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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Ligpaishi Zigzag Road is a very defiant drive located in the Chongqing region of China.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (County Road 607) is a high mountain road located in Nyima County, Nagqu, Tibet, in China.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

217 Provincial Road (S217) is the name of a very scenic drive located on the border between Sichuan and Qinghai provinces, in China.

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.

412 County Road is the name of a very exciting drive in the heart of Gānnán Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in southern Gansu Province, China.

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.