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! ✈️
