Repaving of the existing road began in late 2010. By July 2012 and with an expenditure of ($476 million), the Xinjiang section spanning just over 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. as well as the S205, S206 and S207. China's
14th five-year plan for 2021–2025 envisions further improves connectivity of the G219.
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 Mountain Passes Rhyme The western portion of the highway has numerous notable mountain passes. Motorists have invented a
rhyme describing those mountain passes:
Gallery ==New route==