Driving the scary Wuxi's Token Stone Road in Chongqing

Driving the scary Wuxi's Token Stone Road in Chongqing

China, asia

Length

3.7 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for the ride of your life on Wuxi's Token Stone Road in Chongqing, China! This defiant little road is not for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it.

Snaking its way through Minzhu Village in Wuxi County, this wild ride connects the tiny Tian Ping Community to the rest of the world, slicing through the Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve. You'll find it nestled high in the Daba Mountains. Locals call it Wuxi's Token Stone Road (or something similar!), so keep an ear out.

Clocking in at just 3.7 kilometers (a little over 2 miles), this adrenaline-pumping route climbs from Tianping Village up to the 201 Provincial Road. The main zigzag section, carved through the stones, is only 453 meters, but those are some intense meters! Paved in 2019 with added cement rails, it might look safe-ish, but don't be fooled.

We're talking crazy steep – almost every slope is 20% or higher, and some of those bends? Over 36%! With 18 hairpin turns that will take your breath away (or maybe make you a little carsick), it's easily one of the most challenging and exhilarating roads around.

Built in 2012 and paved later, this road is more than just a thrill ride. It's a lifeline for 137 residents from 37 families, giving them vital access to the outside world.

This place is an amateur photographer's dream! The steep climbs, insane zigzag structure, and those crazy curves make for some seriously dramatic landscape shots.

Now, for the nitty-gritty. This road is STEEP, and those turns are TIGHT. It's rumored that no one's ever made it through without having to readjust. You'll need ALL your concentration here. Trucks, buses, and anyone hauling a trailer? Forget about it. And definitely check conditions before you go! You might even need to put your car in reverse for extra power. First gear is your best friend here. Seriously, don't even THINK about shifting to second until you're at the top.

Even with those strategically placed wider corners, it's a nerve-wracking experience, but the views? Unforgettable. This drive will test your skills and leave you with bragging rights for days!

Where is it?

Driving the scary Wuxi's Token Stone Road in Chongqing is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 33.0243, 107.3000

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
3.7 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
33.0243, 107.3000

Related Roads in asia

Where is Karakyr Pass?moderate

Where is Karakyr Pass?

🌍 Kyrgyzstan

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Karakyr Pass in Kyrgyzstan is calling your name. We're talking seriously high altitude here – 13,264 feet (4,043m) to be exact! You'll find this gem nestled in the Tian Shan mountains, practically spitting distance from Kazakhstan and China. The A364 road to the top? It's a dirt road, but surprisingly decent. Still, I'd recommend a 4x4 to be on the safe side. Honestly, you could probably make it in anything, it's just that you'll see a lot of heavy duty trucks rolling through. This epic stretch of road clocks in at 61 miles (98.2 km), running from Enilchek to Ak-Bulun. Fair warning, though: winter brings heavy snow, so plan your trip accordingly. Seriously, folks, the views alone are worth the trip!

Haramosh Valley Road: Avoid Driving in Rain or After Sunsetextreme

Haramosh Valley Road: Avoid Driving in Rain or After Sunset

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Buckle up for the Haramosh Valley Road in Pakistan's Gilgit district! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Snaking through the Phuparash Valley, high in the Karakoram mountains, this gravel track is the only connection for the 2,400 people of Haramosh Valley to the outside world. Think of it as their lifeline, bringing essentials to this remote mountain community. The Haramosh Valley Road stretches for 17.3 km (10.74 miles) between Sassi and Dache (Dassu), hugging the Phuparash River. You'll need a 4WD and nerves of steel for this one! Forget smooth asphalt, this is a fully unpaved, white-knuckle ride. Picture steep drop-offs of hundreds of meters, often without guardrails – especially hair-raising on windy days! The altitude adds to the challenge, and it's downright treacherous in wet or dark conditions. Expect hairpin bends galore, and keep an eye out for avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and icy patches, especially during bad weather. Starting at 1,401m in Sassi, the road climbs to 2,336m beyond Dache (Dassu), a whopping 935m elevation gain! That's an average gradient of 5.4%, with some sections hitting a butt-clenching 9%. But the views are unreal, offering a glimpse into a world few get to see.

A Brutal Road to the Edge of the Sky: Shiquanhe Observatory and AliCPThard

A Brutal Road to the Edge of the Sky: Shiquanhe Observatory and AliCPT

🇨🇳 China

Gear up for an incredible climb near Shiquanhe in western Tibet! This isn't your average road trip; it's a high-altitude adventure to the Shiquanhe (Ali) Observatory and the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope (AliCPT). Starting from China National Highway 219 (G219) near Sha Zi La, you'll ascend about 15 kilometers (9+ miles) to a staggering 5,403 meters (17,726 ft) above sea level. Expect a steep climb with hairpin turns and some exposed sections that will get your heart pumping! While the road is mostly paved and wide enough for maintenance vehicles, a 4x4 is highly recommended due to the incline. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you, as this area is prone to severe weather like avalanches, snow, landslides, and icy patches. At the summit, you'll find the Shiquanhe Observatory sitting pretty at around 5,100 meters (16,700 ft), with the AliCPT B1 site nearby at 5,176 meters (16,981 ft). The altitude here offers some of the best observing conditions on Earth. Remember, this route isn't just a scenic drive; it's crucial for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to keep these observatories running. Be sure to factor in the altitude, limited services, and rapidly changing weather when planning your trip. With the right prep, you'll be set for an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s highest scientific outposts!

Is the road to Qarah Kōtal unpaved?extreme

Is the road to Qarah Kōtal unpaved?

🌍 Afghanistan

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Qarah Kōtal in Afghanistan's Samangan Province! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved route, where steep inclines and loose rocks are your constant companions. It's narrow with some serious drop-offs, so keep your eyes on the road...if you can tear them away from the scenery, that is. Starting from Madrak, you'll cover roughly [Length] of intense driving, gaining [Elevation Gain] in altitude. That's an average gradient of [Average Gradient]! The views? Absolutely breathtaking, assuming you're not too busy wrestling with your steering wheel. A word of serious caution: Afghanistan is currently facing a highly volatile situation. Terrorist attacks are frequent, there's ongoing armed conflict, and a high risk of kidnapping, particularly for foreigners. Travel here is hazardous, especially overland. Terrorist and criminal groups set up fake checkpoints and roadblocks to carry out robberies, kidnappings, or violent attacks. Personal safety cannot be guaranteed. So, assess the risks carefully before you go, folks.