What are the most spectacular roads in China?
Stretching vast and diverse, from the shimmering coastlines of the east to the towering Himalayas in the west, China's topography is a dream canvas for some of the world's most remarkable roads. These aren't just pathways – they're odysseys narrating tales of human ingenuity, perseverance, and a deep reverence for nature.
Imagine navigating the serpentine twists of Tian Men Shan Big Gate Road, where 99 turns challenge even the most seasoned drivers. Then, marvel at the Guoliang Tunnel's sheer audacity, a pathway carved by hand into the very heart of a mountain, standing as a testament to human will and determination. Journey along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, one of the globe's highest roads, where every bend unveils vistas that seem to brush the heavens. And if you ever wished to drive to the roof of the world, the paved road to Everest Base Camp awaits, offering a communion with the mighty Himalayas like no other. Finally, for those who truly want to touch the sky, the drive to Chāmkang will elevate you to one of the world's highest motorable realms.
China's roads aren't just stretches of asphalt; they are chronicles, each kilometer whispering tales of landscapes that defy imagination and the indomitable spirit of those who've shaped them. So, gear up and let the Chinese routes enthrall your senses, taking you on a journey where legends, landscapes, and adventures converge.
Y773 is an otherworldly road
773 Country Road is a high mountain road located in Ngari Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
Dare to drive the dangerous Shel La
Shel La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.904m (16,089ft) above the sea level, located in Dêngqên County, in the east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Driving the scary Blade Sky Road with cliffs on both sides
Located in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, in southeastern Chongqing, China, Blade Sky Road is the name of a very defiant road.
Haitar Pass is a drive worth taking
Haitar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.882m (12,736ft) above the sea level, located in Gangca County of northeastern Qinghai province, on the northern shore of Qinghai Lake, in China.
Things to Know Before Driving Through Mada La
Mada La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.949m (16,236ft) above the sea level, located in Nyima County, the westernmost county in Nagqu, Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
Road trip guide: Conquering the Kuqiong Gangri Glacier
Kuqiong Gangri (Kuoqionggangri) Glacier is the name of a glacier located in Damxung, a county of Lhasa City in the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. A new gravel road to the glacier tops out at 5.606m (18,392ft) above the sea level.
Demo Pass, a winding road only for experienced drivers
Demo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.817m (15,803ft) above the sea level, located in Zayü County, in the southeast of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Dadongshu Pass Is Miles Of White-Knuckle Driving
Dadongshu Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.120m (13,517ft) above the sea level, located in Qilian County of Qinghai Province, part of Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in China.
Dare to drive the dangerous Dangbe La
Dangbe La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.183m (1,7004ft) above the sea level, located in Xaitongmoin County or Zhetongmön, in Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A remote road to the summit of Trel La
Trel La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.441m (17,851ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Nagarzê and Lhozhag counties, in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
234 Country Road is an awe-inspiring drive through extremely remote areas
234 Country Road is a wild drive located in Ngamring County, Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Kangbeicun-Zhangcun Road is an otherworldly drive
Located in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, near the border with Nepal, the road from Kangbeicun to Zhangcun is a challenging adventure.
Dare to drive the dangerous Shangla Wall Tunnel Road
Tucked away in the northwest of Henan province, in China, the dangerous Shangla Wall Tunnel Road is a marvel of engineering dug out by hand. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
214 County Road
214 County Road is an asphalted high mountain road located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, bordering Nepal.
A rough 4x4 road to Tianhedong Daban
Tianhedong Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.590m (18,339ft) above the sea level, located in the southwestern part of Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
A road with 44 hairpin turns to Bangmeilong Peak
Bangmeilong Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.190m (17,027ft) above the sea level, located in Yadong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, near the border with Bhutan.
Puling La, an awe-inspiring route through extremely remote areas
Puling La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.954m (16,253ft) above the sea level, located in Zanda County, in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Tremo La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Tremo La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.705m (15,436ft) above the sea level, located on the Tibet/Bhutan border. The area was closed to residents and foreigners in 1962.
Dongshan Tunnel: enjoy a drive among the clouds
Dongshan Tunnel is a high mountain tunnel at an elevation of 3.850m (12,631ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Gansu and Qinghai provinces of northwest China.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Huahu Cliff tunnel road
Huahu Cliff tunnel road is the name of an awe-inspiring route through remote areas located in Pingshun County, in the southeast of Shanxi province, China. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
Langlu La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Langlu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.829m (15,843ft) above the sea level, located in Seni District, within the Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China.
Tratsang La: 27 hairpin turns to the summit
Tratsang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.292m (17,362ft) above the sea level, located in Gyirong County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Mihman Yoli Pass, one of the toughest tracks in the world
Mihman Yoli Pass is an international high mountain pass on the border of Afghanistan and China, at an elevation of 4.787m (15,705ft).
72 bends to the summit of Ye La
Ye La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.651m (15,259ft) above the sea level, located in Baxoi County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Driving the Bingchacha Road is not a piece of cake
Bingchacha Road is said to be the most primitive road in China. It’s a new stretch of the G219 national road, running from Yunnan county to Tibet.
A bumpy and grueling road to Regong La
Regong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.016m (16,456ft) above the sea level, located in Namling County, a county of Shigatse in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Kanda Shan Pass is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
Kanda Shan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.656m (15,275ft) above the sea level, located in Nangqên County of the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the southernmost county-level division of Qinghai province, in China.
Bayi Daban, courage is required to drive to the summit
Bayi Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.366m (17,604ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Hotan County, a county in the southwest of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Rutog County, in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
Dare to drive the dangerous Chhatang La
Chhatang La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.674m (18,615ft) above the sea level, located on the Nepal-China border. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Driving the scary Z-shaped Bianshi Road
Bianshi Road is the name of a crazy drive located in Wuxi County, in People's Republic of China. 1st gear only. Due its narrowness, it is impossible to turn back.
The road to Chipchap Pass is not for the faint of heart
Chipchap Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.301m (17,391ft) above the sea level, located in the southwestern part of Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in China.
Jiangxia Wall Hung Road is recommended for drivers with strong nerves only
Jiangxia Wall Hung Road is the name of a very defiant drive located in Hui County, in the southeast of Gansu Province, in China. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
The road to Birukangqing La is not for the faint of heart
Birukangqing La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.288m (17,349ft) above the sea level, located in Biru County, within Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Lamo Latse La is pure adventure
Lamo Latse La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.370m (17,618ft) above the sea level, located in Ngari Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
Riong La: enjoy a road among the clouds
Riong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.153m (16,906ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Juetu La
Juetu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.916m (12,847ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Aba La is an otherworldly drive
Aba La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.190m (17,027ft) above the sea level, located in Seni District, within the Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, western People's Republic of China.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Wuersisan Radome Road
Located in the southwestern part of Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in China, the road from Wuersisan to Radome is one of the highest roads of the country.
A very steep road (13.3%) to the top of Lata La
Lata La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.047m (13,277ft) above the sea level, located in the southern part of Gyirong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.