Sky Road, 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. The road was built by villagers on cliffs after arduous efforts about 30 years ago and is known for its harrowing zig-zags.
The road is 4.34km (2.7 mile) long overlooking some terrifying steep precipices. It hugs the jagged hills as it slices its way down to the valley. It was carved into the mountain side 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. Fog curls around the switchbacks in springtime and in winter the daunting hairpin turns are made even more treacherous by snow and frost upon the surface.
The surface of the road is paved (concrete and asphalt in parts). Its intense gradient doesn't seem to put people off driving them. 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