EconoScope | China's 'golden mega-ring' reveals next phase of transport development

(ECNS) -- China is set to fully connect three major national highways during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), creating a 27,000-Kilometer transport loop stretching along the country's borders and eastern coastline.

The three routes — G219, G331 and G228 — would form a "golden mega‑ring" equal to roughly two‑thirds of Earth's circumference. The project aims not only to link long roads but to integrate previously independent corridors into a network with greater economic, tourism and strategic value.

Three highways, three roles

G219, nearly 10,000 kilometers from Kanas in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to Dongxing in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the south, serves as a western border artery.

G331, about 9,200 kilometers from Liaoning's Dandong to Altay in Xinjiang, crosses six provinces and is dubbed one of China's most scenic border highways.

G228, 7,400 kilometers from Dandong to Dongxing, links 10 coastal regions and major port cities -- Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi. -- forming a vital corridor for coastal development.

Together, the three highways serve different purposes: strengthening border areas, integrating transportation with tourism, and supporting coastal economic development.

Building the loop

China will accelerate construction of key sections over the next five years, including the Zhaosu–Wensu cross‑mountain stretch of G219 in Xinjiang and the Baiqi cross‑river passage of G228 in Fujian. About 7,400 kilometers of roads are expected to be built or upgraded. Local governments plan to develop scenic highways and self‑driving routes along natural and cultural sites.

By 2030, the Ministry of Transport aims to raise the completion rate of the national three‑dimensional transport network's main framework from 91% to 95%. The loop will connect with major arteries such as the Yangtze River's "golden waterway," the Sichuan‑Xizang Railway and the Xinjiang‑Xizang Railway.

Reshaping economic geography

Sections already open, such as G331 in Jilin Province, show the potential: the highway links 12 national forest parks and eight nature reserves, becoming a popular ecological tourism route. For communities, improved transport means easier access to markets and services. For the nation, the loop strengthens border security while facilitating domestic circulation and international trade.

China's transportation strategy has evolved from expansion to optimization. The "golden mega-ring" is a prime example. It represents not just connectivity, but a proactive effort to reshape China's economic geography.

(By Gong Weiwei)