China builds an unbeatable 'super machine': Weighing 1900 tons, it can dig 350 meters underground in just one month.

Weighing in at 1,900 tons, measuring 230 meters in length and with a diameter of up to 9.03 meters, this tunnel boring machine is a testament to the " might" of China's construction industry.

While about 20 years ago, China still had to import some machinery and equipment from Germany to serve its manufacturing industry, the 'game' is now different.

China is manufacturing a series of 'super-sized' machines with superior capabilities.

Over time, China has made remarkable progress, astonishing the world. The country has been able to invent and manufacture a series of "super-sized" machines with outstanding capabilities. For example, the "Red Warrior" machine, weighing 2,000 tons and incorporating many world-leading technologies, can build a single-story house in just four days. Or the SLJ900/32 – a super-sized bridge-spanning machine weighing 580 tons, capable of assembling bridges at lightning speed.

Among those 'invincible' machines, one cannot fail to mention the tunnel boring machine (TBM) , manufactured and assembled in Kunming, Yunnan. This machine is called Cai Yun , which means 'Brilliant Cloud'. It has a diameter of 9.03 meters and a width of up to 9 meters - one of the largest in the world. Cai Yun weighs 1,900 tons and is 230 meters long.

The Thải Vân tunnel boring machine.

In addition, it also incorporates several leading-edge functions, including a geological characteristics forecasting system and a cooling system – thereby mitigating any risks during construction.

Reportedly, this giant machine was used to excavate a 34km-long tunnel – part of a railway project extending from Dali city to Ruili town in Yunnan province, China.

According to some sources, when using the Thai Van tunnel boring machine , construction units can excavate an average of 350 meters underground per month. Previously, common tunnel boring machines could only excavate a maximum of 101 meters in the same period.

This machine can dig an average of 350 meters deep into the ground per month.

This is considered one of the most significant projects, making China a world leader in tunneling and elevating the country's construction industry. About 12 years ago, China still had to import TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines) from other countries, mainly Germany, at exorbitant prices of up to $101 million per unit.

Now, China has created its own construction machinery, with superior capabilities that significantly reduce construction costs.

1. First images revealed of billionaire Elon Musk's tunnel-digging monster.
2. SK3500D: The world's largest construction demolition machine, standing 65 meters tall.
3. Discover the 10 greatest machines on the planet.