Driving the most spectacular roads of 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.

Qieshan La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5,392m (17,690ft) above sea level, located in Tibet, north-east of the Himalayas, in the People's Republic of China.

Located in the northwest of Yunnan province, China, the Jinshajiang Bridge is said to be the world's largest span suspension bridge.

The infamous Arniko Highway is one of the most dangerous roads in the world. It provides Nepal’s overland link with Tibet and China. "One mistake, game over".

Lalung La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.050m (16,570ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Bodpo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.774m (18,943ft) above the sea level, located in Zanda County, in the Ngari Prefecture to the extreme west of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It's one of the world's highest motorable roads.

Satsum La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.350m (17,552ft) above the sea level, located in Tibet, north-east of the Himalayas, in the People's Republic of China.

Mount Davis Path is a paved route climbing up to Mount Davis the westernmost hill on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, at an elevation of 269m (883ft) above the sea level.

Kirgizjangal Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,950m (16,240ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.

Located in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture of the Yunnan province in China, Nujiang River Road is one of the most scenic yet challenging roads in the world. It is a dangerous road built on cliff, completely by hand work.

The Shiquanhe Observatory is an optical observatory at an elevation of 5.100m (16,700ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Nyalam Tong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.150m (16,900ft) above the sea level, in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China.

Mount Kailash is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 5.235m (17,175ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Located in the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world.

Kulma Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,362m (14,311ft) above sea level, located on the border of China and Tajikistan.

The Karakoram Highway (informally known as the KKH) is said to be the highest paved international road in the world, running between Western China and Pakistan. It's the road to paradise for those who love exploring the mountains, offering a once-in-a-lifetime road trip for adventure lovers.

303 Provincial Road is an extreme high mountain road located in the eastern Tibet Autonomous Region of China. S303 runs entirely over the 4.200m above the sea level. The drive is simply terrible, with a notorius lack of oxygen that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters.

Bum La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.508m (14,790ft) above the sea level, located on the Indo-China border. The road to the pass has disastrous conditions and only 4wd vehicles with competent drivers are allowed.

Najia is a high mountain town at an elevation of 5.154m (16,909ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 

Tielong Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.200m (17,060ft) above the sea level, located in Rutog County in far western Tibet, in the People's Republic of China.

Running along the Hengduan Mountains, in China, the Yunnan-Tibet Highway is a very scenic drive. The road is 702-kilometer-long.

Dungda La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.090m (16,699ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

La Ken La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.190m (17,030ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

205 Provincial Road is one of the highest roads in the world. This extreme high mountain road located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, reaches a top elevation of 5.488m (18,005ft) above the sea level at Drong La. The road is unpaved, with some sections in very bad conditions.

Mi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.010m (16,437ft) above the sea level, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Spanggur Gap is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.308m (14,133ft) above the sea level, located on the border between India (Jammu and Kashmir state) and China.

Kye La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.829m (19,124ft) above the sea level, located in the south-west of Tibet Autonomous Region, in China. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.

Located in Ngari Prefecture, in the central part of Tibet, in China, the 301 Provincial Road (S301) is a very scenic trip in the middle of nowhere.

Kilik Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.745m (15,567ft) above the sea level, located between Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan and Xinjiang in China.

The new Lhasa-Nyingchi Highway, the longest high-grade highway in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, is one of the most spectacular drives in the world.

Located in Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region, the Mi La Mountain Tunnel is one of the world’s highest vehicular tunnels at an average altitude of 4.752m (15,590ft) above the sea level.

Part of the G217 road (China National Highway 217), the Duku Highway is said to be one of the most beautiful roads of China crossing Tianshan Mountains from south to north.

Located in Ngari Prefecture, in the central part of Tibet, in China, the 206 Provincial Road (S206) is a lonely trip in the middle of nowhere.

Tai Tam Road is a very scenic drive located in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. The journey is a plesaant surprise.

Daoda Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.175m (16,978ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayan mountain range, in Tibet, China. 

Kompas La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.476m (17,965ft) above the sea level, located in the southwestern part of Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, in China. 

Cho La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.593m (16,068ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayas.

Zizhu is a high mountain temple at an elevation of 4.474m (14,678ft) above the sea level, located in Dingqing County, in eastern Tibet, China.

Shengli Daban (Victory Pass) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.091m (13,421ft) above the sea level, located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China in Northwest China.

Kongka La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.192m (17,034ft) above the sea level, located on the disputed region of Aksai Chin in the Chinese-Indian Line of Control.