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.

Shangshang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.228m (17,152ft) above the sea level, located in Cona County, Shannan, in the south of the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.

Yingkuoshan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.465m (14,648ft) above the sea level, located in the Chindu County of Qinghai Province, in China.

Located on the boundary between Garzê and Sichuan, in China, the road from Ka'erza to Yinkecun is a very challenging experience.

Lake Jiabucuo is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 5.248m (17,217ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, bordering India's Sikkim state to the south.

Chyangchumi La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.177m (16,984t) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal.

Xialondong Cliff Tunnel Road is the name of a very inspiring drive through remote areas located in Huayuan County of Hunan Province, China. It’s one of the famous Chinese tunnel roads.

Lungmar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.776m (18,950ft) above the sea level, located on the Chinese-Indian border. It's one of the highest motorable roads in the world.

Xiaochaomen is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.320m (4,330ft) above the sea level, located in Qianjiang District, in the southeastern part of Chongqing Municipality, People's Republic of China.

Xuemenkan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.984m (13,070ft) above the sea level, located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province of Southwest China.

Cona Qu is a high mountain lake located in the south of the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China. The road to the lake climbs up to 4.835m (15,862ft) above the sea level.

Zhilung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.970m (16,305ft) above the sea level, located in Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Tug La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.209m (17,089ft) above the sea level, located in Nagarzê County, in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China. Remember this is a mountainous area, climbing up a high mountain, with a notorius absence of oxygen. 

Ode La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.468m (14,658ft) above the sea level, located in Banbar County of the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Xiangpi Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.824m (12,545ft) above the sea level, located In Gonghe County, in Qinghai Province, China under the administration of Hainan Prefecture.

The Tingri-Penjixiang mountain road is a very challenging journey in the heart of Tingri County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Dolo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.857m (15,935ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Ngamring and Lhatse counties, Xigazê Prefecture, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Heka Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.939m (12,923ft) above the sea levele, located in Xinghai County, in the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the east-central part of Qinghai Province, People's Republic of China.

Dabanshan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.944m (12,939ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Haibei and Xining Prefectures, in Qinghai Province, China.

Erzhihala Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.307m (14,130ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Qinghai and Gansu provinces of China.

Namja La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.005m (16,420ft) above the sea level, located on the Nepal-China border.

Mount Li (Lishan Mountain) is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.034m (3,392ft) above the sea level, located in Lintong District, in the prefecture-level city of Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, Northwest China.

Ngai La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.453m (14,609ft) above the sea level, located in the historical region of Kham in the eastern Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Domo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.434m (14,547ft) above the sea level, located in Dêgê County, in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in far northwestern Sichuan province, China.

Pe La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.136m (16,850ft) above the sea level, located in Ngamring County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Haizi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.689m (15,383ft) above the sea level, located in Batang County, in western Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China. The area has a lunar landscape.

Gochak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.755m (15,600ft) above the sea level, located in Yadong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, near the border with Bhutan.

Kamba La observatory is a high mountain observatory at an elevation of 5.151m (16,899ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China. Do not take this drive if you have respiratory problems or any type of heart condition.

Yarto Drak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.038m (16,528ft) above the sea level, located in Qusum County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Located in Sinan County, in the northeast of Guizhou Province, China, the scary Niujiaoyan chain bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Gao'ersi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.352m (14,278ft) above the sea level, located in the traditional Kham Region of the eastern Tibet, under the administation of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in China.

Yangtianshan Panshan Road is the name of an extremely curvy road located in Linqu County in the middle of Shandong Peninsula, Shandong Province of China.

Langla La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.538m (14,888ft) above the sea level, located in the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

X605 (County Road 605) is a high mountain road located in Nagqu, Tibet, in China, running entirely above 4.600 meters above the sea level.

Cuogabu is a glacial lake at an elevation of 5.229m (17,155ft) above the sea level, located in Kangmar County of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region. 

Luanshi Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.412m (17,755ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang autonomous region of China.

Bamtso La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.465m (17,929ft) above the sea level, located on the Chinese-Indian border. 

Par La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.334m (14219ft) above the sea level, located in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Qiuchi Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.759m (5,770ft) above the sea level, located in the Xihe County of the prefecture-level city of Longnan, in the southeast of Gansu Province of China.

Tro La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.390m (17,683ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Lhari and Gongbo’gyamda counties in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.