
Conquering the hairpinned Old Kunyi Road in Yunnan Province
China, asia
53 km
5 m
hard
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
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 53 km
- Max Elevation
- 5 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.2661, 105.3000
Related Roads in asia
hardHow challenging is the climb from Langtongcun?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: You're in eastern Tibet, Dêngqên County to be exact, ready to tackle Lachin La. This isn't just any mountain pass; it's a lung-busting climb that tops out at a serious altitude above sea level, south of the Dak Chu Valley near Dêngqên town. This road? It's mostly paved, but don't let that fool you. The landscape is unrelenting, forcing the road skyward with brutally steep inclines. Your engine is already gasping for air at nearly 5,000 meters, and then you throw in gradients in the double digits? Buckle up, because Lachin La is a true test of skill and endurance. From Langtongcun to the summit, it's a climb, packed with a massive elevation gain. That's an average gradient of over 10%, with some sections spiking way higher. Think constant gear changes and hawk-eye monitoring of your engine temp. And those curves! Tight switchbacks are everywhere, carving their way up. Driving up, you'll notice the distinct lack of safety barriers on many sections, giving you a thrilling, if slightly terrifying, view straight down into the valley below. Before heading down, seriously check those brakes! That constant 10% grade can overheat them fast, so engine braking is your friend. Weather here is a wild card. Expect sudden snow, even in summer, turning that pavement into an ice rink. Winter? Forget about it. The pass is often snowed under for weeks. And let's not forget the altitude – AMS is a real risk. Acclimatize before you even think about starting the climb. Oh, and one more thing: there's absolutely nothing out here. No gas, no mechanics, no help of any kind between Dêngqên town and the summit. Pack extra everything – fuel, water, warm layers. Lachin La is a jaw-dropping drive with insane views of the eastern Tibetan ranges, but it demands respect. Push yourself or your ride too hard, and you'll regret it.
extremeWhy is Rawanduz Canyon famous?
🌍 Iraq
Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery in Iraqi Kurdistan's Erbil Province! Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Iranian and Turkish borders, you'll find the incredible Rawanduz Canyon. Picture this: towering rock walls framing the Rawanduz River as it carves its way through the landscape. This place is all about drama, with rivers snaking between the canyons. It's typically dry and dusty in the summer, but springs into vibrant green life from spring through autumn. The name "Rawanduz" comes from a local poet and a word for "citadel," which feels about right for such an imposing place. You can cruise right through it on the fully paved Hamilton Road (Route 3, also known as the Soran-Khalifan road), a seriously scenic route hugging the narrow canyon walls. It's all thanks to a New Zealander named Archibald Milne Hamilton. The drive itself stretches for about 17.2km (10.68 miles), connecting Khalifan and Soran, two cities in Erbil Province. Now, a word of caution: most governments advise against travel to Iraq due to the ongoing security situation. While Rawanduz is safer than other regions thanks to the Peshmerga forces, vigilance is still key. Road travel can be dangerous, and roadside attacks sadly still happen. Car insurance can also be tricky to obtain. If you're seriously considering this trip, do your research and stay informed.
extremeWhere 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!
extremeThe road to Birukangqing La is not for the faint of heart
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Birukangqing La in Tibet is calling your name! This insane mountain pass tops out at a staggering 17,349 feet, so get ready for some seriously thin air! Located in Biru County, you'll find this beast of a road is totally unpaved. We're talking hairpin turn after hairpin turn as you snake your way up. Definitely bring your 4x4, because this climb is no joke. Oxygen is scarce up here, and the weather can be extreme, so be prepared! This epic 34-mile route connects Xia'e to Suo Gongsongduo, linking up the G317 road with the S303. Get ready for incredible views, if you dare to take your eyes off the road! This drive is as scenic as it is challenging.