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.

Tianhedong Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.590m (18,339ft) 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.

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

Huahu Cliff tunnel road is the name of an awe-inspiring route through remote areas located in Pingshun County, in the southeast of Shanxi province, China. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.

Dongshan Tunnel is a high mountain tunnel at an elevation of 3.850m (12,631ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Gansu and Qinghai provinces of northwest China.

Tratsang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.292m (17,362ft) above the sea level, located in Gyirong County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Langlu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.829m (15,843ft) above the sea level, located in Seni District, within the Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China.

Tremo La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.705m (15,436ft) above the sea level, located on the Tibet/Bhutan border. The area was closed to residents and foreigners in 1962.

Regong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.016m (16,456ft) above the sea level, located in Namling County, a county of Shigatse in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Mihman Yoli Pass is an international high mountain pass on the border of Afghanistan and China, at an elevation of 4.787m (15,705ft).

Ye La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.651m (15,259ft) above the sea level, located in Baxoi County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Bingchacha Road is said to be the most primitive road in China. It’s a new stretch of the G219 national road, running from Yunnan county to Tibet.

Kanda Shan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.656m (15,275ft) above the sea level, located in Nangqên County of the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the southernmost county-level division of Qinghai province, in China.

Chipchap Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.301m (17,391ft) above the sea level, located in the southwestern part of Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in China. 

Chhatang La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.674m (18,615ft) above the sea level, located on the Nepal-China border. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Bayi Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.366m (17,604ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Hotan County, a county in the southwest of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Rutog County, in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.

Birukangqing La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.288m (17,349ft) above the sea level, located in Biru County, within Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.

Jiangxia Wall Hung Road is the name of a very defiant drive located in Hui County, in the southeast of Gansu Province, in China. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.

Aba La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.190m (17,027ft) above the sea level, located in Seni District, within the Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, western People's Republic of China.

Riong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.153m (16,906ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Lamo Latse La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.370m (17,618ft) above the sea level, located in Ngari Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. 

Bianshi Road is the name of a crazy drive located in Wuxi County, in People's Republic of China. 1st gear only. Due its narrowness, it is impossible to turn back.

Juetu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.916m (12,847ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Located in the southwestern part of Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in China, the road from Wuersisan to Radome is one of the highest roads of the country.

Lata La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.047m (13,277ft) above the sea level, located in the southern part of Gyirong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Chyangchumi La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.177m (16,984t) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal.

Shangshang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.228m (17,152ft) above the sea level, located in Cona County, Shannan, in the south of the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.

Yingkuoshan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.465m (14,648ft) above the sea level, located in the Chindu County of Qinghai Province, in China.

Lake Jiabucuo is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 5.248m (17,217ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, bordering India's Sikkim state to the south.

Located on the boundary between Garzê and Sichuan, in China, the road from Ka'erza to Yinkecun is a very challenging experience.

Xialondong Cliff Tunnel Road is the name of a very inspiring drive through remote areas located in Huayuan County of Hunan Province, China. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.

Lungmar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.776m (18,950ft) above the sea level, located on the Chinese-Indian border. It's one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

Xiaochaomen is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.320m (4,330ft) above the sea level, located in Qianjiang District, in the southeastern part of Chongqing Municipality, People's Republic of China.

Xuemenkan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.984m (13,070ft) above the sea level, located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province of Southwest China.

Cona Qu is a high mountain lake located in the south of the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China. The road to the lake climbs up to 4.835m (15,862ft) above the sea level.

Zhilung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.970m (16,305ft) above the sea level, located in Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Tug La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.209m (17,089ft) above the sea level, located in Nagarzê County, in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China. Remember this is a mountainous area, climbing up a high mountain, with a notorius absence of oxygen. 

Xiangpi Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.824m (12,545ft) above the sea level, located In Gonghe County, in Qinghai Province, China under the administration of Hainan Prefecture.

Ode La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.468m (14,658ft) above the sea level, located in Banbar County of the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

The Tingri-Penjixiang mountain road is a very challenging journey in the heart of Tingri County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

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