Driving Through Jianan Natural Cave Road in China
Jianan Natural Cave Road is a narrow, winding passage built inside a natural cave in Changshun County, Guizhou Province, China. This section of Tongzu Road was expanded to improve access for local villagers. It’s one of the few roads in the world that runs through a cave.
Where is Jianan Natural Cave Road?
The road is located in Doupeng Village, Muhua Community, Daihua Town, within the Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou, China. It is the main route connecting the Shuigong Group of Doupeng Village to other areas.
How long is Jianan Natural Cave Road?
The road is 540 meters (1,772 feet) long and about 5 meters (16 feet) wide. It includes more than ten sharp turns, with the narrowest section barely wide enough for an off-road vehicle.
Is Jianan Natural Cave Road paved?
Originally, the cave was only accessible on foot, with certain sections too narrow for vehicles. In 2014, villagers expanded it using basic hand tools, as heavy machinery could not be used inside.
What is it like to drive through Jianan Natural Cave Road?
The road runs through a karst cave, with stalactites and uneven rock walls. Since there are no lighting facilities, vehicles must use headlights, and pedestrians need flashlights to see in the dark.
Why was Jianan Natural Cave Road built?
Before construction, villagers had to climb over mountains, taking over an hour to travel between communities. The road now reduces the journey to about 10 minutes, improving daily travel for 232 people from 61 households. Jianan Natural Cave Road, also known as the Aka Changshun Tunnel Road, remains the only road out for many villagers, improving transportation in the region.
How was Jianan Natural Cave Road built?
Due to the steep terrain, villagers used hammers, picks, and shovels to widen the cave. Their work eventually gained support from local officials and businesses, leading to the road’s completion. A stone marker was placed at the entrance to document the project.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez
Pic&video: People's Daily, China 人民日报