What are the highest roads in China?
China, asia
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
# China's Epic High-Altitude Roads
China is absolutely massive—the world's third-largest country—and it's not just big in area; it's big in *elevation*. About two-thirds of the entire country is mountains, plateaus, and hills, making it one of the most dramatically vertical places you could possibly drive through. And we're talking seriously high: the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Himalayan ranges dominate the landscape, studded with dozens of peaks towering above 8,000 meters.
All this extreme topography meant that engineers had to get seriously creative. The result? An incredible network of roads—some ranking among the highest on the planet—that take drivers on absolutely unforgettable (and often white-knuckle) adventures across the "Roof of the World."
If you've conquered some legendary routes through these mountains, we'd love to hear about them! Have you discovered a road that should be on everyone's bucket list? Share your suggestions with us, and we might feature your find in our collection of the world's most spectacular drives.
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in China? is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.2114, 104.2035
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 38.2114, 104.2035
Related Roads in asia
hardIs the Road to Tagu La in Tibet Unpaved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Tagu La, a sky-high pass in Tibet's Drongpa County, soaring to a breathless 16,332 feet. Forget luxury – we're talking raw, untamed beauty here. Think sparse on the amenities, and heavy on the views. Yep, the road's all dirt – gloriously unpaved. When winter hits, expect snow and ice, so a 4x4 is your best friend. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a 20-mile rollercoaster with narrow stretches and serious climbs, running east-west from Qusha to Nakangba. And remember, at this altitude, the air thins out, so take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness. The scenery? Totally worth it.
hardDriving the road to Zixia Palace with 49 dizzying hairpin bends
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in Yunnan Province, China, Dongchuan District to be exact. You're heading up Guniu Mountain on a wild adventure to Zixia Palace, a mind-blowing building perched way up at 3,245m (10,646ft)! The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. It's a totally unpaved, 5km (3.10 mile) rollercoaster that climbs a staggering 1,000 meters. Buckle up for 49 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections hitting a 20% gradient! The road starts at Dongchuan Wangjiaqing Village. Most cars can handle it, but be prepared for a bumpy ride! Keep an eye out for a gate that might block the way. But trust me, the views from the top are absolutely worth it. Imagine yourself surrounded by breathtaking scenery – a reward for conquering this thrilling, challenging, and beautiful climb!
extremeIs the road to Zong Co Lake in Tibet unpaved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Zong Co Lake in Tibet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a glacial lake shimmering at a staggering 16,325 feet! You'll find it nestled in Dinggyê County, part of Xigazê city. Forget smooth asphalt; this 11.5-mile stretch from Zhaxigang Village is all about embracing the ruggedness. Expect a completely unpaved road that will test your driving skills! Think narrow passages, seriously steep climbs, and hairpin turns galore—count 'em, eleven of them! Word to the wise: This route isn't for the faint of heart (or those prone to altitude sickness). The air is thin up here, so acclimatize before you go. And definitely bring your trusty 4x4; you'll need it! Oh, and a heads up – Mother Nature calls the shots here. This road is usually buried in snow from late October until sometime between late June and early July, so plan accordingly. But trust me, if you're after a truly unforgettable experience with views that will blow your mind, Zong Co Lake is calling your name.
extremeGuoliang Tunnel Road
🇨🇳 China
# The Guoliang Tunnel Road: China's Most Epic DIY Highway Deep in the Taihang Mountains of Henan Province sits one of the most jaw-dropping roads you'll ever drive—and it was literally carved out of a cliff by hand. The Guoliang Tunnel Road stretches just 1.2 kilometers, but don't let that fool you. This thing is the real deal. Back in the early '70s, thirteen villagers from the tiny hamlet of Guoliang decided they were done with the "Sky Ladder"—a sketchy set of steps hacked into the rockface that was barely passable on foot, let alone by vehicle. So between 1972 and 1977, these determined folks grabbed nothing but hammers, chisels, and dynamite, and went to town carving a road straight through solid rock. No heavy machinery. No construction crews. Just pure grit. The finished tunnel runs about 5 meters high and 4 meters wide, with over 30 irregular "windows" punched through the cliff wall for light and fresh air. But here's the kicker—those windows also frame absolutely vertiginous views of the valley 200 meters straight down. The pavement is rough and uneven (remember, hand-carved), and the whole thing winds and curves with the natural rock formations. Squeezing past an oncoming car requires some serious nerve; there's barely enough room for two vehicles to pass in most spots. Today, Guoliang has transformed into a surprisingly popular tourist destination, complete with film and TV appearances. The surrounding landscape is spectacular—think dramatic red sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. Year-round access is a thing, though winters can be sketchy with ice. It's not just a road; it's a monument to human stubbornness.