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.

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 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.

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.

Located in SW China's Sichuan, a challenging mountain road features 21-consecutive-hairpin-bends built on a cliff.

X603 (County Road 603) is a high mountain road located in Nyima County, Nagqu, Tibet, in China.

Tangkar La is an international high mountain pass located on the border of India and China.

773 Country Road is a high mountain road located in Ngari Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Zhanailakashan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.760m (15,616ft) above the sea level, located in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southern Qinghai province, China.

Located in the Jiuzhaigou county of Sichuan, in China, Shenxianchi 28 U-turns is the name of a very defiant drive featuring 28 hairpin turns.

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.

West Taiji Nai´er Lake (Xitai Jiner Lake) is a beautiful two-color lake located in Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai, in China.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Located in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, in southeastern Chongqing, China, Blade Sky Road is the name of a very defiant road.

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.

Located in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, near the border with Nepal, the road from Kangbeicun to Zhangcun is a challenging adventure.

234 Country Road is a wild drive located in Ngamring County, Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

214 County Road is an asphalted high mountain road located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, bordering Nepal.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Mihman Yoli Pass is an international high mountain pass on the border of Afghanistan and China, at an elevation of 4.787m (15,705ft).

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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