China's toughest tunnel: 6 years to dig 173m, foreign engineers helpless.

The Huma Ling Tunnel, located in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, was considered the most difficult tunnel to build. Spanning 173 meters, it posed significant challenges due to its unique location crossing a reservoir and a river. The soil moisture in the area was heavy, causing liquefaction and making the loess tunnel unstable. The Chinese construction team had to constantly stabilize the soil to prevent cracks and collapse, especially during rainy days when settlement and soft soil posed additional risks.

The proximity to the reservoir and river also raised concerns about water inrush, adding to the complexity of the project. These challenges greatly hindered progress and required the engineering team to find efficient solutions. Despite consulting both domestic and international experts, no rational solution was found, and many foreign experts gave up on the project.

However, the Chinese engineering team persevered and eventually completed the tunnel after six years of construction. The difficulties encountered in building the Huma Ling Tunnel earned it a reputation as a significant tunnel problem in China and worldwide. Despite its relatively short length of 173 meters, it took six years to complete. Nonetheless, this achievement showcased China's infrastructure capabilities and its determination to overcome seemingly impossible challenges.

The successful construction of the Huma Ling Tunnel demonstrated China's ability to tackle complex infrastructure projects and rely on its own expertise. Although the tunnel's length allowed a train to pass through it in just five seconds, its completion after six years marked a significant victory for the Chinese project, gaining recognition worldwide.

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