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.
X607, one of the highest roads in Tibet
X607 (County Road 607) is a high mountain road located in Nyima County, Nagqu, Tibet, in China.
Lawu Pass: a paved steep road to the top
Lawu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.371m (14,340ft) above the sea level, located in Markham County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A dusty remote track to Chuseng La
Chuseng La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.224m (17,139ft) above the sea level, located in Gêrzê County, in Ngari Prefecture in the northwest of the Tibet Autonomous Region, bordering Xinjiang to the north, southwest of China.
Rib La, an epic enthralling road
Rib La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.760m (15,616ft) above the sea level, located in Lhünzê County in the southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
The Wild Road to Yuximolegai La
Yuximolegai Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.438m (11,279ft) above the sea level, located in Nilka County, within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. The drive offers stunning mountain views everywhere.
Travel Guide to the top of Guza La
Guza La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.084m (16,679ft) above the sea level, located in Bomê County in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Ultimate 4wd destination: Sengri mountain
Sengri is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.632m (15,196ft) above the sea level, located in Bayi District in Nyingchi in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
S217 Road: a chillout in high mountains
217 Provincial Road (S217) is the name of a very scenic drive located on the border between Sichuan and Qinghai provinces, in China.
Ela Shankou: enjoy a drive among the clouds
Ela Shankou is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.502m (14,770ft) 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.
Courage is required to drive to Dzi La
Dzi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.799m (15,744ft) above the sea level, located in Sêrxü County, in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwest of Sichuan Province, China.
How To Travel The 412 County Road
412 County Road is the name of a very exciting drive in the heart of Gānnán Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in southern Gansu Province, China.
Chak La, a Most Tricky Scenic Road
Chak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.854m (15,925ft) above the sea level, located in Lhünzhub County, in Lhasa towards the north-east of the main center of Chengguan, Tibet, China.
A hairpinned road to Ganden Monastery
Ganden Monastery is a monastery at an elevation of 4.327m (14,196ft) above the sea level, located in Dagzê District, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
An epic road to Ka La in Tibet
Ka La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.805m (15,764ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A paved road to the Riyue Mountain Pass
Riyue Mountain Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.529m (11,578ft) above the sea level, located in Northeastern Qinghai Province, in Western China, by the Tibetan Plateau.
Tsola La, a journey on the legendary Friendship Highway
Tsola La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.553m (14,937ft) above the sea level, located in Lhatse County, in Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Drive across Zha La pass in Tibet
Zha La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.086m (16,686ft) above sea level, located in Biru County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Pendang La: enjoy a road among the clouds
Pendang La is a high mountain pass, at an elevation of 4.848m (15,905ft) above the sea level, located in Xigazê Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
An unforgettable drive to Gola La
Gola La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.247m (17,214ft) above the sea level, located in Lhari County, within the prefecture-level city of Nagqu in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Zing La is a drive you'll never forget
Zing La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.936m (16,194ft) above the sea level, located in Cona County, in Shannan prefecture in southern part of Tibet Autonomous Region in People's Republic of China.
X305, a Tibetan wild road
305 County Road (X305) is a high mountain road located on the boundary of Gonggar County and Nagarzê County, in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Zholpel La, an awe-inspiring road through remote areas
Zholpel La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.615m (15,141ft) above the sea level, located in Qamdo district, in the eastern Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A frozen road to Damne La
Damne La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.031m (16,505ft) above the sea level, located in Biru County, in Nagqu, Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
A rollercoaster road to Shibapan Diecai Cave
Shibapan Diecai Cave is one of the most popular attractions in Xiuwu County, in the northwest of Henan province, China, bordering Shanxi province to the north.
Driving the breathtaking road to Lazhi La
Lazhi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.501m (14767ft) above the sea level, located in Chamdo Prefecture, on the boundary between Karuo District and Jomda County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The road to Gang La: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles
Gang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.824m (15,826ft) above the sea level, located in Biru County, the most populated county within Nagqu of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
An epic enthralling road to Puti La
Puti La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.483m (14,708ft) above the sea level, located in Banbar County of the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
The road to Kyi La is not for the faint of heart
Kyi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.106m (16,751ft) above the sea level, located in the Comai County of Shannan, in the south-east of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Chongnye La, a chillout in high mountains
Chongnye La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.478m (14,691ft) above the sea level, located in the east of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in China.
Drive across Tekhar La
Tekhar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.476m (14,685ft) above the sea level, located in Banbar County of the Chamdo Prefecture in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
The remote road to Dingo La is not for the faint of heart
Dingo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.047m (16,558ft) above the sea level, located in Rutog County, in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
An awe-inspiring drive to Lisuo Pass
Lisuo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.675m (15,337ft) above the sea level, located in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province of Southwest China. If you're afraid of heights, it's probably best to keep your eyes forward.
The road to Kharpo La is not for the sissies
Kharpo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.002m (16,410ft) above the sea level, located in Lhünzê County in the southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Pongkor La, an epic enthralling road
Pongkor La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.962m (16,279ft) above the sea level, located in Gyantse County, a county of Xigazê in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Siyaba La, pure adventure
Siyaba La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.847m (15,902ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal.
A curvy road to the summit of Chen-ne La
Chen-ne La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.077m (16,656ft) above the sea level, located in the Sangri County of Shannan, in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
Chu La is one of the gnarliest roads in Tibet
Chu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.665m (15,305ft) above the sea level, located in Zayü County in the Nyingchi Prefecture in the southeastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. The road to the summit, with countless turns and twists, is said to be ‘The most primitive road in China’.
Sala La: The Road That Has It All
Sala La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.459m (14,629ft) above the sea level, located in Sêrxü County of the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwest of Sichuan Province, China.
Get behind the wheels for Zongbala Pass
Zongbala La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.161m (13,651ft) above the sea level, located in Markham County, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.