The Outer Golden Ring project in China aims to connect three major highways, creating a vast transportation network with significant economic implications.
Overview of the Outer Golden Ring Project
The Outer Golden Ring, as outlined in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), will integrate the G219, G331, and G228 highways into a single expansive route spanning approximately 27,000 kilometres. This ambitious infrastructure initiative is projected to cost at least €47 billion, as reported by the Global Times. The project not only seeks to enhance connectivity across diverse landscapes but also aims to stimulate economic growth and tourism within the region. The integration of these highways is expected to facilitate smoother transport routes and improve access to remote areas, thereby fostering regional development.
Economic and Social Impacts
The Outer Golden Ring is anticipated to serve as a vital artery for trade and tourism, connecting major ports and border crossings with domestic and international markets. According to state news agency Xinhua, over 2 million tourists travelled along the G331 highway in the first half of the year, highlighting the route’s potential as a tourist attraction. Local communities are already capitalising on this influx, offering accommodation, dining, and agricultural products to visitors. This project is expected to create jobs and enhance local economies by improving accessibility to previously hard-to-reach areas, thus opening new avenues for business and tourism.
Environmental Considerations and Challenges
The construction of the Outer Golden Ring will traverse various ecosystems, including deserts, mountains, and forests, raising concerns about environmental impacts. The G219 highway, known for its dramatic elevation changes, runs through the Taklamakan Desert and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, while the G228 follows the coastline, connecting major rivers. Addressing these environmental challenges will be crucial for sustainable development. Wang Limei, president of the China Automotive Transportation Association, emphasised the importance of having alternative routes in case of natural disasters, which could enhance the resilience of the transport system and mitigate potential disruptions.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Length of Highway | 27,000 km |
| Estimated Cost | €47 billion |
| Tourists on G331 in 2023 | Over 2 million |
| G331 Length | 9,200 km |
“Integrating ports, border crossings, and inland logistics hubs into a cohesive transport network will lower costs and increase efficiency,” said Wang Limei.
WHY IT MATTERS
This project represents a significant public investment in infrastructure that could reshape trade and tourism in China, with implications for regional economies.
Reported from rp.pl, 2026-09-01. The Tender Wire is published by Otnox.
