What are the most spectacular roads in China?
Located in the eastern part of Asia, and bordering 14 countries, China covers 9.6 million square kilometers. It’s the world's third-largest country by land area and it hosts more than 500 brutal driving experiences, listed as the most spectacular roads in the world. Due to its size and difficult geography, featuring mountains, plateaus, deserts, and plains, it has scenic, mountainous, and even flooding roads. It also holds many records, such as the world's longest traffic jam: a 100 km, 12-day standstill that occurred in August 2010, when the country witnessed the mother of all traffic jams.
When travelling to China, you can’t miss the infamous Tian Men Shan Big Gate, a road with 99 turns, built in 1998, that offers a thrilling 11-kilometer journey; or the iconic Guoliang Tunnel, which was dug through the side of a mountain by hand. Built in the early 1970s it is one of the most famous Chinese tunnel roads. It’s also worth driving the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, one of the world's highest roads.
And if you like challenging mountain roads situated at high elevations, remember to check out our list with the highest roads in China, where you’ll find real gems, such as Chāmkang, a mountain pass at 5.953m (19,530ft) above sea level.
A wild drive to Jizha La Pass in Tibet
Jizha La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,561m (18,244ft) above sea level, located in Lhozhag County of Shannan, in China. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
If you don’t like curves, the road to Dariga Pass is not for you
Dariga Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,602m (11,817ft) above sea level, located in Xunhua Salar Autonomous County, in the southeast of Haidong Prefecture, China.
All About the Road to Kyakyen La
Kyakyen La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.837m (15,869ft) above sea level, located in the heart of Cona County, in Shannan Prefecture of China.
Driving the paved curvy road to Beishan Daban
Beishan Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,485m (11,433ft) above sea level, located in Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, or in short Huzhu County, an autonomous county under the jurisdiction of the prefecture-level city of Haidong, in China.
Driving the Paved Mountain Road to Me La in Tibet
Me La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,179m (16,991ft) above sea level, located in Lhozhag County of Shannan, in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Driving the wild 4x4 road to Tsurphu La in Tibet
Tsurphu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,302 m (17,395 ft) above sea level, located in Lhasa City in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
How to get to Zong Co Lake in Tibet by car?
Zong Co is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4,976m (16,325ft) above sea level, located in Dinggyê County of Xigazê city in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The Road to Nampa La in Tibet Is Not an Easy One
Nampa La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,460m (17,913ft) above sea level, located on the border of Doilungdêqên District and Qüxü County, Lhasa Prefecture, Tibet.
A Wild Paved Road to Dzamba La
Dzamba La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,901m (16,079ft) above sea level, located in Batang County, Sichuan Province, China.
Driving the Lalung Valley Road, One of the Highest Roads on Earth
Located in Jammu and Kashmir, in India, the challenging Lalung Valley Road is one of the highest roads on Earth, ending at 5,803m (19,038ft) above sea level.
The Winding Road to Pen La in Cona County is Only for Experienced Drivers
Pen La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,273m (17,299ft) above sea level, located in Cona County, in China.
Driving a Brutally Steep Road to Lachin La in Tibet
Lachin La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,826m (15,833ft) above sea level, located in the east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Driving the wild unpaved road to Aryktoryk Pass
Aryktoryk Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,468 meters (11,377 feet) above sea level, located in Wuqia County, Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, of Xinjiang in China.
A Memorable Road Trip to Kora La
Kora La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,621m (15,160ft) above sea level, located in the Mustang District of Nepal.
Driving the high mountain road to Anwu La Pass with snow-capped mountains
Anwu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,602m (15,098ft) above sea level, located in the Chinese autonomous region of Tibet.
How to Drive the Closed Road to Tartkul Pass
Tartkul Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,900m (12,795ft) above sea level, located on the border of China and Kyrgyzstan.
Driving the Remote Unpaved Road to Nyadong La in Tibet
Nyadong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,224m (17,139ft) above sea level, located in the southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Driving the Forbidden Road to Dungurama Pass
Pereval Dungurama is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,100m (13,451ft) above sea level, marking the border between China and Kyrgyzstan.
Top Three Best Cities in China for International Students and Young Travelers
Over the years, the number of international students and travelers coming to China has increased. China offers many advantages to international students, opening up numerous opportunities during their studies. China is a vast country with a rich history and diverse culture. It has a wide variety of ethnicities, landmarks, languages, and historical figures.
An ancient salt trade route to Nara La
Nara La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.507m (14,786ft) above sea level, located in the Karnali Zone of Nepal.