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.
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 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.
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.
Haizi Pass: enjoy a road among the clouds
Haizi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.689m (15,383ft) above the sea level, located in Batang County, in western Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China. The area has a lunar landscape.
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.
Kamba La Observatory
Kamba La observatory is a high mountain observatory at an elevation of 5.151m (16,899ft) 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.
Gochak La, an epic enthralling road to the summit
Gochak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.755m (15,600ft) above the sea level, located in Yadong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, near the border with Bhutan.
If you love to drive, you'll love the road to Yarto Drak La
Yarto Drak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.038m (16,528ft) above the sea level, located in Qusum County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Niujiaoyan chain bridge, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
Located in Sinan County, in the northeast of Guizhou Province, China, the scary Niujiaoyan chain bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Yangtianshan Panshan Road is not recommended if you’re prone to car sickness
Yangtianshan Panshan Road is the name of an extremely curvy road located in Linqu County in the middle of Shandong Peninsula, Shandong Province of China.
Gaoersi Pass, an adventure road you will never forget
Gao'ersi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.352m (14,278ft) above the sea level, located in the traditional Kham Region of the eastern Tibet, under the administation of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in China.
Langla La is an epic climb in the Tibet
Langla La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.538m (14,888ft) above the sea level, located in the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
X605 Road offers stunning views of Gyaring Lake
X605 (County Road 605) is a high mountain road located in Nagqu, Tibet, in China, running entirely above 4.600 meters above the sea level.
Dare to drive the dangerous Bamtso La
Bamtso La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.465m (17,929ft) above the sea level, located on the Chinese-Indian border.
Driving the road to Cuo Ga Bu Lake is not a piece of cake
Cuogabu is a glacial lake at an elevation of 5.229m (17,155ft) above the sea level, located in Kangmar County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
The road to Luanshi Daban is not for the faint of heart
Luanshi Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.412m (17,755ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China.
Par La
Par La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.334m (14219ft) above the sea level, located in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
The inhumane climb to Qiuchi Mountain with 38% ramps
Qiuchi Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.759m (5,770ft) above the sea level, located in the Xihe County of the prefecture-level city of Longnan, in the southeast of Gansu Province of China.
Lunkar La is a winding road only for experienced drivers
Lunkar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.390 m (17,683ft) above the sea level, located in Zhongba County of Xigazê Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
The Wild Road to Tipta La
Tipta La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.118m (16,791ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal. It’s an important trade route.
Tro La, a curvy road only for experienced drivers
Tro La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.390m (17,683ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Lhari and Gongbo’gyamda counties in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Hongjing Road is a drive worth taking in Beijing province
Hongjing Road is the name of a very curvy winding mountain road located in Fangshan District, in the southwest of Beijing province, in China.
A remote unpaved road to Mata La
Mata La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.348m (17,545ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Comai and Cona counties, in the south of the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
An Unforgettable Road to Götse La
Gõtse La (Gray Head Pass) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.628m (15,183ft) above the sea level, located in Dêgê County, in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in far northwestern Sichuan province, China.
Samto La: a challenging 4x4 track
Samto La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.064m (16,614ft) above the sea level, located on the Nepal-China border.
Dare to drive the dangerous road to Chiasa La
Chiasa La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.887m (16,033ft) above the sea level, located in Yushu County, in Qinghai Province of China.
Taking on the Twists and Turns to Xila Daban
Xila Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.292m (17,362ft) above the sea level, located in Zanda County, in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A rough 4x4 road to Yilanga La
Yilanga La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.555m (18,225ft) above the sea level, located in Zanda County, in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.
The inhumane climb to Changlashan Pass with 37% ramps
Changlashan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.708m (15,446ft) above the sea level, located in Zadoi County, in the southwest of Qinghai Province, China, bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region to the south.
Lung La is a truly outstanding SUV adventure
Lung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.216m (17,112ft) above the sea level, located in Gyaca County, a county of Shannan located in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Doxong La tunnel: watch out for oncoming vehicles in the dark
Located in Mainling County, in the prefecture-level city of Nyingchi, in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Doxong La tunnel was finished in 2021.
A Most Tricky Scenic Drive To Kura La
Kura La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.395m (17,700ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Ngamring and Nyalam counties, in Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Norgo La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Norgo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.256m (17,244ft) above the sea level, located in Coqên County in the southeast of Ngari Prefecture in the west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Kigunaru pass is an adventure track you will never forget
Kigunaru pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.407m (17,739ft) above the sea level, located in Rutog County, in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
The road to Xia Quepu Lake is not for the faint of heart
Xia Quepu is a glacial lake at an elevation of 4.918m (16,135ft) above the sea level, located in Kangmar County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
An Explorer's Guide to the top of Lajyung La
Lajyung La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.000m (16,404ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal.
Driving the scary Ligpaishi Zigzag Mountain Road in Chongqing
Ligpaishi Zigzag Road is a very defiant drive located in the Chongqing region of China.