Conquering the hairpinned Old Kunyi Road in Yunnan Province

Conquering the hairpinned Old Kunyi Road in Yunnan Province

China, asia

Length

53 km

Elevation

5 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! You HAVE to check out Old Kunyi Road in China, nicknamed "Yiliang 68 Dao Guai" – and trust me, the name's no joke. We're talking about 68 hairpin turns packed into one insane stretch of road! Imagine a massive dragon slithering through the mountains – that's what this looks like from above. It's seriously one of the twistiest roads on the planet.

You'll find this hidden gem near Xiaopojiao Village, about 53 km outside Kunming in Yunnan Province. Most of the road is unpaved, adding to the thrill. Built in '95, it's only 6.8 km long, and barely 5 meters wide in spots. The craziest part is a 3 km stretch with 42 super-tight turns. Seriously, the longest straightaway is only 50 meters!

Even locals don't always know about this place, but it's a total photographer's dream. The views are unreal. For the best perspective, head to the viewpoint on top of Yanquansi Mountain. You'll get an insane panoramic view of the twisting road below.

Where is it?

Conquering the hairpinned Old Kunyi Road in Yunnan Province is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.2661, 105.3000

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
53 km
Max Elevation
5 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
36.2661, 105.3000

Related Roads in asia

Is the Road to Yasib Unpaved?hard

Is the Road to Yasib Unpaved?

🌍 Arabian Peninsula

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in Oman's Al Batinah South Governorate, perched at a cool 1,200m above sea level, lies the road to Yasib (or Yasab, if you prefer). Should you even attempt it? That's the real question. First off, if you're not a fan of heights or the idea of landslides, just turn back now. Seriously. This 19.5km (12.11 miles) track south of Fasah climbs to 1,965m in the Western Hajar Mountains. We're talking seriously narrow stretches, barely wide enough for one vehicle. Get ready to become intimately familiar with your reverse gear, because you might be backing up for kilometers to find a passing spot. If reversing isn't your strong suit, steer clear! A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. The surface is a mix of gravel, sand, and rocks in decidedly poor condition. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops? We're talking hundreds of meters with absolutely no guardrails. One wrong move, and... well, let's just say the view might be the last thing you see. It's a wild ride of awe-inspiring scenery mixed with a healthy dose of "hold-on-tight" apprehension.

How to get by car to Shemshak, the second largest ski area in Iran?hard

How to get by car to Shemshak, the second largest ski area in Iran?

🇮🇷 Iran

Okay, so you're heading to Shemshak, Iran, a ski resort perched way up high at 2,600 meters (8,530 feet)! They say it's the second biggest ski area in the whole country. Built back in '58, this place is nestled in the stunning Alborz Mountains. The road in, called 425, is fully paved, so no worries there. But be warned, it's a *steep* climb with some seriously narrow bits. But hey, the views are worth it! You'll pass through some cool little towns, perfect for a pit stop. And pro tip: you absolutely HAVE to try the kebabs along the way. Seriously amazing. The road itself stretches for 52 km (32 miles), running from Kushkak in the south to Lavasan in the north. And guess what? Keep going past Shemshak, and you'll hit another awesome ski resort called Dizin. Road trip, anyone?

Siyaba La: The restricted military pass between Mustang and Tibetextreme

Siyaba La: The restricted military pass between Mustang and Tibet

🇳🇵 Nepal

Welcome to Siyaba La (aka Sharba La or Sharpa La), a mind-blowing mountain pass chilling way up high at 4,847m (15,902ft)! This super-remote spot straddles the border between Nepal and China, connecting Nepal’s Mustang District with Xigazê in Tibet. Okay, first things first: this isn't your average tourist route. Think more like a Chinese military road, built for strategic reasons, not sightseeing. Expect a permanent Chinese military post at the top (coordinates 29.30139, 84.0461) and zero civilian access. This makes Siyaba La one of the most mysterious and off-limits high-altitude spots in the whole Himalayas. The road? Forget pavement! We’re talking unpaved, carved straight into the high-altitude desert and rocky landscape. A seriously capable 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST. Expect steep climbs, relentless erosion, and seasonal washouts. Oh, and that thin air? Hypoxia is REAL, making driving and engine performance a challenge. Summer's your only window. Forget about it any other time of year. The Tibetan Plateau's weather is brutal. Think total inaccessibility. And when I say remote, I mean REMOTE. No electricity, no medical aid, no running water. You're in the wild, so self-reliance is crucial. Siyaba La's notoriety comes from its strategic importance. It's a heavily monitored border pass. Trust me, you'll be turned back at military checkpoints long before you reach the top if you try to sneak in. Seriously, respect the geopolitical boundaries here. Unauthorized entry = major legal trouble. Beyond the military stuff, the environment itself is a hazard. That "notorious absence of oxygen" at almost 5,000 meters? Brutal. Changing a flat tire will feel like running a marathon. Sudden blizzards and crazy temperature drops can happen in the middle of summer. Siyaba La is a wild place, where the road is a tool for control and the mountains call the shots.

The Wild Road to Uch-Chat Ashuu Passhard

The Wild Road to Uch-Chat Ashuu Pass

🌍 Kyrgyzstan

Okay, buckle up for the Uch-Chat Ashuu Pass in eastern Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul region! This baby clocks in at a whopping 3,731m (12,240ft), making it one of Kyrgyzstan's highest drives. We're talking serious Tian Shan mountain vibes here. Word to the wise: the road to the top is totally unpaved and can get super rough, so bring your 4x4! You'll probably want to skip it entirely between November and April, too. Heavy motorcycles need not apply! The climb is a beast. Seriously steep inclines and that thin mountain air will have your lungs screaming. Altitude sickness can kick in around 2,500-2,800 meters, so be prepared. It's remote, difficult to reach, and stunningly beautiful. Seriously, don't even think about tackling it solo, and pack extra supplies—food, water, and gas, the whole shebang!

Conquering the hairpinned Old Kunyi Road in Yunnan Province - China - RoadScout