China’s New “Ecological Highway” Sets Digital Standard for Sustainable Tourism

• 6 January 2026
• Construction Focus
• 1032 Views

Power China ZhongNan Engineering Corporation Limited has unveiled a groundbreaking 13.5-kilometer ecological highway connecting the Detian Transnational Waterfall to Shuolong International Port.

Navigating mountainous terrain and protected scenic areas, the project stands as a global example of how digital twin technology can harmonize major infrastructure with environmental preservation.

The project faced significant hurdles, including dense urban populations and the need to protect the Huashan Scenic Area. Traditional 2D design methods were insufficient for such a multi-stakeholder environment. To solve this, PowerChina implemented a suite of Bentley Systems software to streamline the entire lifecycle:

• Collaborative Design: By establishing a common data environment through ProjectWise, the team improved collaboration efficiency by 60% and resolved design conflicts before construction began.
• Automated Engineering: Using OpenRoads Designer, the team developed a custom “BIM Design System” that automated twelve different road design modules, significantly boosting precision across all disciplines.
• Visual Communication: Bentley LumenRT was used to transform complex technical designs into immersive visualizations. This reduced communication costs by 30% and helped stakeholders visualize the highway’s impact on the delicate landscape.
• Risk Mitigation: Advanced simulations allowed engineers to optimize earthwork, ultimately saving an estimated CNY 6 million in coordination and management costs.

The use of Bentley’s open modeling platform did more than just build a road; it protected natural habitats near the Guichun River and minimized land acquisition. By replacing traditional workflows with a digital-first approach, the project achieved “modernization without destruction.”

“Thanks to Bentley’s solutions, this project has achieved innovative results in design optimization and ecological protection,” said Zeng Fanyun, Director at PowerChina ZhongNan. “This has provided a replicable digital solution for similar projects around the world.”

The highway is expected to be fully operational by December 20, 2025, promising a faster, greener, and more scenic route for travelers on the China-Vietnam border.

• ProjectWise
• Bentley Systems
• OpenRoads
• LumenRT