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.
Sala La: The Road That Has It All
Sala La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.459m (14,629ft) above the sea level, located in Sêrxü County of the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwest of Sichuan Province, China.
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Shobo La
Shobo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.119m (16,794ft) above the sea level, located in Qusum County, a county under the administration of the prefecture-level city of Shannan in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Things to Know Before Driving to Tari La
Tari La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.521m (18,113ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Gyantse County (Xigazê) and Nagarzê County (Shannan) in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Gang La
Gang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.538m (14,888ft) above the sea level, located in Ngamring County, a county of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
A dizzying and dusty road to Rong La
Rong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.831m (15,849ft) above the sea level, located in Dêngqên County, in the east of the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is not suitable for those who get dizzy.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Gyandro La
Gyandro La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.147m (16,886ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Lhünzê and Cona counties in Shannan perfecture in southern part of Tibet Autonomous Region in People's Republic of China.
The inhumane road to Gu La with 31% ramps
Gu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.075m (16,650ft) above the sea level, located in Cona County, in Shannan prefecture in southern part of Tibet Autonomous Region in People's Republic of China.
Nice curves on the way to Lumu La
Lumu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.797m (15,738ft) above the sea level, located in Sichuan, in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China.
Eboling Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Eboling Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.700m (12,139ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Qinghai and Gansu provinces, in the Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China.
Road trip guide: Conquering the 562 Country Road
562 Country Road is a defiant high mountain road located in Zogong County, in the Chamdo Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Jingyangling Pass is worth the white-knuckle drive
Jingyangling Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.770m (12,368ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Qilian and Menyuan Hui counties of Qinghai Province, in the Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China.
Courage is required to drive to Chun La
Chun La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.516m (14,816ft) above the sea level, located in Zayü County in the Nyingchi Prefecture in the southeastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The road to the summit, with countless turns and twists, is said to be ‘The most primitive road in China’.
Xiagete Wall Road is recommended for drivers with strong nerves
Xiagete Wall Road is the name of a scary cliff road located in Shuicheng county, in the west of Guizhou province, China, bordering Yunnan province to the west, in China. If you're afraid of heights, it's probably best to keep your eyes forward.
New Changlung La is a winding road only for experienced drivers
New Changlung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.590m (18,339ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Chak La
Chak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.514m (14,809ft) above the sea level, located in Nagqu, a prefecture-level city in the north of the Chinese autonomous region of Tibet.
Driving the road to Yepuchen La is not a piece of cake
Yepuchen La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.113m (16,774ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Biru County (Nagqu) and Banbar County (Chamdo) in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Driving the curvy road to the summit of Shera La
Shera La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.563m (18,251ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Comai and Lhozhag counties, in the Shannan Prefecture of Tibet, in China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
The road to the disputed Lhari Peak
Lhari Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.861m (15,948ft) above the sea level, located in the disputed Demchok sector between China and India.
Tsogugye La: courage is required to drive to the summit
Tsogugye La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.999m (16,400ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Qusum and Gyaca counties, under the administration of the prefecture-level city of Shannan in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
A rough 4x4 road to Chugyu La
Chugyu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.415m (14,484ft) above the sea level, located in Tingri County, under the administration of the prefecture-level city of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Driving the wild Dongu La
Dongu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.944m (16,220ft) above the sea level, located in the Namling County of Shigatse in the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
The road to Beru La Pass, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
Beru La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.780m (15,682ft) above the sea level, located in Sog County in the Nagqu Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Driving the dizzying 564 Country Road
Located in Zogong County of the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, 564 Country Road (Y564) is the name of a defiant road through the mountains with many deep drop offs.
An epic enthralling road to Chepzi Observation Post
Chepzi Observation Post is a military facility at an elevation of 4.835m (15,862ft) above the sea level, located in Zanda County, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet.
Zhawa La: this road is not for timid drivers
Zhawa La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.021m (16,473ft) above the sea level, located in Batang County, in western Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
The Ultimate Road Trip To Galaga Pass
Galaga Yakou is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.504m (14,776ft) above the sea level, located in Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province of China.
Dzekri La, an absolute must for road lovers
Dzekri La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.693m (15,396ft) above the sea level, located in Riwoche county, in the prefecture-level city of Chamdo in the northeast of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Shimo Lake: this road is not for timid drivers
Shimo Co is a glacial lake at an elevation of 5.070m (16,633ft) above the sea level, located in Kangmar County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
A remote road to the summit of Trawo La
Trawo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.946m (16,227ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Nyainrong County, under the administration of the prefecture-level city of Nagqu, in the north of the Tibet Autonomous Region and Zadoi County, in the southwest of Qinghai Province, bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region to the south, in China.
Nye La: a brutally steep road (37%) to the summit
Nye La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.925m (16,158ft) above the sea level, located in Dinggyê County of the Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The road to Lach La is not for the faint of heart
Lach La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.731m (15,521ft) above the sea level, located in Nangqên County, the southernmost county-level division of Qinghai province, in China.
The road to Drongu La will take your breath away
Drongu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.929m (16,171ft) above the sea level, located in Sa'gya County, under the prefecture-level city of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Gora La is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
Gora La is an international high mountain pass located on the border of India and China.
A steep (11.79%) hairpinned road to Lake Gongga
Gongga Co is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.642m (15,229ft) above the sea level, located in Lhozhag County, a county of Shannnan in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Driving the savage road to Lungkar La
Lungkar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.645m (18,520ft) above the sea level, located in Zhongba County of Shigatse Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Travel guide to the top of Gele La
Gele La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.369m (14,333ft) above the sea level, located in Jomda County, in Chamdo in the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Lungdri La: this road is not for timid drivers
Lungdri La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.689m (15,383ft) above the sea level, located Baiyü County of far western Sichuan province, China, on the border with the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Tiejiangshan Pass is worth the white-knuckle drive
Tiejiangshan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.796m (15,734ft) above the sea level, located in Litang County, in southwest of Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China.
A very bumpy, grueling road to Yamtse La
Yamtse La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.685m (15,370ft) above the sea level, located in Kangmar County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region, bordering India's Sikkim state to the south.