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.
G217 is a Chinese remote paved road
China National Highway 217 (G217) is a challenging road located in southwest Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, in the northwestern part of China.
The Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway is one of the most congested roads on Earth
The Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway ranks among the most congested roads on Earth. While the road is fully paved and boasts up to 50 lanes in some sections, post-holiday traffic is notoriously challenging.
The Ultimate Road Trip To Suge La in Tibet
Suge La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.453m (17,890ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Nyêmo and Damxung counties, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
Scaling New Heights: Journey Across Lajiong La - One of the World's Highest Motorable Roads
Lajiong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.830m (19,127ft) above the sea level located in Coqên County, in the Ngari Prefecture, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It's one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
An unforgettable drive to Chāmkang, one of the world's highest motorable roads
Chāmkang is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.953m (19,530ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Xinjiang and Tibet autonomous regions of China. It’s probably the world's highest motorable road.
Kunshan Tunnel Road: China's Handmade Marvel Constructed by Farmers
Nestled within the quiet confines of eastern China's Henan Province, the Kunshan Tunnel Road stands as a testament to ingenuity, representing a prominent chapter in China's tunnel roads.
Khunjerab Pass: Conquering the Highest Border-Crossing in the World
Khunjerab Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,706m (15,439ft) above sea level, located on the border of Pakistan and China. It is said to be the highest border-crossing in the world and is the highest point on the Karakoram Highway.
Zhongnanshan Tunnel is An Engineering Marvel in China's Shaanxi Province
Located in the Qinling mountains, the Zhongnanshan Tunnel stands as a testament to modern engineering amidst China's scenic landscapes. Serving as a critical link between Xi’an and Ankang, it not only ranks among the world's longest tunnels but also plays a pivotal role in streamlining transportation within the region. It’s one of the longest tunnels in the world.
A journey to Wenquan, one of Earth's highest road-accessible towns
Wenquan is a high mountain town at an elevation of 5.100m (16,732ft) above the sea level located in the Qinghai province of China. It’s one of the highest towns accessible by car on Earth.
How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Jelep La Pass
Jelep La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,434m (14,547ft) above sea level, located on the border of India and Tibet.
Fun Things to Do in Beijing
Beijing is the oldest inhabited city in the world and the city capital of the biggest country in the world, China. Given its 3000-year history, you will be mesmerized at how rich the culture and tradition are in the city.
Sky Road, a drive with harrowing zig-zags
Located in western Hubei's Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, in central China's Hubei Province, the Sky Road is a marvel of engineering. The road was built by villagers on cliffs after arduous efforts about 30 years ago and is known for its harrowing zig-zags.
Cho La Mountain Tunnel is one of the world’s highest tunnels
Set high in the Cho La Mountains, in western Sichuan Province, China, the Cho La Mountain Tunnel is at an average altitude of 4.378m (14,363ft) above the sea level.
Kyapsang La is one of the World's highest motorable roads
Kyapsang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.886m (19,311ft) 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.
A road trip to Mana La is truly epic
Mana Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,626m (18,458ft) above sea level, located on the border of India and China. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Tanggu La is one of the China's top drives
Tanggu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.231m (17,162ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, China.
Road trip guide: Conquering Kamba La
Kamba La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.852m (15,915ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China. Do not take this drive if you have respiratory problems or any type of heart condition.
A new road to Lipulekh Pass
Lipulekh Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.099m (16,729ft) above the sea level, located on the China-India border.
Road trip guide: Conquering Nathu La Pass in the Himalayas
Nathu La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.310m (14,140ft) above the sea level, located at the Indo-China border.
A brutal road to Jang Rang La: extremely low oxygen for engine combustion
Jang Rang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.793m (19,005ft) above the sea level located in the Shannan Prefecture of Tibet, an autonomous region of China on the northern side of the Himalayas. It's one of the world's highest motorable roads.
45 hairpin turns on the Chinese Heaven's Road
Located on south-western China's, the Road to Heaven is a cliff-side motorway full of hairpin turns and steep bends. There are sheer drops virtually along the entire route and enough hairpins to make a whirling dervish dizzy. Elevating from 2,050 feet to 3,855 feet above the sea level, it has an astonishingly 45 hairpins.
Cars floating off the ground in China
It happened in China. Flying cars and vans leaping into the air at a busy junction. Three cars mysteriously get lifted into the air and then dropped.
Aizhai Winding Road: you'll feel like you are driving in the sky
Aizhai Winding Road is a very scenic drive in the mountainous Hunan province of China. This road leads from Aizhai township up to the Aizhai bridge.
A journey on the legendary Balang Shan Pass
Balang Shan La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.500m (14,760ft) above the sea level, located in the Sichuan province of China. The pass is traversed by an extreme high mountain road called 303 Provincial Road.
Karo La: enjoy a road among the clouds
Karo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.010m (16,500ft) above the sea level, located in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
G7 Expressway is the world's longest desert expressway
Stretching across the north and northwest of China the G7 Expressway is said to be the world’s longest highway across the desert.
Crossing the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge
China opened on 24 October 2018 its latest megaproject, the world's longest sea bridge: the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, also known as HKZMB or HZMB. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges of the world.
A paved road to the summit of Mayum La
Mayum La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.225m (17,142ft) above the sea level, located in Tibet, north-east of the Himalayas, in the People's Republic of China.
Tian Men Shan Big Gate Road, a true test
Located in China's Hunan Provence, the Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road (also called the Tianmen Winding Mountain Road) is a picturesque strip of tarmac over shear cliff faces and some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth.
The road to Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be the scary of scaries
Located in Shawan county, China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be one of the most scenic spots of the region. If you're afraid of heights, it's probably best to keep your eyes forward.
Dare to drive the dangerous Shibanhe Cliff Road
Shibanhe Cliff Road is the name of a difficult mountain road located in Hezhang county of Bijie City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
Driving to Lo La, one of the highest roads in the world
Lo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.578m (18,300ft) above the sea level, located in Ngamring County, a county of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It’sone of the highest motorable roads of the world.
More than 100 hairpin turns on the road to Taibai Mountain
Tàibái Shān is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.766m (9,074ft) above the sea level, located in the Qinling Range, in the south west of Shaanxi Province, China.
A hairpinned road to Chiragsaldi Pass
Chiragsaldi Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.980m (16,338ft) above the sea level, located in the Kunlun Mountains, in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
Conquering the hairpinned Old Kunyi Road
Old Kunyi Road is one of the most challenging drives in China. It features 26 hairpin turns in just over 2.1 km long. It’s one of the famous hairpinned roads in the world.
Jinshajiang Bridge, the world's largest span suspension bridge
Located in the northwest of Yunnan province, China, the Jinshajiang Bridge is said to be the world's largest span suspension bridge.
Gorun La, a difficult road to the summit
Gorun La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.690m (18,667ft) above the sea level, located in Qusum County in the Shannan Prefecture of Tibet, in China. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.
A curvy paved road to Qieshan La
Qieshan La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,392m (17,690ft) above sea level, located in Tibet, north-east of the Himalayas, in the People's Republic of China.
Arniko Highway: One mistake, game over
The infamous Arniko Highway is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. It provides Nepal’s overland link with Tibet and China. "One mistake, game over".