Jinshajiang Bridge is the world's largest span suspension bridge
China, asia
N/A
461 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! We're heading to Yunnan, China, for a bridge experience that'll blow your mind. I'm talking about the Jinshajiang Bridge, a true marvel of engineering.
Spanning the mighty Jinsha River, this steel giant is seriously impressive. Built between 2016 and 2020, it's an absolute stunner. They had to build it to survive earthquakes at high altitude, which makes it all the more of an achievement. We're talking record-breaking heights here: 461 meters (1,512 feet) above the original riverbed! It also boasts a crazy long span, stretching 1,386 meters (4,547 feet) between its towers.
It connects Panzhihua and Lijiang. More importantly, it slashes the drive time between the two cities from six hours to a mere two. As you drive, peer down at the Jin'an Dam below (when it’s full), and try not to get dizzy. It’s like looking down from a 110-story building! The drop to the original river is even more, at 461 meters. It's a beautiful drive that you'll never forget.
Where is it?
Jinshajiang Bridge is the world's largest span suspension bridge is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.8848, 103.0494
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 461 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 35.8848, 103.0494
Related Roads in asia
extremeSpiti Valley Road is one of the toughest roads left on Earth
🇮🇳 India
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Spiti Valley Road! This insane route is carved into the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, India, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. Some say it's one of the most dangerous roads in India, and I can see why! Also known as the Gramphu-Batal-Kaza road, you'll find a mix of gravel and paved sections, but honestly, 80% of it is unpaved. The road just gets worse as you enter Lahaul. The soil is so loose that any new pavement barely lasts a year! Imagine forging streams (maybe even small rivers!), navigating melting glaciers, and driving over piles of sand, rocks, and snow. The road is narrow, just wide enough for a jeep, making you feel like you're on the edge of the world. One wrong move, and you're tumbling down into the fast-flowing river below. But surprisingly, accidents are rare, thanks to experienced drivers and light traffic. This wild road stretches for 137 km (85 miles) from Kaza to Gramphoo, near Rohtang Pass. An SUV with good ground clearance is your best bet for tackling this terrain, whether it's 2-wheel drive or 4x4. Prepare for painfully slow driving along some of the most treacherous landscapes on earth. The highest point is the breathtaking Kunzum Pass, soaring to 4,556 m (14,947 ft) above sea level. It's one of India’s highest motorable mountain passes, with switchbacks leading up through the stunning Chandra Valley. Most of the road sits above 11,000 feet and is only open from May to October. Parts of the drive are incredibly remote. You might not see houses, people, or other vehicles for miles. It's just you and the raw, untouched beauty of the Himalayas. It's a total escape from the world you know!
moderate234 Country Road is an awe-inspiring drive through extremely remote areas
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer off-road experience for you in Ngamring County, Tibet. Get ready to rumble on 234 Country Road! Forget pavement, this baby's all dirt – 78.7 km (48.90 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss. You'll need an SUV for this one, trust me. It snakes north-south from Cazê (that's on 231 Country Road) up to China National Highway 219, cutting through Amuxiongxiang. Think sweet curves and mind-blowing views, especially of the majestic Tobtsenpa Ri mountain. Oh, and did I mention it peaks at a lung-busting 5.492m (18,018ft)? Yeah, this road isn't for the faint of heart, but the views are totally worth the climb!
hardWhere is Shipki La?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're carving through the Himalayas on a mostly-unpaved stretch of National Highway 5 (formerly NH22), tracing a forgotten offshoot of the legendary Silk Road. This is the Shipki La pass, straddling the India-China border high up in the Sutlej Valley, near the town of Khab. Clocking in at around 35km (22 miles) from Shipki (China) to Khab (India), the real adventure begins with a 31.1km (19.32 miles) stretch from Khab built back in 2010. But heads up: the last 3.1km (1.92 miles) to Shipki devolves into a mule track! At a staggering 3,954m (12,972ft), this route isn’t for the faint of heart! We're talking about a road often buried in snow from late October to late June/early July and prone to flash floods. Oh, and did I mention the 1,000-meter (1 km) drop-offs to the Sutlej River? It's known as one of the world's most treacherous roads, but the views? Totally worth the adrenaline rush! Just be aware that the border is no longer open to non-residents.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Bongru La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up, because Bongru La in Tibet's Ngari Prefecture is not your average Sunday drive! We're talking about a lung-busting 5,838 meters (19,153 feet) above sea level, making it one of China's highest roads. Forget paved perfection; this is a rugged, unpaved track (G695) best tackled with a trusty 4x4. Located near the Demchok sector, a disputed area near the Indian border, keep in mind this area is off-limits to regular tourists. Expect a narrow path shared with heavy military traffic. The climb is intense, with some sections hitting a brutal 17% gradient! Starting near Ngolog, the ascent stretches for 28.4 km (17.64 miles), gaining a whopping 1,600 meters in altitude. The average gradient is a leg-burning 5.63%. Be prepared for altitude sickness, and don't expect any luxuries up here – facilities are rare. But hey, the views? Absolutely worth it. This is raw, untamed Tibet at its finest!