Deep in the Tianshan Mountains, a groundbreaking achievement unfolded as workers in the Chinese mainland completed all eight vertical shafts of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel – the world's longest expressway tunnel. This engineering marvel slashes travel time between Urumqi and Korla, saving logistics firms an estimated 70 million yuan each year. 🚀
But the tunnel is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), infrastructure has taken center stage. Today, high-speed railways, expressways, seaports, and more than 3.6 million 5G base stations are stitching together even the most remote parts of the Chinese mainland with booming economic zones.
Picture this: solar panels in Hefei reaching German ports in only 27 days via a sea-rail intermodal route, and fishing communities in Zhangzhou enjoying 5G coverage that stretches 50 km offshore. These are not isolated success stories—they are part of a sweeping effort to boost both physical and digital connectivity. 🌐
Innovative digital reforms are also in full swing. One-stop portals, unified e-procurement platforms, and remote service centers have simplified business across provincial borders. Whether it’s a cybersecurity firm in Jiangxi or new cross-provincial business registrations in the Yangtze River Delta, unified market systems are making operations smoother and more efficient.
The transformation doesn't stop at borders. From Guangdong's lychee orchards to power grids stretching across vast regions, improved logistics and mega infrastructure projects like the South-to-North Water Diversion and West-to-East Power Transmission are reshaping how resources move across the Chinese mainland. In Zhengzhou, China-Europe freight trains now carry everything from agricultural produce to electric vehicles, while the forthcoming Pinglu Canal in Guangxi will allow 5,000-tonne ships to navigate directly from inland ports to international waters, enhancing trade with Southeast Asia.
As the Chinese mainland prepares for its 15th Five-Year Plan, the push for a unified national market is set to intensify. Experts point to further integration through standardized regulations, expanded data and logistics networks, and a smoother flow of capital, technology, and talent. This evolution not only reinforces domestic resilience under the dual circulation strategy but also strengthens international trade ties.
In an era where connectivity defines progress, the Chinese mainland's dynamic drive toward a unified national market offers an inspiring blueprint for the future. Stay tuned as this captivating transformation continues to fuel growth and reshape the way resources, businesses, and cultures connect. 🚄✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
