What are the most spectacular roads in China?
Stretching vast and diverse, from the shimmering coastlines of the east to the towering Himalayas in the west, China's topography is a dream canvas for some of the world's most remarkable roads. These aren't just pathways – they're odysseys narrating tales of human ingenuity, perseverance, and a deep reverence for nature.
Imagine navigating the serpentine twists of Tian Men Shan Big Gate Road, where 99 turns challenge even the most seasoned drivers. Then, marvel at the Guoliang Tunnel's sheer audacity, a pathway carved by hand into the very heart of a mountain, standing as a testament to human will and determination. Journey along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, one of the globe's highest roads, where every bend unveils vistas that seem to brush the heavens. And if you ever wished to drive to the roof of the world, the paved road to Everest Base Camp awaits, offering a communion with the mighty Himalayas like no other. Finally, for those who truly want to touch the sky, the drive to Chāmkang will elevate you to one of the world's highest motorable realms.
China's roads aren't just stretches of asphalt; they are chronicles, each kilometer whispering tales of landscapes that defy imagination and the indomitable spirit of those who've shaped them. So, gear up and let the Chinese routes enthrall your senses, taking you on a journey where legends, landscapes, and adventures converge.
Mintaka Pass
Mintaka Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.450m (14,599ft) above the sea level, located between Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan and Xinjiang in China.
An Explorer's Guide to Karakoram La
Karakoram Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.542m (18,182ft) above the sea level, located on the China-India border. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Huilong-Hanging Tunnel is an epic road in Henan Province
Located in the prefecture-level city of Xinxiang, in Henan Province, China, the Huilong-Hanging Tunnel is a very challenging road. Be careful: this road is not for the sissies. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
The Old Hongtiguan Tunnel Road is not for the faint of heart
Located in Pingshun County, in the southeast of Shanxi province, China, the old Hongtiguan Tunnel Road is a scary drive with an incline of about 30 degrees. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
S207 Provincial Route
S207 Provincial Route is a high mountain road located in the Ngari Prefecture, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Road trip guide: Conquering Bongru La
Bongru La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.838m (19,153ft) above the sea level, located in the Ngari Prefecture of China's Tibet Autonomous Region. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
An awe-inspiring road to Quanshui Lake
Quanshui Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 5.137m (16,853ft) above the sea level, located in Tibet, north-east of the Himalayas, in the People's Republic of China.
Driving the road to Kiu La is not a piece of cake
Kiu La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.711m (18,736ft) above the sea level, located on the China-India border. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.
Ane La
Ane La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.370m (17,618ft) above the sea level, located on the China-India border.
203 Provincial Road (S203)
Located in Ngari Prefecture, in the central part of Tibet, in China, the 203 Provincial Road (S203) is a very challenging and scenic trip in the middle of nowhere.
Travel guide to the top of Kǒng Táng Lā
Kǒng Táng Lā is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.251m (17,227ft) above the sea level, located in Nyalam County of China’s Tibet autonomous region.
Driving to the summit of Bayanka La
Bayanka La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.950m (16,236ft) above the sea level, located in Madoi county of Qinghai province, in China.
Dare to drive the dangerous Galong La
Galong Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.296m (14,094ft) above the sea level, located in the Nyingchi Prefecture in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Niti Pass
Niti La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.086m (16,686ft) above sea level, located on the border of India and China.
Kura La
Kura La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.105m (16,748ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayan mountain range, in Tibet, China.
Heihe-Blagoveshchensk ice road
Short ice road linking Heihe, a city of northern Heilongjiang province, in China and Blagoveshchensk, a city of Amur Oblast, in Russia. This seasonal road opens every winter in the frozen Amur River.
Driving the brutal Qizil Dawān
Qizil Dawān is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.317m (17,444ft) above the sea level, located in the southwestern part of Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in China.
Don’t glance down at your phone on Samye La
Samye La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.486 m (17,998ft) above the sea level, located in Zhongba County, Xigazê Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
Driving through the wild Galung La tunnel
Galongla Tunnel is a high mountain tunnel at an elevation of 3,771m (12,372ft) above the sea level located in southwestern Tibet's Nyingchi Prefecture, in China.
Youzhuda Grand Canyon Wall Road is a drive you'll never forget
Located in Huailai county, in northwestern Hebei province, in China, the Youzhuda Grand Canyon Wall Road is a very challenging drive. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
Hongshi Highway is an Internet celebrity of Yunnan
Hongshi Highway is a very defiant drive located in Shiping County, in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in the southern part of the Yunnan province of China.
Lanak La: this road is not for timid drivers
Lanak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.495m (18,028ft) above the sea level, located on the disputed region of Aksai Chin, on the border of India and China.
Koshbel Duban
Koshbel Duban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.279m (14,038ft) above the sea level, located in southwestern Xinjiang, an autonomous region in western China.
Driving the wild paved road to Shan Da Ban
Shan Da Ban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.257m (17,247ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayan mountain range, in Tibet, China.
Longga La
Longga La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.159m (16,925ft) above the sea level, located in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme south west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
An epic road to Cha Cang La
Cha Cang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.810m (15,780ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayan mountain range, in Tibet, China.
Mob La
Mob La Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.802m (15,754ft) above the sea level located in the eastern Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The pass is traversed by an extreme high mountain called 303 Provincial Road which runs entirely over the 4.200m above the sea level. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters.
Driving the cliff Jingdi Hanging Tunnel to Shenlongwan Village
Located in Shanxi province, Pingshun county, in China, the infamous Jingdi Hanging Tunnel is a very exciting drive surrounded by high mountains. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
X701, a winding road only for experienced drivers
701 County Road (X701) is a high mountain road located in the Ngari Prefecture of China's Tibet Autonomous Region. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.
The road to Lawoche La is truly an unforgettable experience
Lawoche La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.387m (17,673ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayan mountain range, in Tibet, China.
Jerko La
Jerko La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.832m (15,853ft) above the sea level, located in Tibet, in the People's Republic of China. Great views of mountains all around. Many nomads and yaks.
Rezang La
Rezang La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.199m (17,057ft) above the sea level, located on the China-India border.
Lame La
Lame La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.832m (15,853ft) above the sea level, located in Tibet, in the People's Republic of China.
Adventure along the China National Highway 317
The 317 National Road is one of the most adventurous journeys in the world. The trip takes you through vast, open landscapes with majestic peaks in the heart of western China. The highway is infamously known for the bad driving surfaces and sharp mountain hairpin bends.
An Explorer's Guide to the Qinghai-Tibet Highway
Located in China, the Qinghai-Tibet Highway is one of the highest highways in the world, with an average elevation of above 4,000 meters.
Buduo La: this drive is not for timid drivers
Buduo La is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.825m (19,110ft) above the sea level, located in Zanda County, in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, near the Indian border. It’s one of the highest roads on Earth.
Kungzhag La is one of the highest roads on Earth
Kungzhag La is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.780m (18,963ft) above the sea level, located on the Indian (Sikkim) and Chinese (Tibet) border. It’s one of the World's highest motorable roads.
The road to Khungyami La, a chillout in high mountains
Khungyami La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.844m (19,173ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and India. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.
Sobiya La
Sobiya La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.084m (16,679ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayan mountain range, in Tibet, China.