Taking on the Twists and Turns of Zhong Daban
Zhong Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.779m (12,398ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Haibei and Xining Prefectures of Qinghai in China.
Can you drive to Zhong Daban?
Set high in the Qilian mountain range, the road to the summit, also known as Dabanyahuo Pass is totally unpaved but navigable by all passenger vehicles. It’s called S105 (Qiaoyin Highway).
How long is the road to Zhong Daban?
With 25 hairpin turns, the road is very steep, hitting a grueling 25% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The pass is 71.2 km (44.24 miles) long, running south-north from Datong Hui and Tu to Menyuan Hui.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson