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.
Par La
Par La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.334m (14219ft) above the sea level, located in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
Lung La is a truly outstanding SUV adventure
Lung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.216m (17,112ft) above the sea level, located in Gyaca County, a county of Shannan located in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Tro La, a curvy road only for experienced drivers
Tro La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.390m (17,683ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Lhari and Gongbo’gyamda counties in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Doxong La tunnel: watch out for oncoming vehicles in the dark
Located in Mainling County, in the prefecture-level city of Nyingchi, in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Doxong La tunnel was finished in 2021.
A remote unpaved road to Mata La
Mata La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.348m (17,545ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Comai and Cona counties, in the south of the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
An Unforgettable Road to Götse La
Gõtse La (Gray Head Pass) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.628m (15,183ft) above the sea level, located in Dêgê County, in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in far northwestern Sichuan province, China.
Hongjing Road is a drive worth taking in Beijing province
Hongjing Road is the name of a very curvy winding mountain road located in Fangshan District, in the southwest of Beijing province, in China.
Taking on the Twists and Turns to Xila Daban
Xila Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.292m (17,362ft) above the sea level, located in Zanda County, in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The Wild Road to Tipta La
Tipta La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.118m (16,791ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal. It’s an important trade route.
A rough 4x4 road to Yilanga La
Yilanga La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.555m (18,225ft) above the sea level, located in Zanda County, in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.
Driving the most beautiful Spiral Highway of Shanxi
Located in Zezhou County, in the southeast of Shanxi province, China, a spiraling section of the National Highway 207 is one of the most challenging drives in the world.
Samto La: a challenging 4x4 track
Samto La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.064m (16,614ft) above the sea level, located on the Nepal-China border.
Dare to drive the dangerous road to Chiasa La
Chiasa La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.887m (16,033ft) above the sea level, located in Yushu County, in Qinghai Province of China.
The inhumane climb to Changlashan Pass with 37% ramps
Changlashan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.708m (15,446ft) above the sea level, located in Zadoi County, in the southwest of Qinghai Province, China, bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region to the south.
A Most Tricky Scenic Drive To Kura La
Kura La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.395m (17,700ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Ngamring and Nyalam counties, in Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Hongshan Mountain, a truly outstanding SUV adventure
Hongshan Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.530m (14,862ft) above the sea level, located in Northwestern Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.
The road to Churi Meri La, a chillout in high mountains
Churi Meri La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.507m (14,786ft) above the sea level, located in Nangqên County, in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province, China.
Norgo La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Norgo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.256m (17,244ft) above the sea level, located in Coqên County in the southeast of Ngari Prefecture in the west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Kigunaru pass is an adventure track you will never forget
Kigunaru pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.407m (17,739ft) above the sea level, located in Rutog County, in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
An Explorer's Guide to the top of Lajyung La
Lajyung La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.000m (16,404ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal.
The road to Xia Quepu Lake is not for the faint of heart
Xia Quepu is a glacial lake at an elevation of 4.918m (16,135ft) above the sea level, located in Kangmar County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Lungzang La, the road less traveled
Lungzang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.319m (17,450ft) above the sea level, located in Xaitongmoin County, Shigatse, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Laofan Pass
Laofan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.155m (13,631ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Gansu and Qinghai provinces of northwest China.
Anglet Daban: enjoy a road among the clouds
Anglet Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.189m (10,462ft) above the sea level, located in Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in Northern Xinjiang, in China.
Nangpa La, a Most Tricky Scenic Drive
Nangpa La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.884m (16,023ft) above the sea level, located in Baiyü County of far western Sichuan province, China.
Tielimaiti La is an epic road in the Narat Range
Tielimaiti Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.335m (10,941ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region under the administration of the Aksu Prefecture, in China. The road offers breathtaking views of giant peaks, summits and deep gorges.
Lanma La, one of the toughest tracks in the world
Lanma La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.098m (16,725ft) above the sea level, located in Tingri County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Dare to drive the dangerous Debo La
Debo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.178m (16,988ft) above the sea level, located in Gê'gyai County, in Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
The road to Sebseb La is not for the faint of heart
Sebseb La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.442m (17,854ft) above the sea level, located in the Ngamring County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Takum La
Takum La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.590m (15,059ft) above the sea level, located in Qusum County in the Shannan Prefecture of Tibet, in China.
Mt. Rawobanba
Mt. Rawobanba is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.107m (13,474ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Driving the road to Zixia Palace with 49 dizzying hairpin bends
Zixia Palace is a stunning building at an elevation of 3.245m (10,646ft) above the sea level, located in Dongchuan District, in Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. It’s a road that combines thrills, excitement and beauty.
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Pang La
Pang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.736m (15,538ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Jangkhu La is a drive worth taking
Jangkhu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.935m (16,190ft) above the sea level, located in Seni District, within the Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China.
A wild road to Quzhong La
Quzhong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.885m (16,026ft) above the sea level, located in the Nagqu Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Boi La
Boi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.950m (16,240ft) above the sea level, located in Cona County, in south-eastern Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China. This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. The climb is terrible, with 62 sharp hairpin turns.
A sensational drive to Xuebaoding Snow Mountain Pass
Xuebaoding Snow Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.015m (13,172ft) above the sea level, located in Songpan county of northwestern Sichuan province, in China.
The inhumane climb to Kawak Pass with 38% ramps
Kawak Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.126m (16,817ft) above the sea level, located in Pishan County, within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, under the administration of the Hotan Prefecture in China.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Balagezong Mountain Road
Balagezong Mountain Road is the name of a very exciting drive located in the northwest of Shangri-la county, in Northwestern Yunnan Province of People's Republic of China.