China has repeatedly created miracles in the field of tunnel engineering. These world-class projects not only lead in technology but also showcase China's ambition in infrastructure development. Here are seven ultra-world-class tunnel projects.
1、The World's Longest Twin-Tube Highway Tunnel - Qinling Zhongnanshan Tunnel
Located in Shaanxi Province, the Qinling Zhongnanshan Tunnel, with a total length of 36.04 kilometers, is currently the world's longest twin-tube highway tunnel. The tunnel starts in Wutai Township, Chang'an District, Xi'an City in the north and ends in Yingpan Town, Zhashui County, Shangluo City in the south. During its construction, the engineering team overcame various challenges such as faults, water inflow, and rock bursts. It officially opened to traffic on January 20, 2007, boosting Shaanxi's highway mileage to the top in Western China.
2、The World's Largest Diameter Shield Tunnel - Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel
The Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel, with a total length of 8.9 kilometers, has an inner diameter of 13.70 meters and an outer diameter of 15.43 meters, making it the world's largest diameter shield tunnel. The tunnel's upper level is a three-lane highway in one direction, while the lower level is reserved for rail transit space. This project connects Pudong and Changxing Island, forming the 25.5-kilometer Yangtze River Tunnel and Bridge project together with the Yangtze River Bridge.
3、The World's Highest Altitude Long Highway Tunnel - Sichuan-Tibet Highway Queershan Tunnel
The Queershan Tunnel on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is situated at an altitude of 4,378 meters and has a total length of 8.955 kilometers, making it the world's highest altitude long highway tunnel. Since its commencement in 2012, the construction team has overcome harsh environmental conditions such as high altitude, severe cold, and oxygen deficiency, creating a miracle in high-altitude construction.
4、The World's Longest Plateau Railway Tunnel - New Guanjiao Tunnel on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the New Guanjiao Tunnel on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway spans altitudes between 3,324.05 and 3,494.45 meters, making it the longest plateau railway tunnel in the world. Since its commencement in 2007, the engineering team has tackled challenges like extreme cold, oxygen deficiency, and complex geological conditions, ensuring the smooth progress of the project.
5、The World's Highest Altitude Plateau Railway Tunnel - Qilian Mountain Tunnel
In May 2014, the Qilian Mountain Tunnel on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway was fully connected. With a total length of 16.336 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 3,607.4 meters, it is currently the world's highest altitude, highest construction standard, and most challenging high-speed railway tunnel, earning the title of "The Highest High-Speed Railway Tunnel in the World."
6、The World's Largest Cross-Section Highway Tunnel - Gongbei Tunnel of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
The Gongbei Tunnel, with a total length of 2,741 meters and an excavation cross-section of 336.8 square meters for the 255-meter dark excavation section, is the world's largest cross-section highway tunnel. During its construction, the "curved pipe shed + freezing method" was adopted, breaking multiple world records, and forming an integral part of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Zhuhai Link.
7、The World's Longest Immersed Tube Tunnel - Immersed Tube Tunnel of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
The immersed tube tunnel of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, with a total length of 6.7 kilometers, consists of 33 immersed tubes and one closure section. It is the world's longest and deepest immersed tube tunnel, with a maximum installation depth exceeding 40 meters. This project, known as the Everest of transport engineering, poses extremely high technical challenges.
These tunnel projects not only achieve technical breakthroughs but also demonstrate the wisdom and courage of Chinese engineers during their construction. These world-class projects witness China's outstanding achievements in the field of infrastructure construction.