Sky Road is a drive with harrowing zig-zags
Located in western Hubei's Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, in central China's Hubei Province, the Sky Road is a marvel of engineering.
When Was the Sky Road Built?
The road was built by villagers on cliffs after arduous efforts in the 1990s and is known for its harrowing zig-zags. It hugs the jagged hills as it slices its way down to the valley. It was carved into the mountainside in Enshi Prefecture, in western Hubei. People call the road a “sky road” as it hangs above the mountain if they look at it from afar.
How Long Is the Sky Road?
The road is 4.34 km (2.7 miles) long, overlooking some terrifying steep precipices. Fog curls around the switchbacks in springtime, and in winter, the daunting hairpin turns are made even more treacherous by snow and frost on the surface.
Is the Sky Road Paved?
The surface of the road is paved (concrete and asphalt in parts). Its intense gradient doesn't seem to put people off driving on it. It’s also known as Heaven Road and looks like a jade belt in the mountains. Don’t stuff your belly too much. Eventually, you might feel vomiting temptations while climbing circuitous roads at higher altitudes. The drive consists of 7 big “Z’s.” It’s a deadly road due to its position and shape. Fortunately, they've thought to add some guard rails over the years.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: http://china.org.cn/travel/2015-04/27/content_35424951_5.htm