China proves once again that there are no insurmountable obstacles: the implausible highway between mountains
Engineers in Guizhou Province cut open rugged peaks to connect remote towns, a project hailed as both breathtaking and controversial.
In southwestern China’s Guizhou Province, road crews faced a challenge that would stop most projects dead, namely a wall of mountains blocking the path of a planned highway. They did, however, manage to find an unorthodox solution: split the mountain in two.
How engineers split a mountain in two
Near the city of Anshun, engineers used explosives, massive drills and precision excavation to carve a wide corridor straight through rugged peaks. The result is a multi-lane highway slicing cleanly between sheer cliffs, a striking addition to China’s rapidly expanding road network.
Guizhou is known for its stunning but unforgiving terrain, where steep mountains have long isolated communities and slowed economic growth. By driving a highway through the heart of the region, China hopes to link remote towns to major cities, cut travel times and open new routes for trade and tourism.
This project is part of a broader push that has seen the country pour staggering sums into high-speed rail, record-breaking bridges and sprawling urban highways. Supporters say the strategy is paying off, turning previously inaccessible regions into growth drivers.
Environmental trade-offs
Not everyone is impressed. Environmental groups warn that splitting mountains can trigger landslides, accelerate soil erosion and destroy wildlife habitats. Such concerns echo a wider debate over China’s development model: the balance between economic gain and environmental cost.
Beijing has pledged to pursue greener infrastructure but projects like the Guizhou highway suggest speed and scale remain the top priorities.
Highway’s transformative effect
For local residents, the new highway is expected to be transformative. Farmers can bring goods to market faster, tourists can reach scenic spots with ease and businesses have more opportunities for attracting investment. But the project also stands as a symbol of China’s ability, and willingness, to reshape its landscape on a massive scale.
Whether this bold approach proves sustainable is another question. For now, the road through the mountain is both a marvel of engineering and a reminder that progress often comes with a price.
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