The Most Dangerous Roads in Taihang Mountains
China, asia
400 km
400 m
hard
Year-round
The Taihang Mountains form a mountain range along the eastern edge of the Loess Plateau in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Shanxi, and Hebei. Extending 400 kilometers from north to south, the range boasts an average elevation of 1500 to 2000 meters.
In Chinese, these tunnel roads are referred to as "Guabi Gonglu" (挂壁公路), meaning tunnel roads hanging from steep cliff faces. They comprise sections of tunnels concealed in rocks and visible roads constructed on cliffs.
Among the most perilous roads in the Taihang Mountains, the
Road is the most renowned. Connecting Guoliang Village to the outside through the Taihang Mountains, the final stretch is a 6-meter-wide, 4-meter-high, 1300-meter-long tunnel suspended about 100 to 400 meters high above sheer cliffs with 35 natural openings. Commencing on March 9th, 1972, villagers carved the tunnel road out of rock using their bare hands and basic tools, completing it in over 5 years. It officially opened on May 1st, 1977, in Huixian County, Henan Province.
the narrowest Guabi Road in the southern Taihang Mountains, links Wangmangling Scenic Area in Shanxi Province with Wanxianshan Scenic Area in Henan Province. Construction commenced in 1992, resulting in a road extending over 6 kilometers along cliffs over a deep valley, with a 2200-meter-long tunnel featuring openings to the valley. Substantial renovation and expansion took place in 2009, making it a popular attraction in Wangmangling Scenic Area, Lingchuan County, Shanxi Province.
Xiyagou Tunnel Road, a nearly 8-kilometer road on steep mountain slopes in Xiyagou Valley in the southern Taihang Mountains of Shanxi Province, was built by Xiyagou Village residents starting in 1962. The zigzag-shaped tunnel road at varying heights resembles the letter Z from afar. This challenging construction spanned over 30 years, with the road opening to traffic on June 28, 1991.
, an 8-kilometer serpentine along a steep cliff with a 1-kilometer-long, approximately 8-meter-wide tunnel, began construction in November 1997 and was completed on January 10, 2002. Together with Xiyagou Tunnel Road, it links the two provinces of Henan and Shanxi through the southern Taihang Mountains.
Gochak La, an epic enthralling road to the summit
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Balagezong Mountain Road
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Where is it?
The Most Dangerous Roads in Taihang Mountains is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.6832, 101.5807
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 400 km
- Max Elevation
- 400 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.6832, 101.5807
Related Roads in asia
moderateHow to get by car to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand?
🇹🇭 Thailand
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for an unforgettable climb to Doi Inthanon, "The Roof of Thailand!" You'll find this majestic peak, the highest in Thailand, nestled in the Mae Chaem District of Chiang Mai Province. Named in honor of King Inthawichayanon, a champion of northern Thailand's forests, this mountain is more than just a pretty view. The adventure starts at the Doi Inthanon National Park Check Point 2, and from there it’s a smooth 9.1 km (5.65 miles) ride on Route 1009 all the way to the top. Don't let the perfectly paved road fool you—you're climbing 868 meters at an average gradient of 9.53%! Perched near the Myanmar border, within the lush Doi Inthanon National Park, the summit is a must-see. As you ascend, feel the temperature drop – it’s a welcome change! At the top, you can grab souvenirs, snacks, and refreshments. Keep in mind, though, the summit can get pretty cloudy during the wet season, so visibility might be limited. Expect high humidity and year-round cool weather. The road’s typically open all year, but watch out for surface frost near the summit between November and January. The mountain's unique climate supports diverse forests, from the humid, cold-loving plants at lower altitudes to unique species like Sphagnum Moss and the Delavey Rhododendron higher up. Who knew you could find near-freezing conditions and maybe even ice in Thailand? Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!
moderateThe road to Kyi La is not for the faint of heart
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Kyi La, a seriously epic mountain pass tucked away in the Comai County of Shannan, in southeast Tibet. We're talking serious altitude here: 5,106 meters (that's 16,751 feet!). The road kicks off from Qudegongcun, and it's a 33.1km (20.56 miles) climb to the top. The good news? It's paved the whole way. The better news? The views are insane! You'll be staring at Yarlha Shampo, a super-important holy mountain in Tibet, as you wind your way up. Just northeast of Zhegu Lake, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of endless curves and hairpin turns. Budget about 1 to 1.5 hours to conquer it without stopping. And hold on tight — there are some seriously steep sections, hitting a max gradient of 15%! Just remember to keep an eye out and make room for oncoming traffic.
moderateTravelling the strategic China National Highway 580
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride on China National Highway 580 (G580) in Xinjiang! This isn't just any road; it's a strategic route snaking through the majestic Kunlun Mountains, practically kissing Central Asia. Opened in 2022, this fully paved beauty stretches for 256.667km (that's about 159 miles) from Hotan to Kangxiwar, taking you on a northeast-to-southwest adventure. Expect some serious elevation as you carve your way through the Hindutash via a tunnel. Locally known as the Hotan-Kangxiwa highway, this road is a game-changer, dramatically shrinking travel time. The road includes 8915.2m of tunnels and 1.700m of bridges. Building this road was no picnic, with construction crews battling freezing temperatures and thin air.
hardLanak La: this road is not for timid drivers
🇮🇳 India
Welcome to Lanak La, a sky-high mountain pass chilling at 5,495m (18,028ft) in the disputed Aksai Chin region. Picture this: you're straddling the line between India (Ladakh) and China (Tibet) on one of the world's most politically charged and isolated routes! Forget smooth asphalt; this is raw, unpaved terrain mainly used for strategic and military operations. You'll find it smack-dab on the desolate Changtang plateau, where there’s zero support, services, or signs of civilization. Keep in mind that access here is super restricted, and you'll need special permits since you're right on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Get ready for an extreme adventure spanning 206 km (128 miles), running east-west from the paved G219 Road towards Qianglong Gongma. The plateau might look flat, but it's a mix of loose sand, gravel, and ever-changing river crossings. And forget road markings – you'll be following tire tracks across a high-altitude desert. Altitude is the big boss here. At this height, oxygen levels are cut in half, leading to serious altitude sickness and potential engine trouble. The weather? Brutal. Expect sub-freezing temps year-round and intense winds. Plus, you're on your own for fuel, water, and spare parts, as there are no facilities for miles. Access is seriously controlled thanks to the ongoing border dispute between India and China. Once a vital trade route, Lanak La is now a militarized zone. High-level military permits are a must, and they're rarely handed out to foreigners. This pass connects Ladakh to Rutog County in Tibet, but the actual crossing? Usually off-limits except to authorized personnel.