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.
A bumpy and grueling road to Regong La
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.
Driving the Bingchacha Road is not a piece of cake
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 truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
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.
The road to Chipchap Pass is not for the faint of heart
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.
Dare to drive the dangerous Chhatang La
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, courage is required to drive to the summit
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.
The road to Birukangqing La is not for the faint of heart
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 recommended for drivers with strong nerves only
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.
Driving the scary Z-shaped Bianshi Road
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.
Aba La is an otherworldly drive
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.
Lamo Latse La is pure adventure
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.
Riong La: enjoy a road among the clouds
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.
Juetu La
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.
A very steep road (13.3%) to the top of Lata La
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.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Wuersisan Radome Road
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.
Shangshang La: recommended for drivers with strong nerves
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.
Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Yingkuoshan Pass
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.
How To Travel The Road from Ka'erza to Yinkecun
Located on the boundary between Garzê and Sichuan, in China, the road from Ka'erza to Yinkecun is a very challenging experience.
Lake Jiabucuo is an otherworldly drive
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.
Travel guide to the top of Chyangchumi La
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.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Xialondong Cliff Tunnel Road
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.
A very treacherous journey to Lungmar La
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.
A winding road with 41 switchbacks to Xiaochaomen Mountain
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
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
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.
The inhumane climb to Zhilung La with 20% ramps
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.
Travel guide to the top of Tug La
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.
Ode La, a drive you'll never forget
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.
Xiangpi Pass is an epic climb in Tibet
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.
Driving the wild Tingri-Penjixiang road
The Tingri-Penjixiang mountain road is a very challenging journey in the heart of Tingri County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Heka Mountain Pass, an iconic road in the Tibetan plateau
Heka Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.939m (12,923ft) above the sea levele, located in Xinghai County, in the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the east-central part of Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China.
Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Dolo La
Dolo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.857m (15,935ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Ngamring and Lhatse counties, Xigazê Prefecture, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The road to Dabanshan Pass will take your breath away
Dabanshan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.944m (12,939ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Haibei and Xining Prefectures, in Qinghai Province, China.
Erzhihala Daban is for drivers with strong nerves only
Erzhihala Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.307m (14,130ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Qinghai and Gansu provinces of China.
Namja Pass, a trade route between Mugu and Tibet
Namja La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.005m (16,420ft) above the sea level, located on the Nepal-China border.
Driving the scenic Panshan Highway to Lishan Mountain
Mount Li (Lishan Mountain) is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.034m (3,392ft) above the sea level, located in Lintong District, in the prefecture-level city of Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, Northwest China.
Driving the brutal road to Ngai La
Ngai La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.453m (14,609ft) above the sea level, located in the historical region of Kham in the eastern Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Adventure along the wild road to Pe La
Pe La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.136m (16,850ft) above the sea level, located in Ngamring County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
A memorable road trip to Domo La
Domo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.434m (14,547ft) above the sea level, located in Dêgê County, in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in far northwestern Sichuan province, China.