A Thrilling Drive: Conquering the 30+ Hairpin Turns to Dawagenzha Peak
Dawagenzha Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,862m (12,670ft) above sea level, located in Baoxing County, under the administration of Ya'an City, in Sichuan Province, China.
Where is Dawagenzha Peak?
The peak is located in the west-central part of Sichuan Province, along the upper reaches of the Qingyi River. It is situated within the Qionglai Mountain Range, a remote area known for its stunning natural beauty and extreme terrain. Importantly, the region is adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant Panda Sanctuaries, confirming its ecological significance.
How long and steep is the road to Dawagenzha Peak?
The road to the summit is entirely unpaved. Starting from Liujiazhai, the ascent is 16.9 km (10.50 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is a massive 1,626 m (5,335ft), resulting in a challenging average gradient of 9.62%.
Driving Challenges: The 30 Hairpin Shelf Road
To reach the summit, due to the challenging conditions of the road, a 4x4 vehicle is mandatory. The surface features big rocks and loose gravel. The drive is particularly difficult as it’s a classic shelf road—very narrow, with steep drop-offs on one side—and includes more than 30 sharp hairpin turns packed into its 16.9 km length. This high concentration of switchbacks demands intense focus and low gearing.
Is the road to Dawagenzha Peak open in winters?
Set high in the Qionglai Mountain Range, the summit receives heavy snowfall. Therefore, the road to the peak is totally impassable in winter months (typically November through April) and should only be attempted during the summer and early autumn.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: 悄然而至