Aizhai Winding Road: You'll Feel Like You Are Driving in the Sky
Aizhai Winding Road is a very scenic drive located in the mountainous Hunan province of China. The road leads from Aizhai township up to the Aizhai bridge, offering spectacular views as you drive.
Where is the Aizhai Winding Road?
The road is located west of Chongqing, in the western part of Hunan province. It has been reconstructed in recent years with a paved surface, making it more accessible, though still quite challenging.
How Challenging is the Aizhai Winding Road?
The road is steep and winding, with 13 hairpin bends in total, making it both dangerous and exciting to drive on. At the top of the road, you’ll find the Aizhai bridge, one of the world’s highest and most spectacular bridges, which spans between two tunnels. The winding road features an old stone bridge about three-quarters of the way up, adding to its charm. At the peak of the mountain, a monument and statue were erected to honor those who died during the construction of the road.
How long is the Aizhai Panshan Highway?
Aizhai Panshan Highway, located in Jishou City, Hunan Province, is a remarkable part of National Highway 319 (formerly known as Xiangchuan Highway). This section of the highway is about 6 kilometers long and built on a large and small slope. With a horizontal distance of less than 100 meters, a vertical height of 440 meters, and slopes ranging from 70-90 degrees, the road is designed in an almost parallel and overlapping fashion. The widest part of the road is no more than 7 meters, while the narrowest part is less than 4 meters, making it impossible for two cars to pass at the same time.
Is the Aizhai Panshan Highway worth the drive?
One of the most striking features of the Aizhai Panshan Highway is a 360-degree circular turn that includes a remarkable overpass, which is proudly labeled as "China's No. 1 Overpass Bridge". To ensure the road’s safety, reinforced concrete cantilever beams have been added to the cliffs outside the anti-collision wall in certain sections. Additionally, a scenic viewing platform has been built with a width of 3 meters, a length of 52 meters, and an area of more than 150 square meters. The platform, complete with solid imitation wood ecological railings, allows tourists to enjoy breathtaking views and take memorable photos.
How Busy is the Aizhai Winding Road?
This winding road is part of National Road 319 (formerly known as Xiangchuan Highway), which is built on steep mountains. While the road is exposed and sometimes unsecured, driving it feels almost like you are traveling in the sky, with cars visible above and below you as you make your way up. Despite its dangerous nature, the road is quite busy and prone to traffic jams.
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