China National Highway 219

China National Highway 219 (G219; Chinese: Guódào219) is a highway running along the entire western and southern border of the People's Republic of China, from Kom-Kanas in Xinjiang to Dongxing in Guangxi. At over 10,000 kilometres (6,214 mi) in length, it is part of the China National Highway Network Planning (2013–2030), and once completed it will be the longest National Highway.

National Highway 219
219国道
Planned extension of the G219
Route information
Length	10,000 km (6,200 mi) 2,342 km (1,455 mi) until 2013. Proposed length is over 10,000 km (6,214 mi), according to a 2013–2030 government plan
Existed	1955–present
Major junctions
north-west end	Kom-Kanas Mongolian Ethnic Township
south-east end	Dongxing
Location
Country	China
Highway system
National Trunk Highway System Primary Auxiliary
← G218 → G220

Before 2013, G219 ran only from Yecheng (Karghilik) in the Xinjiang to Lhatse in Tibet on a length of 2,342 km (1,455 mi). This section was completed in September 1957. India is engaged in a territorial dispute with China over Aksai Chin, through which this section passes for 180 km (112 mi). After a 1962 war, China retained control of the road.

For the first time after the 1960s, between 2010-2012, China spent CN¥3 Billion ($476 million) repaving the Xinjiang section spanning just over 650 km (404 mi). China's 13th (2016–2020) and 14th (2021–2025) five-year plans both included development of the road and connectivity with other roads.

Original G219

Construction of the Sinkiang-Tibet road as a gravel road was started in 1951. It is also known as the 'Yehchang–Gartok road', the 'Aksai Chin road', and the 'Sky Road'. As the only direct road between Xinjiang and Tibet it is of strategic importance to China.

Aksai Chin

Through the 1950s, China constructed the road through its western frontier in Xinjiang and Tibet, from Hotan to Rutog. It was completed in September 1957.

About 180 km (112 mi) passes through Aksai Chin, easily accessible to the Chinese, but more difficult for the Indians on the other side of the Karakoram to reach. India did not learn of the road until 1957. Both sides lay claim to the area.

The road enters disputed territory east of Sarigh Jilgnang after which it runs through territory India recognizes as its own. India claimed the road to be in contravention to the Sino-Indian Agreement 1954. China repaved the road in the following years, which resulted in heightened tension. A goal of the 1962 war was the defence of the road. China retained control of the road, taking even more territory further west before withdrawing. There is a Chinese war memorial on the G219 at Kangxiwar.

Dispute over the territory persists to the present time. A number of lateral roads, including to military infrastructure, have been constructed.

Extension

Repaving of the existing road began in late 2010. By July 2012 and with an expenditure of CN¥3 Billion ($476 million), the Xinjiang section spanning just over 650 km (404 mi) was completed. This was the first repaving since the 1960s, according to a Chinese road administration official. The 13th five-year plan (2016–2020) facilitated further upgrades to the road. In 2013, the road was upgraded to asphalt. A number of provincial roads have been and are being developed to exit off the G219: the G564 and the G365, as well as the S205, S206 and S207. China's 14th five-year plan for 2021–2025 envisions further improves connectivity of the G219.^{[needs update]}

Route description

As one of the highest motorable roads in the world, the breathtaking scenery of Rutog County also ranks as some of the most inhospitable terrain on the planet. Domar township—a town of concrete blocks and nomad tents—is one of the bleakest and most remote outposts of the People's Liberation Army at the edge of the Aksai Chin. Near the town of Mazar many trekkers turn off for both the Karakorum range and K2 base camp. Approaching the Xinjiang border, past the final Tibetan settlement of Tserang Daban is a dangerous 5,050-meter-high pass. Tibetan nomads in the area herd both yaks and two-humped camels. Descending through the western Kunlun Shan, the road crosses additional passes of 4,000 and 3,000 meters, and the final pass offers brilliant views of the Taklamakan Desert far below before descending into the Karakax River basin.

The Chinese government is making efforts to promote tourism along G219. There are a number of military check posts along the road.

Route and distance