China is in the process of building the world’s longest highway tunnel, the Tianshan Shengli tunnel, fostering crucial trade links between Xinjiang and Central Asia.
The tunnel, part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, is set to significantly reduce travel time through the Tianshan Mountains, from Urumqi to Korla. Anticipated to open by October 2025, the 22.1km tunnel emerges as a pivotal development, enhancing economic growth in Xinjiang and strengthening China’s ties with Central Asia amid evolving geopolitics.
The initiative aligns with China’s Belt and Road strategy and signals a broader emphasis on diversified trade methods and cultural exchanges in the region.
