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.
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).
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Road A371
A371 is the name of a high mountain road running through the south of Kyrgyzstan, from Sary-Tash to the border with China at Irkeshtam Pass.
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 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.
Shuangping Cliff Road is a delightful yet challenging drive
Shuangping Cliff Road is the name of a very challenging drive located in Kaizhou District of China. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
Zheduoshan Pass
Zheduoshan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.302m (14,114ft) above the sea level, located in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in China.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the S307 Provincial Road
The challenging S307 Provincial Road is an absolute must for road lovers. Located in Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, if you love to drive, you will love it.
Western Europe-Western China Highway is the New Silk Road
The Western Europe-Western China (WE-WC) Highway is a transcontinental expressway linking China's Yellow Sea coast with Western Europe.
Lalung La is an awe-inspiring road through extremely remote areas
Lalung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.322m (17,460ft) above the sea level, located in Gar County, in the Ngari Prefecture of the western Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Driving the Qiwangzhai Wall Tunnel Road is not a piece of cake
Tucked away in the northwest of Henan province, in China, the defiant Qiwangzhai Wall Tunnel Road is a marvel of engineering dug out by hand. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
Bunggar La
Bunggar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.228m (17,152ft) above the sea level, located in Lhasa prefecture-level city in Maizhokunggar County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Zagashershar
Zagashershar is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.130m (13,549ft) above the sea level, located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture prefecture of China.
Don’t glance down at your phone on the Tasha ancient road
Located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, the Tasha ancient road is a very challenging drive.
Darecuo Lake
Darecuo is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 5.411m (17,752ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The road to the summit is rocky and gravel. Large, sharp rocks require tight maneuvering, increasing the likelihood of tire damage.
Simi La is an absolute must for road lovers
Simi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.364m (14,317ft) above the sea level, located in Gyantse County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
An Explorer's Guide to the Karatagh La
Karatagh Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.473m (17,956ft) above the sea level, located in the Chinese Autonomous region of Tibet.
A hairpinned road to the summit of Gade La
Gade La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.016m (16,456ft) above the sea level, located in Banbar County, a county of the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The wild road to Ma La
Ma La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.245m (17,208ft) above the sea level, located in Nyalam County of China’s Tibet autonomous region.
Shargang La is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
Shargang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.335m (17,503ft) above the sea level located in Banbar County, Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Zhonglong Highway, a chillout drive in high mountains
Zhonglong Highway is a very scenic drive in the heart of Xigazê Prefecture in western Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
Travelling the strategic China National Highway 580
China National Highway 580 (G580) is the name of a strategic mountain road located in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China, in the northwest of the country, close to Central Asia.
583 Country Road: only for experienced drivers
583 Country Road is a high mountain road located in the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Laozhong Line
Laozhong Line is a very exciting mountain drive in northeastern Gansu province, People's Republic of China. The average gradient is 8.78%.
Travel guide to the top of Drong La
Drong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.488m (18,005ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Penma La: a rough and bumpy road
Penma La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.321m (17,457ft) above the sea level, located in Ngamring County, a county of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Driving the defiant road from Qusum to Diyag
Tucked away on the border between Shannan and Ngari Prefectures, in Tibet, China, a high mountain road running from Qusum to Diyag is a defiant adventure.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Chishui Cliff road
Chishui Cliff road is the name of a very challenging drive, located 200 meters above the Chishui River canyon in Xuyong County, in the southeast of Sichuan Province, China. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.
Kagye La is recommended for drivers with strong nerves
Kagye La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.814m (15,793ft) above the sea level, located in Karuo District of Qamdo, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Thaga La is an adventure track you will never forget
Thaga La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.411m (17,752ft) above the sea level, located in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, near the Indian border.
Jiajinshan Pass: a road you really wish you would drive at least once in your lifetime
Jiajinshan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.102m (13,458ft) above the sea level, located in the western part of Sichuan province, China.
How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Jiabuxi La
Jiabuxi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.705m (18,717ft) 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.
Nakole, a thrilling (scary) off road experience
Nakole is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.510m (18,077ft) above the sea level, located in Coqên County, in the southeast of Ngari Prefecture, in the west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is one of the highest roads of the country.
232 Country Road
232 Country Road is a high mountain road running entirely over 4.000 meters above the sea level located in Ngamring County, a remote section of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China.
Haxilegen La is an otherworldly drive
Haxilegen Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.538m (11,607ft) above the sea level, located in Nilka County, within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Before you enter the tunnel, there is a panoramic terrace.
Naktse La, a scary and dangerous journey in Tibet
Naktse La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.533m (18,152ft) above the sea level located in Ngari Prefecture 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.
An epic enthralling road to Drakde La
Drakde La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.611m (15,127ft) above the sea level, located in the Maqên County of Qinghai Province in China, under the administration of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
21 hairpin bends on the Zig-zag road of Sichuan
Located in SW China's Sichuan, a challenging mountain road features 21-consecutive-hairpin-bends built on a cliff.
Road trip guide: Conquering the infamous Tangkar La
Tangkar La is an international high mountain pass located on the border of India and China.
X603, a wild mountain road in Tibet
X603 (County Road 603) is a high mountain road located in Nyima County, Nagqu, Tibet, in China.