumqi , the regional capital in northern Xinjiang, and Korla , the largest city in southern Xinjiang, has been reduced from about seven hours to nearly three hours , enhancing safety and logistics efficiency.

Economic and Regional Impact

The 324.7-kilometre expressway was built over five years at an investment of approximately 46.7 billion yuan . By overcoming long-standing geographical constraints, the project is expected to strengthen regional mobility, support trade, and accelerate economic development in Xinjiang through improved infrastructure connectivity.

Important Facts for Exams

• Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is the world’s longest expressway tunnel (22.13 km)

• Located in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

• Part of the G0711 Urumqi–Yuli Expressway

• Tianshan Mountains divide northern and southern Xinjiang