China's New Expressway Tunnel Transforms Travel in Xinjiang

On December 26, 2025, the G0711 Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, featuring the world's longest expressway tunnel, officially opened in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This 22.13-kilometer tunnel significantly reduces travel time between the regional capital Urumqi and the city of Korla from over seven hours to approximately 3½ hours. The expressway serves as a crucial link between northern and southern Xinjiang, facilitating better connectivity for local residents and businesses.

China DailyWorld's longest expressway tunnel opens to traffic in XinjiangWorld’s Longest Expressway Tunnel to Open, Linking North and South XinjiangSouth China Morning Post

The construction of the tunnel, which began in April 2020, faced numerous challenges due to the region's difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions. Song Hailiang, chairman of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), highlighted that the tunnel not only holds the record for being the longest expressway tunnel globally but also features the deepest vertical shaft for a highway tunnel. Engineers employed advanced tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to navigate through hard rock and multiple fault zones, ensuring a safer and more efficient construction process.

South China Morning PostWorld’s Longest Expressway Tunnel to Open, Linking North and South XinjiangChina DailyWorld's longest expressway tunnel opens to traffic in Xinjiang

The new expressway and tunnel are expected to enhance trade and transportation in Xinjiang, a region pivotal to China's economic connections with Eurasia, particularly as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Guo Sheng, deputy director of Xinjiang’s transport department, emphasized that the infrastructure project addresses long-standing issues that have hindered development between the northern and southern parts of the region.

World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel to Open, Linking North and South Xinjiang

The opening of the expressway has been met with optimism from local officials. Guo Sheng stated that the expressway and tunnel will significantly improve travel efficiency and support economic growth in Xinjiang. Meanwhile, public vehicles, excluding medium and heavy-duty trucks, are permitted to use the route, which will enter formal trial operation on January 1, 2026.

China Daily

Despite the positive outlook, some critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact of such large-scale infrastructure projects in sensitive regions like Xinjiang. The construction process and subsequent increase in traffic could potentially disrupt local ecosystems and communities.

World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel to Open, Linking North and South Xinjiang

• “It is the longest expressway tunnel in the world and has the deepest vertical shaft for a highway tunnel,” — Song Hailiang, Chairman, China Communications Construction Company

South China Morning Post

• “At a press conference, Guo Sheng, deputy director of Xinjiang’s transport department, said the expressway and tunnel will help reduce a long-term problem that slowed development between the north and south of Xinjiang.” — Guo Sheng, Deputy Director, Xinjiang’s Transport Department

World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel to Open, Linking North and South Xinjiang

As the expressway enters trial operation, further assessments will be conducted to evaluate its impact on local traffic patterns and economic activity. The successful integration of this infrastructure is anticipated to play a significant role in shaping the future of transportation in Xinjiang.

China Daily