G56 Hangzhou–Ruili Expressway

G56 Hangzhou–Ruili Expressway
More Picture

The Hangzhou–Ruili Expressway (Chinese: 杭州—瑞丽高速公路), commonly referred to as the Hangrui Expressway(Chinese: 杭瑞高速公路) is an expressway in China that connects the cities of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and Ruili, Yunnan, a city on the border with Burma. When complete, it will be 2,935 km (1,824 mi) in length.

The expressway is complete in the provinces of Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangxi. The entire expressway in the provinces of Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, and Yunnan is under construction except for sections from Changde to Jishou in Hunan and from the Guizhou border to Baoshan in Yunnan.

At Ruili, there will be a border crossing to Muse, Myanmar and National Highway 3.

Route

Hangzhou, Huangshan, Jingdezhen, Jiujiang, Xianning, Yueyang, Changde, Jishou, Zunyi, Bijie, Liupanshui, Qujing, Kunming, Chuxiong, Dali, Ruili

Spurs

  • G5611 Dali–Lijiang Expressway: connecting to Lijiang

The G56 Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway is a major arterial route connecting Hangzhou in eastern China to Ruili on the China-Myanmar border in southwestern Yunnan Province. Here’s an overview of this significant expressway:

Overview

The G56 Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway spans a vast distance across several provinces, linking the eastern coastal region of Zhejiang Province to the remote southwestern frontier of Yunnan Province. It serves as a critical transportation corridor, facilitating economic development, tourism, and regional connectivity.

Route

  • Start: The expressway begins in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province and a prominent economic hub in eastern China.
  • End: It terminates in Ruili, a border city in Yunnan Province that serves as an important gateway to Myanmar.
  • Distance: The total length of the expressway is approximately 2,300 kilometers, making it one of the longest expressways in China.

Features

  • Scenic Route: Passing through diverse landscapes, including mountains, plains, and urban areas, the expressway offers travelers varying vistas along its route.
  • High-Speed Connectivity: Designed as a high-speed and modern roadway, it enhances travel efficiency between eastern China and southwestern Yunnan.
  • Infrastructure: Equipped with service areas, rest stops, toll stations, and other amenities to support long-distance travel.

Importance

  • Economic Corridor: The expressway promotes economic integration and trade between eastern China and the southwestern border region, enhancing logistics and transportation of goods.
  • Tourism Development: Facilitates tourism by connecting major cities, scenic spots, and cultural sites along its path, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
  • Strategic Significance: Enhances national security and regional stability by improving transportation infrastructure along the southwestern border.

Development and Future

  • Expansion and Upgrades: Ongoing efforts may include expansions, upgrades, and maintenance to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and improve safety standards.
  • Regional Integration: Supports broader regional integration initiatives under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), enhancing connectivity with neighboring countries and regions.

The G56 Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway plays a pivotal role in China’s transportation network, facilitating economic growth, tourism, and strategic connectivity between eastern China and the southwestern border region of Yunnan Province.