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.

Ljou La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.759m (15,613ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Baxoi and Riwoqê Counties,Chamdo Prefecture, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Yaksang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.894m (16,056ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Comai and Qonggyai counties of Shannan in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Gongnaisi Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,066m (10,059ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Hejing and Xinyuan counties, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.

Teganaqik Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.778m (12,395ft) above the sea level, located in Akto County within the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China.

Karkang La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.785m (15,698ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Qusum and Lhünzê counties, in Shannan Prefecture, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Chuka La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.318m (17,447ft) above the sea level, located in Zhongba County of Shigatse Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Zaka La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.920m (16,141ft) above the sea level, located in Nyima County of the prefecture-level city of Nagqu, Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.

Wakhjir Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.836m (15,866ft) above the sea level, located on the Afghanistan-China border. China has finished building a road across the pass.

Driving from Tinizi to Bianlongduo, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, is a challenging high mountain experience.

Maryan Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,347m (14,261ft) above the sea level located in the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Kashgar Prefecture in western Xinjiang, China. This majestic pass owes its name to the nearby Maeryangxiang village.

Tayeparva La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.497m (18,034ft) above the sea level, located in Zhongba County of Shigatse Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Karu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.063m (16,610ft) above the sea level, located in Comai County, a county of Shannan, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Tra La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.046m (13,274ft) above the sea level, located in the Samzhubzê District of the prefecture-level city of Shigatse, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of the China.

Racaka La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.641m (15,226ft) above the sea level, located in Riwoche, a county of the prefecture-level city of Chamdo in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Chure Chu Valley Road is a very scenic yet demanding drive located in the Shannan prefecture in the southeastern Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Shakaleb La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.143m (16,873ft) above the sea level, located in the Comai County of Shannan, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Laerdun Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,723m (8,933ft) above sea level, located in the northwestern part of China.

Khung La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.425m (17,798ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and Nepal.

Ye La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.041m (16,538ft) above sea level, located in Nagarzê County of Shannan Prefecture, in Tibet, China.

Lugu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.065m (16,617ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Qonggyai and Zhanang counties of Shannan in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Jimu Gong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,483m (17,988ft) above sea level. It's located on the boundary between Lhozag and Cona counties in the Shannan Prefecture of Tibet, China.

Dagchu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.894m (16,056ft) above the sea level, located in Rutog County, Ngari Prefecture of Tibet, in China.

Zongguo Monastery is a high mountain Buddhist temple at an elevation of 4,196m (13,766ft) above sea level, located in Nangqên County, Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province of China.

Tuzanchi is an international high mountain peak with an elevation of 4.893m (16,053ft) above sea level, situated on the border between China and Tajikistan.

Pereval Nayzatash is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.134m (13,562ft) above sea level, located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan.

The Taihang Mountains form a mountain range along the eastern edge of the Loess Plateau in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Shanxi, and Hebei. Extending 400 kilometers from north to south, the range boasts an average elevation of 1500 to 2000 meters.

Kaindı is an international high mountain peak with an elevation of 4,915m (16,125ft) above sea level, situated on the border between China and Tajikistan.

Lagen La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.259m (17,253ft) above sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.

Imis La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.290m (17,355ft) above the sea level, located between Ladakh (India) and Tibet (China). It is one among the major passes over the main Himalayan Range. 

Tso-Le Road is a very scenic drive located in the heart of Cona County, in Shannan Prefecture of China.

Tsekne La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5057m (16,591ft) above sea level, located on the border of Baqên County, Tibet, and Zadoi County, Qinghai Province, in China.

Kyakyen La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.837m (15,869ft) above sea level, located in the heart of Cona County, in Shannan Prefecture of China.