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.
Ali CMB, a road you'll never forget
Ali CMB Polarization Telescope (AliCPT) is a ground-based CMB observatory at an elevation of 5.176m (16,981ft) above the sea level, located in Gar County in the Ngari Prefecture of the western Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Wuyishan Pass
Wuyishan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.721m (15,488ft) above the sea level, located in western Sichuan Province, China.
Road to Sepu Kangri: a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
Sepu Kangri is a high mountain peak located in Biru County, within Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China. A minor gravel road north of the peak climbs up to 4.751m (15,587ft) above the sea level.
The road to Zǔsōng La will take your breath away
Zǔsōng La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.775m (18,946ft) above the sea level, located in Coqên County, in the Ngari Prefecture, in the west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It’s one of the world’s highest roads.
Xiya Valley Hanging Tunnel is dug out by hand
Located between Henan and Lingchuan counties, in Shanxi Province, China, the Xiya Valley Hanging Tunnel is a marvel of engineering dug out by hand. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
Tientsuwa Shan Pass
Tientsuwa Shan is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.455m (14,616ft) above the sea level, located in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in China.
S305 road is truly an unforgettable experience in Tibet
S305 is a high mountain road located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The Ultimate Road Trip To Huoshaoyun
Huoshaoyun is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.765m (18,914ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China, in the northwest of the country. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.
Deyang La
Deyang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.381m (17,654ft) above the sea level, located in Lhasa prefecture-level city in Maizhokunggar County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Zha La
Zha La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.832m (15,853ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Mount Haiz
Mount Haiz is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.648m (15,249ft) above the sea level, located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of China.
The wild road to Shugu La
Shugu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.478m (17,972ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
Hung La
Hung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.237m (13,900ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Get behind the wheels for Guangzhou Green Tunnel Road
Guangzhou Green Tunnel Road is the name of a very scenic tunnel with open windows on the top located in Guangzhou, the capital and the largest city f Guangdong province in southern China.
Monda La is one of the highest paved roads on Earth
Monda La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.408m (17,742ft) above the sea level, located in the Nagarzê County of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Daxuenshan Pass
Da Xue Shan pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.337m (14,229ft) above the sea level, located in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in northwestern Yunnan province, China.
Lhamonyin Shan, the road to the holiest lake in Tibet
Lhamonyin Ri is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.226m (17,145ft) above the sea level, located in Gyaca County in Shannan Prefecture (Lhoka) of Tibet, in China. Due to the high altitude and extreme weather you should prepare well before.
Wanzhang Cliff Highway is for experienced drivers only
Located in Hefeng County, in the southwestern part of Hubei province, People's Republic of China, Wanzhang Cliff Highway is the name of a very dangerous drive. Along the way you’ll have to deal with some dangerous drop offs. One mistake can have serious consequences.
Buze La, a road less traveled
Buze La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.418m (17,775ft) above the sea level, located in southern Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the heart of the Tibetan/Nepalese Himalayas.
A road with 90 hairpin turns to Tinki La
Tinki La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.222m (17,132ft) above the sea level, located in Dinggyê County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Driving along the curvy road to Kyungang La
Kyungang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,341m (17,522ft) above sea level, located in Xinjiang Province of China.
Kheriya ancient road is a drive you'll never forget
Kheriya ancient road is the name of a 4x4 unforgettable adventure through the infamous Kunlun Mountains in Tibet, China.
Par La, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
Par La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.578m (18,300ft) above the sea level, located in Zhongba County of Xigazê Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Dare to drive the dangerous 711 County Road
711 County Road (X711) is a high mountain road located in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. There is a real risk of AMS (altitude-mountain-sickness). It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Dzang La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Dzang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.287m (17,345ft) above the sea level, located in Gyirong county of Xigazê Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Tra La, a scary and dangerous journey in Tibet
Tra La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.479m (17,975ft) above the sea level, located in Xaitongmoin County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Jiabo Co
Jiabo Co is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 4.774m (15,662ft) above the sea level, located in the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A road trip to Marim La is truly epic
Marim La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.494m (18,024ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal.
X710: enjoy a road among the clouds
710 County Road is a high mountain road located in Ngari Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
X605: enjoy a road among the clouds
605 County Road (X605) is a high mountain road located in Ngari Prefecture, in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
Sancam La: enjoy a road among the clouds
Sancam La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.198m (17,053ft) above the sea level, located in Rutog County, in the large western of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
Travel guide to the top of Mobdi La
Mobdi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.788m (18,989ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Xinjiang and Tibet autonomous regions of China. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.
Driving the road to Hongqi Daban is not a piece of cake
Hongqi Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.694m (18,681ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China, in the northwest of the country. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
The scary road to Xifanggoucun built on dangerous cliffs at 3,000 feet high
Located in Ningqiang County of Shaanxi province, in north-west China, the road to Xifanggoucun is a scary mountain drive carved by residents of a rural village, hanging approximately 3,000ft high above ground. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
Nyema La: this road is not for timid drivers
Nyema La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.481m (17,982ft) above the sea level, located in the southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Yakexia Snow Mountain
Yakexia Snow Mountain is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.306m (14,127ft) above the sea level, located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, in northwestern Sichuan, China.
S304 is an unforgettable journey in Tibet
304 Provincial Road is a very scenic mountain road located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Quidijiankela pass, a military road to the summit
Quidijiankela pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.047m (16,558ft) above the sea level, located on the Line of Actual Control between China (Tibet Autonomous Region) and India (Jammu and Kashmir).
The closed road to Bedel Pass, on Kyrgyzstan-China border
Pereval Bedel is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.093m (13,428ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China.