Dulongjiang Tunnel in Gongshan County, Nujiang

? Gaoligong Mountain · Dulongjiang Tunnel (高黎贡山·独龙江隧道)

6,680 meters of “Life Line in the Clouds” — ending the era of winter isolation in Dulongjiang

Cutting through the snow line of the Gaoligong Mountains (高黎贡山) at over 3,000 meters, the Dulongjiang Tunnel (独龙江隧道) is more than an engineering marvel — it’s a lifeline that connects one of China’s most remote valleys to the outside world, 365 days a year. Before 2014, this route was closed for half the year due to heavy snow. Now, it’s an all-weather gateway to a land of alpine beauty and Dulong ethnic culture.

Tunnel Facts

• Official Name: Gaoligong Mountain Dulongjiang Highway Tunnel (高黎贡山独龙江公路隧道)

• Length: 6,680 m

• Elevation: East entrance 3,021 m, West entrance 2,841 m; max overburden depth 990 m

• Grade: Single-tube, two-lane Class IV highway tunnel; width 7 m, height clearance 4.5 m

• Location: Between Gongshan County (贡山县) and Dulongjiang Township (独龙江乡), crossing the main ridge of Gaoligong Mountain

⏳ Key Milestones

• 2011-01-29 – Reconstruction & expansion project began

• 2014-04-10, 13:28 – Final blast broke through, witnessed by Dulong villagers (独龙族)

• 2014-12-20 – Tunnel and supporting highway opened to traffic, marking the start of year-round road access

? Why It Matters

❄️ Ending “Half-Year Snow Lock”

Before: From November to May each year, Dulongjiang was cut off by deep snow.
After: Gongshan to Dulongjiang travel time reduced from 6–7 hours to 2–3 hours, with uninterrupted winter access.

❤️ Lifeline for Poverty Alleviation

The Dulong ethnic group (独龙族) became one of China’s first small-population minorities to lift the entire community out of poverty. Locals call the tunnel the “Happiness Road” (幸福路).

? Engineering Feat

Overcame seven world-class challenges — extreme cold & low oxygen, major faults, heavy water inflow, and unstable glacial deposits — setting seven records: deepest burial, highest ground stress, longest distance, most fractured rock, most fissures, longest seasonal closure, highest technical standards.

? Driving & Travel Tips

• Road Conditions: Fully paved from Gongshan → Tunnel → Dulongjiang; expect sharp turns & heavy fog. In winter, watch for thin ice — 4WD + snow chains recommended.

• Altitude Change: Liuku Town (六库镇) 800 m → Tunnel 3,000 m → Dulongjiang 1,500 m. Prepare for temperature drops and acclimatize gradually.

• Photo Spots:

  • East entrance “Gate in the Clouds” sculpture (云端之门)

  • West entrance viewing deck overlooking Dulongjiang Gorge & cloud sea

• Documents: Bring your passport or ID — border inspection required.

• Eco-Friendly: Waste collection points are set at both ends — please take all trash down the mountain.

? In One Sentence

A 6.68 km ribbon of concrete carved through the Gaoligong snow line has ended centuries of isolation for Dulongjiang, making it the last ethnic township in Yunnan to enjoy year-round road access — a modern epic of Chinese engineering in the heart of the Hengduan Mountains. ??