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Young explorers and infrastructure geeks, rejoice! The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel—a 22.13-kilometer marvel in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region—has just finished its boring phase, setting a new global record . This engineering triumph will slash travel time across the rugged Tianshan Mountains from hours to just 20 minutes once operational.
Part of the upcoming Urumqi-Yuli Expressway (opening in 2025!), the tunnel connects northern and southern Xinjiang like never before. By 2025, the 7-hour grind between Urumqi and Yuli County will become a breezy 3-hour drive—perfect for road-tripping Gen-Z adventurers .
Why it matters:
Upgrades connectivity in a region known for its stunning landscapes and Uygur culture
Cuts Urumqi-Korla travel time significantly, boosting tourism and trade
Conquers one of Asia’s most challenging mountain ranges with cutting-edge tech
Local officials say the project will unlock economic opportunities while preserving Xinjiang’s natural beauty. Time to update those Silk Road bucket lists!
World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel Breaks Through in Xinjiang! 
. This engineering triumph will slash travel time across the rugged Tianshan Mountains from hours to just 20 minutes once operational. 
.
Upgrades connectivity in a region known for its stunning landscapes and Uygur culture
Cuts Urumqi-Korla travel time significantly, boosting tourism and trade
Conquers one of Asia’s most challenging mountain ranges with cutting-edge tech
