Xifanggoucun: The scary cliff-hanging road of the Daba Mountains
China, asia
N/A
914 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an adrenaline rush in Ningqiang County, Shaanxi, China! The road to Xifanggoucun is not your average Sunday drive. Nestled high in the Daba Mountains, this isn't just a road; it's a hand-carved tunnel clinging to the cliff face, a whopping 3,000 feet above the valley floor!
Built by the villagers themselves between 2000 and 2006, this 6-kilometer concrete ribbon transformed a grueling two-hour hike into a thrilling 10-minute ride. But don't think it's a smooth cruise! This road is narrow – seriously narrow. Think small cars or motorcycles only, as anything bigger won't squeeze through.
The "windows" carved into the tunnel walls are the real showstoppers. Originally debris chutes during construction, they now frame breathtaking (and slightly terrifying) views of the dizzying drop below.
But hold on, this isn't a sanitized tourist attraction. Forget safety barriers, mirrors, or even lights! Driving through the tunnels is like spelunking in your car, with the rough-hewn ceiling inches above you. Blinding transitions from dark tunnels to sun-drenched openings, plus the ever-present risk of rockfalls, keep you on your toes. One wrong move, and there's nothing but air between you and the valley.
Driving here demands laser focus and a strong stomach. It's the village's lifeline, so expect to share the road with local motorcyclists in the tightest spots. Rain turns the cliff face into a waterfall, cascading right over the tunnel entrances. This road is a testament to human ingenuity and a humbling reminder of nature's power. Prepare to be amazed and maybe a little scared.
Where is it?
Xifanggoucun: The scary cliff-hanging road of the Daba Mountains is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 33.3568, 101.4227
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 914 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 33.3568, 101.4227
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