The Guoliang Tunnel: Connecting the Isolated Guoliang Village perched on a cliff in Henan Province, China, to the outside world. Interestingly, this tunnel was completely hand-dug using basic tools like chisels and hammers.
For centuries, the residents of Guoliang, a small village in China located atop a cliff in the Taihang Mountains, were almost entirely cut off from the outside world.
Mountain Tunnel.
The only way in and out of the village was via the “Sky Ladder”, a 720-step staircase carved into the mountain dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The challenging journey made it incredibly difficult for goods to enter or exit the village. Consequently, many of the approximately 300 residents considered relocating to seek an easier life.
However, everything changed in 1972 when the village council decided to carve a tunnel through the mountain to connect Guoliang with the outside world.
Song Baoqun, a 72-year-old villager, shared with Xinhua News Agency: “We used to live a hard life. Goods from the outside world could not reach the village, and our fresh agricultural products could not be transported elsewhere. We had to limit the weight of pigs to 50-60 kg, otherwise, it was very difficult to carry them down.”
The challenging location and terrain of Guoliang village led to significant economic difficulties.
Due to its location and rugged terrain, Guoliang village faced numerous economic challenges. However, the biggest challenge was getting sick individuals to the hospital for treatment in a timely manner. If someone fell ill, it required 8 people to carry them down the mountain using the old path. Once they reached the base, it took an additional 4 hours to get to the nearest hospital.
This is why the mission to build a new road, breaking the previous isolation, was incredibly important. Despite having no construction experience or knowledge, 13 strong villagers volunteered to dig the tunnel through the mountain.
They used only primitive tools like hammers and chisels, and even ropes to lower themselves down the mountain slope during the tunneling process. There were times when it was extremely difficult, taking 3 days to dig just 1 meter. However, the important thing was that no one gave up.
As the tunnel began to take shape, more villagers joined in the effort. Within the next 5 years, the tunnel connecting Guoliang village to the outside world, measuring 1,250 meters (over 1.2 km), was completed.
For the first time, Guoliang village could be accessed by car and other vehicles.
Guoliang has transformed from an unknown small village into a bustling tourist destination.
Shen Heshan, another villager, shared: “In the past, we were very envious of those living in the lowlands. Now, no one wants to leave this village on the cliff anymore. We feel satisfied with our home.”
Immediately after the hand-dug tunnel was completed, Guoliang transformed from an unknown small village into a bustling tourist spot. Situated at an elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level, visitors can enjoy breathtaking natural scenery.
The Guoliang Tunnel is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world.
After the tunnel’s completion, Guoliang village has become a favorite location for filmmakers and directors, being dubbed the “Number One Film and Television Village in China” due to its unique scenery and ancient village charm.
There are many Airbnbs, hostels, and restaurants around the village, as well as some small food stalls. The houses here are all brand new, with several new buildings under construction, giving a more modern feel.
According to Xinhua News Agency, ticket sales for visiting Guoliang village reached 17 million USD in 2018. The local residents, who once lived in poverty, have become wealthy, with some even becoming major businesspeople and investors specializing in building hotels and accommodations for tourists.
The village chief revealed that ticket revenue for this attraction reached 17 million USD in 2018.
Guoliang Village Observatory.
From muddy-footed farmers living in poverty, they have now become prosperous individuals. Some have even become entrepreneurs, major owners of businesses, and hotel chains in Henan Province.
“My life is wonderful now. The number of tourists visiting for sightseeing and travel has been increasing rapidly each year. This place can be said to be the best location to ‘heal’ the soul, serving as a mental remedy to relieve the stress and pressures that the daily grind of life and work brings,” the village chief of Guoliang expressed.
The Guoliang Tunnel is considered one of the most dangerous roads for drivers in the world, primarily due to its narrow and winding nature. However, in reality, driving along the mountain edge is not overly dangerous if drivers remain focused. The tunnel in Guoliang village reminds one of another monumental construction. A Chinese man spent 36 years digging a 10 km long water channel through three mountains to bring water to his village. |
