Since the reforms and opening up, the material life of the people has generally improved, and the means of transportation have become more convenient. China boasts all kinds of transportation options, including trains, high-speed rail, airplanes, and ships… However, in recent years, people have tended to prefer self-driving for travel. Yet, a common issue that often disrupts the lives of citizens is the heavy traffic congestion that frequently occurs on highways. Whether commuting to work or traveling, people’s moods are often affected by traffic jams.
However, the highway I am about to mention below is not only free from traffic jams but also sees almost no vehicles at all. It is dubbed the “quietest” highway in China, with a total length of 2,540 kilometers.
That is the Jingxin G7 Highway in China! After seeing this highway, everyone says it is the “most peaceful” and “emptiest” highway in China. Many may not be familiar with this route, which stretches from Beijing to Urumqi (the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region), covering a total length of 2,540 kilometers.
The Jingxin G7 Highway is part of China’s “Belt and Road Initiative.” After five years of construction, this highway became operational at the end of June 2017. It is the longest desert highway in the world.
The construction of this highway was very challenging, with a total cost reaching 37 billion yuan (equivalent to 129 trillion VND). The workforce alone for the construction of this highway reached 30,000 people.
The highway runs through the Gobi Desert, an area known for its harsh environment. Temperatures can be extremely high or low. Therefore, the requirements for equipment and construction materials are very high.
A significant amount of manpower and resources have been invested in this highway. However, throughout the highway, almost no vehicles can be seen. Surrounding it is only barren, desolate desert.
Although this highway appears very deserted and quiet, it is a project with significant political and economic implications. It has been praised by many, as travel for people from Xinjiang to Beijing has been shortened by over 1,300 kilometers. In fact, everyone knows that there is a time zone difference of two hours between Xinjiang and Beijing, so some say driving on this highway feels like traveling through time and space, which is rare and quite romantic.
The main reason this highway is so deserted is that it traverses a desolate desert area. Previously, no roads crossed this desert land, making this highway a point of pride and a milestone in the history of highways in China.
