A winding road with 41 switchbacks to Xiaochaomen Mountain

A winding road with 41 switchbacks to Xiaochaomen Mountain

China, asia

Length

7.23 km

Elevation

1,320 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Xiaochaomen in the heart of China's Chongqing Municipality. Picture this: you're in the Wuling Mountains, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and you're about to conquer a road that climbs to a staggering 4,330 feet!

This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about 4.49 miles of pure adrenaline, carved into the mountainside in 2015. Get ready for a wild ride through 41 hairpin turns that will test your driving skills.

And hold on tight because this road is STEEP! Some sections boast a lung-busting 20% gradient, with an average incline over 10%. So, make sure your brakes are in top condition, and prepare for an unforgettable ascent. This road is not for the faint of heart but promises views that will stay with you forever!

Where is it?

A winding road with 41 switchbacks to Xiaochaomen Mountain is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.9202, 102.0497

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Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
7.23 km
Max Elevation
1,320 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
38.9202, 102.0497

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