GUIZHOU -- A new expressway on southwest China's Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau opened to traffic on Thursday, facilitating trade and communication between provinces in the area.

The 190-kilometer expressway links Liupanshui city and Weining county in Guizhou Province, shortening the journey between from the previous two hours to one hour. The expressway also shortens the journey from Liupanshui to Zhaotong city in Yunnan Province from the previous five hours to two hours.

With an investment of about 25.3 billion yuan ($3.68 billion), the expressway, built in a mountainous area, has 157 bridges and 32 tunnels.

According to Guizhou Expressway Group Co Ltd, the expressway has an altitude ranging from 1,700 to 2,260 meters. Some of the expressway is equipped with a de-icing system and fog lights to ensure the safety of cars in extreme weather.