English 
Spanish 
4 min read
1 comments
At 22,13 km long, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel construction crosses the imposing Tianshan Mountains, reducing journeys from hours to just 20 minutes and revolutionizing transportation in the Xinjiang region.
When it comes to infrastructure giants, China dominates the global stage. Whether it’s building skyscrapers that defy the sky or bridges that span impressive distances, the country has become synonymous with grandeur. Now, China’s construction industry has achieved another remarkable feat: the Tianshan Shengli Highway Tunnel, a monumental project that reflects its ambition and technical prowess.
This tunnel, over 22 kilometers long, promises to revolutionize transportation in the mountainous region of Xinjiang, reducing travel hours to just 20 minutes. But how was such a large-scale project possible? Let's explore the details.
The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel – A Landmark in China’s Construction
The Tianshan Shengli tunnel, located in the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region, is the latest example of China's ambition. At 22,13 km long, the tunnel crosses the Tianshan Mountains, one of the longest mountain ranges in the world. To give you an idea, the distance is equivalent to crossing the Strait of Gibraltar between Tarifa and Benzú.
- Desert Rock: The luxury retreat carved into the cliffs of Saudi Arabia that is transforming desert tourism
- Bridge worth almost R$400 MILLION takes shape and already has a completion date
- State of São Paulo will have a new bridge! Project valued at 27 MILLION has just been approved with the right to a roundabout and adaptation of a double lane
- The Great Solar Wall of China: How the world's LARGEST solar project is transforming the desert and impressing NASA
This grandiose construction is one of the most record-breaking infrastructures. Despite its impressive length, it is still behind the Laerdal Tunnel in Norway, which measures 24,5 km, but is larger than any other tunnel in China.
More than a record, the Tianshan Shengli represents a transformation for the local population. Previously, journeys on icy, winding roads required hours behind the wheel, with constant risks for drivers and transporters. Now, the journey between the north and south of the region will be made in just 20 minutes.
This connectivity not only improves the quality of life for residents, but also boosts the local economy. Agricultural products, coal and livestock will be able to be transported more efficiently, connecting regional and national markets.
Overcoming the extreme environment
Building beneath the Tianshan Mountains was a real test of endurance. Engineers faced harsh weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, as well as high altitude and seismic activity. To overcome these obstacles, special drilling machines were used, and the tunnel was divided into segments to make the work easier.
A state-of-the-art ventilation system, with a 706-meter-deep shaft, was implemented to ensure safety during construction and operation.
The construction also required careful consideration of the environment. The Tianshan Mountains have significant ecological and geological value, and the project had to comply with strict sustainability criteria.
Additionally, the project took place in Xinjiang, a politically sensitive region due to issues involving the Uyghur minority. Despite international criticism of Chinese policy, construction proceeded with the aim of strengthening local infrastructure.
Comparisons with other engineering works
China is known for constantly outdoing itself in its projects. In the case of Tianshan Shengli, it joins projects such as the Gotthard railway tunnel in Switzerland, which holds the record for the longest tunnel in the world (57 km). However, in the road sector, Tianshan stands out for its regional impact and its technical design.
This tunnel is just one part of a larger project, the 319km Ürümqi-Yuli Highway. When completed, this highway will be a backbone for transportation in Xinjiang, cutting travel times from seven hours to just over three.
Tianshan Shengli is undoubtedly an example of what to expect from the future of construction in China: projects that not only break records, but also transform lives.
The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is more than a landmark in China’s construction; it is a symbol of human capacity to rise to seemingly insurmountable challenges. As the world watches, China continues to raise the bar in engineering, showing that for them, the sky – or in this case, the earth – is not the limit.
I am writing this email to request the position of inspector in the existing vacancies.