URUMQI – A monumental engineering achievement is poised to transform transportation in Northwest China as the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, now recognized as the world’s longest expressway tunnel, prepares to open to traffic by the conclusion of 2025. This 22.13-kilometer engineering marvel will forge a critical new thoroughfare directly through the formidable Tianshan Mountains, effectively bridging the northern and southern regions of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for the first time.
The announcement was formally made by Guo Sheng, Deputy Director of the regional transport department, during a press conference hosted by the Information Office of the Xinjiang regional government on Thursday. Guo emphasized that the tunnel constitutes the centerpiece of the new Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, a project specifically designed to eliminate a persistent transportation bottleneck. This bottleneck has historically impeded economic integration and coordinated development between the northern and southern areas of the vast region.
The operational impact of the tunnel will be dramatic. The arduous journey across the central Tianshan range, which previously consumed several hours on treacherous mountain roads, will be reduced to a smooth and safe 20-minute drive. On a broader scale, travel between the regional capital of Urumqi, located north of the mountains, and the major southern city of Korla will be slashed from a seven-hour undertaking to approximately three hours. This unprecedented connectivity is expected to unlock significant economic potential, facilitate cultural exchange, and enhance logistical efficiency across Xinjiang, marking a new chapter in the region’s development.