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.
A curvy paved road to Qieshan La
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.
Jinshajiang Bridge, the world's largest span suspension bridge
Located in the northwest of Yunnan province, China, the Jinshajiang Bridge is said to be the world's largest span suspension bridge.
Arniko Highway: One mistake, game over
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: a high mountain road to the summit
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.
The road to Bodpo La is not for the faint of heart
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.
A wild road to Satsum La
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.
Travelling through the steep Mount Davis Path
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, a drive you'll never forget
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.
Travelling the defiant Nujiang River Road
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.
A brutal unpaved road to Shiquanhe Observatory
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.
Breathtaking scenery on the road to Nyalam Tong La
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.
The road to Mount Kailash is not for the sissies
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.
Driving through Tiger Leaping Gorge is not for the sissies
Located in the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world.
A paved border road to Kulma Pass in the Pamir Mountains
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.
Karakoram Highway: The Highest Paved International Road and Eighth Wonder of the World
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.
Driving the wild 303 Provincial Road
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.
The disastrous road to Bum La in the Himalaya
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.
The mountain road to Najia in Tibet
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: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
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.
Driving the scenic yet challenging Yunnan-Tibet Highway
Running along the Hengduan Mountains, in China, the Yunnan-Tibet Highway is a very scenic drive. The road is 702-kilometer-long.
Dungda La, an absolute must for road lovers
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.
A paved road to La Ken La
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 an epic enthralling drive
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: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
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.
The road to Spanggur Gap isn’t an easy one
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 one of the world’s highest roads
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.
301 Provincial Road (S301)
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
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.
Lhasa-Nyingchi is the highest highway in the world
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.
Mi La Mountain Tunnel: enjoy a tunnel among the clouds
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.
Duku Highway, a heavenly road
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.
206 Provincial Road, a lonely drive in the middle of nowhere
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
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.
A Once in a Lifetime Drive through Daoda Top
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
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
Cho La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.593m (16,068ft) above the sea level, located in the Himalayas.
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Zizhu Temple
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.
A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Shengli Daban
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, a road less traveled
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.