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 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.
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.
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.
Driving the scary Ligpaishi Zigzag Mountain Road in Chongqing
Ligpaishi Zigzag Road is a very defiant drive located in the Chongqing region of China.
Driving the most beautiful Spiral Highway of Shanxi
Located in Zezhou County, in the southeast of Shanxi province, China, a spiraling section of the National Highway 207 is one of the most challenging drives in the world.
The road to Churi Meri La, a chillout in high mountains
Churi Meri La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.507m (14,786ft) above the sea level, located in Nangqên County, in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province, China.
Lungzang La, the road less traveled
Lungzang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.319m (17,450ft) above the sea level, located in Xaitongmoin County, Shigatse, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Laofan Pass
Laofan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.155m (13,631ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Gansu and Qinghai provinces of northwest China.
Hongshan Mountain, a truly outstanding SUV adventure
Hongshan Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.530m (14,862ft) above the sea level, located in Northwestern Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.
Anglet Daban: enjoy a road among the clouds
Anglet Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.189m (10,462ft) above the sea level, located in Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in Northern Xinjiang, in China.
The road to Sebseb La is not for the faint of heart
Sebseb La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.442m (17,854ft) above the sea level, located in the Ngamring County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Lanma La, one of the toughest tracks in the world
Lanma La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.098m (16,725ft) above the sea level, located in Tingri County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Nangpa La, a Most Tricky Scenic Drive
Nangpa La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.884m (16,023ft) above the sea level, located in Baiyü County of far western Sichuan province, China.
Dare to drive the dangerous Debo La
Debo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.178m (16,988ft) above the sea level, located in Gê'gyai County, in Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Tielimaiti La is an epic road in the Narat Range
Tielimaiti Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.335m (10,941ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region under the administration of the Aksu Prefecture, in China. The road offers breathtaking views of giant peaks, summits and deep gorges.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Takum La
Takum La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.590m (15,059ft) above the sea level, located in Qusum County in the Shannan Prefecture of Tibet, in China.
Mt. Rawobanba
Mt. Rawobanba is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.107m (13,474ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Driving the road to Zixia Palace with 49 dizzying hairpin bends
Zixia Palace is a stunning building at an elevation of 3.245m (10,646ft) above the sea level, located in Dongchuan District, in Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. It’s a road that combines thrills, excitement and beauty.
Jangkhu La is a drive worth taking
Jangkhu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.935m (16,190ft) above the sea level, located in Seni District, within the Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China.
A wild road to Quzhong La
Quzhong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.885m (16,026ft) above the sea level, located in the Nagqu Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Boi La
Boi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.950m (16,240ft) above the sea level, located in Cona County, in south-eastern Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China. This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. The climb is terrible, with 62 sharp hairpin turns.
Take An Unforgettable Drive to Pang La
Pang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.736m (15,538ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A sensational drive to Xuebaoding Snow Mountain Pass
Xuebaoding Snow Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.015m (13,172ft) above the sea level, located in Songpan county of northwestern Sichuan province, in China.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Balagezong Mountain Road
Balagezong Mountain Road is the name of a very exciting drive located in the northwest of Shangri-la county, in Northwestern Yunnan Province of People's Republic of China.
The inhumane climb to Kawak Pass with 38% ramps
Kawak Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.126m (16,817ft) above the sea level, located in Pishan County, within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, under the administration of the Hotan Prefecture in China.
X607, one of the highest roads in Tibet
X607 (County Road 607) is a high mountain road located in Nyima County, Nagqu, Tibet, in China.
Lawu Pass: a paved steep road to the top
Lawu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.371m (14,340ft) above the sea level, located in Markham County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The Wild Road to Yuximolegai La
Yuximolegai Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.438m (11,279ft) above the sea level, located in Nilka County, within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. The drive offers stunning mountain views everywhere.
A dusty remote track to Chuseng La
Chuseng La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.224m (17,139ft) above the sea level, located in Gêrzê County, in Ngari Prefecture in the northwest of the Tibet Autonomous Region, bordering Xinjiang to the north, southwest of China.
Rib La, an epic enthralling road
Rib La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.760m (15,616ft) above the sea level, located in Lhünzê County in the southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Travel Guide to the top of Guza La
Guza La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.084m (16,679ft) above the sea level, located in Bomê County in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Ela Shankou: enjoy a drive among the clouds
Ela Shankou is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.502m (14,770ft) 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.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Sengri mountain
Sengri is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.632m (15,196ft) above the sea level, located in Bayi District in Nyingchi in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
S217 Road: a chillout in high mountains
217 Provincial Road (S217) is the name of a very scenic drive located on the border between Sichuan and Qinghai provinces, in China.
Courage is required to drive to Dzi La
Dzi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.799m (15,744ft) above the sea level, located in Sêrxü County, in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwest of Sichuan Province, China.
How To Travel The 412 County Road
412 County Road is the name of a very exciting drive in the heart of Gānnán Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in southern Gansu Province, China.
A paved road to the Riyue Mountain Pass
Riyue Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.529m (11,578ft) above the sea level, located in Northeastern Qinghai Province, in Western China, by the Tibetan Plateau.