Driving the most spectacular roads of 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.

X120 is a high mountain road located in northwestern Sichuan province, in China. The road is very steep, with hundreds of hairpin turns.

Lamar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.916m (16,128ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayan mountain range, in Tibet, China.

Nilung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.730m (18,799ft) above the sea level, located in the Ngari Prefecture, in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

218 Country Road is a high mountain road located in southern Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the heart of the Tibetan/Nepalese Himalayas. 

Zezhang pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.541m (18,179ft) above the sea level, located in Tibet, an autonomous region of China on the northern side of the Himalayas. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Located in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme south west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, the 705 County Road (X705) runs over 4.000m for about 60km.

Changlung Pangtung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.647m (18,526ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China, in the northwest of the country. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Michen La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.162m (16,935ft) above the sea level, located in Sog County in the Nagqu Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Yangi Daban is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.899m (19,353ft) above the sea level, located in the northwestern part of Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in China. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.

Fenghuo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.961m (16,276ft) above the sea level, located in the Tanggula Mountains, a mountain range in the central part of the Tibetan Plateau in the People's Republic of China. 

Chola Shan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.920m (16,141ft) above the sea level, located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, an autonomous prefecture of northwestern Sichuan, in China.

Qinwang Winding Road is the name of a breathtaking drive in the prefecture-level city of Xingtai, in the southern part of Hebei province, China. This winding asphalted road will make you excited and dizzy.

Kudi Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.312m (10,866ft) above the sea level, locared in Kargilik County, in southwest of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.

S201 Provincial Road is a high mountain road located in Zayü County, in the southeast of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Lapche La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.933m (16,184ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal.

Hongpinshan is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.621m (18,441ft) above the sea level, located in the southwestern part of Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

S202 is the name of a high mountain road located in the southeastern part of Tibet Autonomous Region in People's Republic of China.

Yaha Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.641m (15,226ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China. Its many twists, turns and narrows can pose a challenge to even the most experienced drivers. The road is not easy, though. Up, down, right, left all the time.

Jang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.262m (17,263ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Gyirong and Saga counties, in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. 

Serkhyem La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.567m (14,983ft) above the sea level, located in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in China.

Zimei Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.557m (14,950ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China. The road encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, high elevations and steep grades.

Ngajuk La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.470m (14,665ft) above the sea level, located in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in China.

Kulun Shanku is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.785m (15,698ft) above the sea level, located in the Qinghai province of the People's Republic of China, in the northwest of the country.

Tuer Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.633m (15,200ft) above the sea level, located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China.

Muri La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.569m (14,990ft) above the sea level, located in northwestern Sichuan province, in China.

787 County Road is a high mountain road located in Ngari Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. There is a real risk of AMS (altitude-mountain-sickness) and death due to Pulmonary Edema and Cerebral Edema. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Wuyishan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.721m (15,488ft) above the sea level, located in western Sichuan Province, China.

Ali CMB Polarization Telescope (AliCPT) is a ground-based CMB observatory at an elevation of 5.176m (16,981ft) above the sea level, located in Gar County in the Ngari Prefecture of the western Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Sepu Kangri is a high mountain peak located in Biru County, within Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China. A minor gravel road north of the peak climbs up to 4.751m (15,587ft) above the sea level.

Tucked away in Wuxi County, in People's Republic of China, the defiant Yunguichuan Cliff sky road is a marvel of engineering dug out by hand.

Tientsuwa Shan is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.455m (14,616ft) above the sea level, located in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in China.

Zǔsōng La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.775m (18,946ft) above the sea level, located in Coqên County, in the Ngari Prefecture, in the west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It’s one of the world’s highest roads.

Located between Henan and Lingchuan counties, in Shanxi Province, China, the Xiya Valley Hanging Tunnel is a marvel of engineering dug out by hand. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.

S305 is a high mountain road located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Deyang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.381m (17,654ft) above the sea level, located in Lhasa prefecture-level city in Maizhokunggar County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Zha La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.832m (15,853ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Huoshaoyun is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.765m (18,914ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China, in the northwest of the country. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.

Mount Haiz is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.648m (15,249ft) above the sea level, located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China.

Shugu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.478m (17,972ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.