21 hairpin bends on the Zig-zag road of Sichuan

21 hairpin bends on the Zig-zag road of Sichuan

China, asia

Length

1.8 km

Elevation

646 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Deep in southwest China's Sichuan province, a twisty, cliff-hugging marvel awaits.

Hidden within the breathtaking Bashan Grand Canyon in northeast Sichuan, this mostly-paved road is not for the faint of heart. Clocking in at just 1.11 miles (1.8km), don't let the distance fool you. This climb is intense!

Picture this: 21 hairpin turns, one right after the other, clinging to the side of a cliff. These turns are so tight and narrow that you might need to do a little back-and-forth maneuvering to navigate them.

Starting at 2,119 feet (646m) above sea level, you'll ascend to a whopping 3,326 feet (1,014m), gaining 1,207 feet (368 meters) in elevation. That's an average gradient of over 20%! Get ready for stunning views, but keep your eyes on the road—this is a drive you won't forget!

Where is it?

21 hairpin bends on the Zig-zag road of Sichuan is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.9069, 101.9554

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
1.8 km
Max Elevation
646 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
34.9069, 101.9554

Related Roads in asia

Driving the scary Blade Sky Road with cliffs on both sidesmoderate

Driving the scary Blade Sky Road with cliffs on both sides

🇨🇳 China

Okay, picture this: you're in southeastern Chongqing, China, way up in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County. You're about to tackle Blade Sky Road, a seriously wild stretch of concrete clinging to Qiyao Mountain, about 230 km from Chongqing City. Locals call it "the back of a knife," and they aren't kidding. We're talking crazy cliffs on both sides and a 600+ meter vertical drop! Driving feels like balancing on a curved saber blade. This 3km (1.86 miles) route snakes from the S202 up to Xiaofengmen, right in the heart of the mountains. Apparently, Wind Energy Group built it to reach their mountaintop windmills. Now, it's a total hotspot for drivers and photographers chasing that epic view. The scenery is unbelievable!

Where is Kulma Pass?moderate

Where is Kulma Pass?

🇨🇳 China

Ready for an adventure? Kulma Pass, straddling the China-Tajikistan border, hits a staggering 4,362 meters (14,311 feet) – talk about breathtaking views (and maybe a little breathlessness!). Also known as Qolma Pass or Karasu Pass, this route connects Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region with China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The road, part of Asian Highway AH66, stretches for 113 kilometers (70 miles) between Kalasu Port in China and... well, Tajikistan. It’s mostly paved, making it a smoother ride than you might expect for such a remote locale. Keep in mind, this isn't a year-round jaunt. Kulma Pass is typically open only from the 16th to the 30th of each month, between May and November. Nestled in the Pamir Mountains, expect seriously cold temperatures. But hey, since 2017, travelers report smooth crossings!

Where is the Shimshal Valley Road?extreme

Where is the Shimshal Valley Road?

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up! We're heading to Pakistan for a wild ride on the Shimshal Valley Road! This epic 56km stretch carves its way through Gojal, Hunza–Nagar District in Gilgit-Baltistan, linking Passu (at 2,485m) to Shimshal, a stunning village nestled at a dizzying 3,113m. Shimshal isn't just any village; it's the highest settlement in the Hunza Valley, practically waving hello to China! Now, let's be real: getting here isn't a walk in the park. Picture this: a narrow, winding path clinging to the sides of massive gorges carved by the Shimshal River. We're talking about serious heights here, folks! This road wasn't even accessible by vehicle until relatively recently, with construction lasting almost two decades to create a Jeep-able road. You'll need a 4x4 and nerves of steel for this one. The road is steep, and conditions can be treacherous, especially as it's buried under snow for much of the year. Expect a rollercoaster of a drive, navigating a man-made ledge hundreds of feet above the raging river. Oh, and did I mention the rickety wooden bridges you'll need to cross? One wrong move, and it's game over. But hey, the views are killer! Just try to keep your eyes on the road...if you dare!

Where does the Kennon Road start and end?hard

Where does the Kennon Road start and end?

🇵🇭 Philippines

Cruising through northern Luzon? You HAVE to experience Kennon Road! Think of it as the shortcut from the lowlands of Rosario up to the mountain paradise of Baguio City. This winding beauty stretches for about 41 kilometers (25.6 miles) and will take you on a climb from practically sea level up to a cool 1,700 meters (5,500 feet). Give yourself around 45 minutes to an hour to soak it all in, but be warned, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Expect tight hairpin turns and blind curves galore! Parts of the road are missing guardrails, and other parts have guardrails that may not be strong enough. Plus, the afternoon fog can roll in, cutting visibility. Landslides can also be a problem, especially after heavy rains, leading to road closures. Despite the challenges, it's a trip worth making because of the breathtaking views. It's also the fastest way up to Baguio if you're coming from Manila or central Luzon. Just take it slow, stay alert, and you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable driving experience.