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.

Kheriya ancient road is the name of a 4x4 unforgettable adventure through the infamous Kunlun Mountains in Tibet, China.

Jungang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.312m (17,427ft) above the sea level, located in the China's Tibet Autonomous Region. 

711 County Road (X711) is a high mountain road located in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. There is a real risk of AMS (altitude-mountain-sickness). It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Dzang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.287m (17,345ft) above the sea level, located in Gyirong county of Xigazê Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Jiabo Co is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.774m (15,662ft) above the sea level, located in the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Tra La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.479m (17,975ft) above the sea level, located in Xaitongmoin County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Marim La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.494m (18,024ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal. 

605 County Road (X605) is a high mountain road located in Ngari Prefecture, in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. 

710 County Road is a high mountain road located in Ngari Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Sancam La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.198m (17,053ft) above the sea level, located in Rutog County, in the large western of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.

Nyema La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.481m (17,982ft) above the sea level, located in the southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region, China. 

Mobdi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.788m (18,989ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Xinjiang and Tibet autonomous regions of China. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.

Located in Ningqiang County of Shaanxi province, in north-west China, the road to Xifanggoucun is a scary mountain drive carved by residents of a rural village, hanging approximately 3,000ft high above ground. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.

Yakexia Snow Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.306m (14,127ft) above the sea level, located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, in northwestern Sichuan, China.

304 Provincial Road is a very scenic mountain road located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

A371 is the name of a high mountain road running through the south of Kyrgyzstan, from Sary-Tash to the border with China at Irkeshtam Pass.

Quidijiankela pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.047m (16,558ft) above the sea level, located on the Line of Actual Control between China (Tibet Autonomous Region) and India (Jammu and Kashmir).

Pereval Bedel is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.093m (13,428ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China.

Shuangping Cliff Road is the name of a very challenging drive located in Kaizhou District of China. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.

Hongqi Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.694m (18,681ft) 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.

Bunggar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.228m (17,152ft) above the sea level, located in Lhasa prefecture-level city in Maizhokunggar County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Lalung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.322m (17,460ft) above the sea level, located in Gar County, in the Ngari Prefecture of the western Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Zheduoshan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.302m (14,114ft) above the sea level, located in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in China.

Zagashershar is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.130m (13,549ft) above the sea level, located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture prefecture of China.

Tucked away in the northwest of Henan province, in China, the defiant Qiwangzhai Wall Tunnel Road is a marvel of engineering dug out by hand. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.

Darecuo is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 5.411m (17,752ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The road to the summit is rocky and gravel. Large, sharp rocks require tight maneuvering, increasing the likelihood of tire damage. 

The Western Europe-Western China (WE-WC) Highway is a transcontinental expressway linking China's Yellow Sea coast with Western Europe.

The challenging S307 Provincial Road is an absolute must for road lovers. Located in Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, if you love to drive, you will love it.

Gade La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.016m (16,456ft) above the sea level, located in Banbar County, a county of the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China

Located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, the Tasha ancient road is a very challenging drive.

Simi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.364m (14,317ft) above the sea level, located in Gyantse County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Ma La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.245m (17,208ft) above the sea level, located in Nyalam County of China’s Tibet autonomous region. 

Shargang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.335m (17,503ft) above the sea level located in Banbar County, Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Karatagh Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.473m (17,956ft) above the sea level, located in the Chinese Autonomous region of Tibet. 

Zhonglong Highway is a very scenic drive in the heart of Xigazê Prefecture in western Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

583 Country Road is a high mountain road located in the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Laozhong Line is a very exciting mountain drive in northeastern Gansu province, People's Republic of China. The average gradient is 8.78%.

Drong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.488m (18,005ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Tucked away on the border between Shannan and Ngari Prefectures, in Tibet, China, a high mountain road running from Qusum to Diyag is a defiant adventure.