Set in the Huanan Province of China, the Guoliang Tunnel has been a source of interest and controversy for many years. Up until 1972, the only access to the secluded Guoliang Village was a tiny walking path that had been carved out of the side of the mountain. Desperate for freedom, anxious villagers decided that enough was enough and did what most would not have believed impossible. They carved their own road into the mountain.

Building the Guoliang Tunnel

A man by the name of Shen Mingxin was the leader of the village during the time the decision was made to build the tunnel. He mandated that all members of the village participate in the project in some way, shape, or form. The inhabitants of Guoliang Village sold herbs and even goats in order to raise funds for the tools they would need to carve the tunnel.

Once they had the tools they needed, a core group of 13 village members began the actual construction work. It took them five years to carve out the tunnel which spans just under a mile long and contains 30 distinct windows. The real reason for the windows is unknown. Some believe they were included so that the workers would have a place to throw the rubble from construction while others believe they were merely added to provide light in a place where electricity would never reach.

The tunnel itself is 12 feet wide and 15 feet high and its construction resulted in the death of several villagers. The tunnel was not open to traffic until May 1, 1977.

Guoliang Opens its Doors to the World

Previous to the opening of the tunnel, Guoliang Village was cut off from the rest of the world. The gamble the original 13 villagers took more than paid off. Years later the Chinese government decided to allow tourists into the country on a regular basis. When they did so, Guoliang Village became a renowned tourist attraction. The village that saw virtually no foot traffic suddenly had thousands of visitors each year.

Of course, while the Guoliang Tunnel is not nearly as dangerous as the Bolivian Highway of Death, it does have its quirks. There are a few open stretches in which cars turn around the mountain without the comfort of a tunnel wall on the outside edge.

On the other hand, even in the comfort of the tunnel there is still opportunity for danger. Because the road is only 12 feet wide, two-way traffic situations can become very difficult. One can only hope that the Chinese government, or at least the villagers in Guoliang, has developed a system for ensuring that traffic does not meet in the middle of the tunnel.

The tunnel, due to its relatively short length, is open to those traveling on foot as well. This only adds to the seriousness of the situation as drivers rounding the bends in the tunnel may not see walking travelers and tourists in time. If not, those traveling on foot risk being hit or being dumped off the side of the cliff – neither a very appealing option.

Regardless of whether you choose to walk or drive, we don’t recommend looking down out the side windows as you travel. The unsettling view of the mountainside dropping off beneath you may give you cause for pause and, to be honest, it’s often safer to just continue walking or driving until you’ve reached the other end.

There are, after all, plenty of opportunities to take photos of the tunnel or absorb the stunning scenery from afar, both on your way in and out of Guoliang Village. Everything in the village itself is made of stone – from the houses and bridges to the bowls and stools.

Guoliang Village may receive thousands of visitors annually but it is still a very small town. There are approximately 80 households within the city walls, providing shelter to about 320 regular citizens.

Be sure to make an effort to visit Guoliang Village the next time you find yourself in the Hunan Province. Both the village and the tunnel will provide you with memories you’re guaranteed to never forget.