Driving the Huilong-Hanging Tunnel in the Taihang Mountains
The Huilong-Hanging Tunnel (also known as the Huilong Wall-Mounted Highway) is an 8-kilometer road located in the Southern Taihang Mountains of Henan Province, China. Carved directly into vertical cliff faces near Xinxiang, the route connects Henan and Shanxi provinces and features a 1-kilometer-long S-shaped tunnel. You can explore other similar tunnel roads in China across the region.
| Road facts: Huilong-Hanging Tunnel | |
|---|---|
| Location | Xinxiang, Henan Province (China) |
| Total Length | 8 km (4.97 miles) |
| Tunnel Length | 1 km (0.62 miles, S-shaped) |
| Tunnel Width | 8 meters (26.2 ft) |
| Surface | Paved asphalt |
Where is the Huilong Wall-Mounted Highway located?
The road is carved into the limestone cliffs of the Southern Taihang Mountains, near Huilong village in the HuiXian district of Henan Province. It climbs along steep canyon walls to cross the provincial boundary toward Shanxi Province.
What are the driving conditions inside the Huilong Tunnel?
The most narrow sector is the 1-kilometer S-shaped tunnel opened in 2002 after five years of construction. The paved roadway is 8 meters wide, but the absence of finished lining leaves raw, jagged rock walls on both sides. Constant groundwater seepage keeps the asphalt floor damp, reducing tire grip through blind, dark curves.
What hazards exist on the Huilong-Hanging Tunnel road?
Unlit and dimly lit tunnel sectors create visibility changes when entering from bright sunlight. Outside the tunnel, the 8-kilometer road runs directly along cliff ledges with steep vertical drops. Rockfalls and loose stones frequently drop onto the pavement from the overhanging rock faces above. On the ascent, drivers must select lower gears to maintain speed and engine braking on the descent.
Is the Huilong-Hanging Tunnel open year-round?
The road stays open throughout the year, but heavy rainstorms cause water runoff to flow directly through the tunnel, turning the paved floor slick. In winter, groundwater freezing inside the unheated mountain passage forms patches of ice on the S-bends. Local authorities temporarily close the cliff road during severe weather or landslide threats.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez
Pic&video: Chinareisecom