The highway tunnel system in China has in recent years surpassed Europe, the United States, and other developed countries in terms of mileage, scale, complexity, and technical achievement. Much scientific research has been conducted, and the results have greatly facilitated the rapid development of China's highway tunnel building capacity. This article presents the historical development of highway tunneling in China, according to specific characteristics based on construction and operation. It provides a systematic analysis of the major achievements and challenges with respect to construction techniques, operation, monitoring, repair, and maintenance. Together with future trends of highway tunneling in China, suggestions have been made for further research, and development prospects have been identified with the aim of laying the foundation for a Chinese-style highway tunnel construction method and technical architecture.