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
hardDare to drive the dangerous Bursatyn Davaaa
🌍 Mongolia
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer road trip idea for you: Bursatyn Davaa in western Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii Province! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a whopping 2,644 meters (8,674 feet) of pure, unadulterated mountain pass awesomeness. Forget pavement, baby! This is a 139 km (86 mile) stretch of raw, unpaved Asian Highway 4 (AH4) that'll test your mettle (and your suspension). Think your 4x4 is tough? It'll need to be! Expect a long, challenging trek through some seriously rugged terrain. We're talking steep, sudden turns, and more bumps than you can shake a stick at. But trust me, the views are worth it. We're talking dramatic vistas and snow-covered mountains as far as the eye can see. Most of the track is decent, but get ready for some seriously rough patches. Just a heads up: keep an eye on the weather, because things can get hairy real quick up here. This route runs east-west from Tolbo to Khovd, the capital of the Khovd Province. Get ready for the ride of your life!
hardZing La is a drive you'll never forget
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! I've got a pass for you that'll blow your mind – Zing La. We're talking serious altitude here, almost 16,200 feet! You'll find this beast nestled way up in the Himalayas, deep in the Cona County of Tibet. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is all dirt, and I mean ALL dirt. Hairpin turns? Buckle up, buttercup, because they're relentless. You absolutely need to know what you're doing behind the wheel. The air gets thin up there, and even your trusty vehicle might start to complain. Snow can close this place down for long stretches, and when it's open, expect freezing temperatures. If you're hiring a ride, make absolutely sure your driver knows the road like the back of their hand, especially in snowy conditions. The route stretches for 24 miles from Cona, and every mile is an adventure. Get ready for some seriously epic views!
extremeKosmostantsiya
🌍 Kazakhstan
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Kosmostantsiya! This paved road in Kazakhstan climbs to a staggering 11,092 feet (3,381m) in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. We're talking seriously steep – some sections hit a 12% grade! Now, this isn't a drive to take lightly. Weather can turn nasty fast, and access outside summer (May-June is your best bet!) can be totally blocked. Think avalanches, heavy snow, landslides… and plenty of ice. This road earns its reputation for danger with unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Oh, and that altitude! Prepare for a serious lack of oxygen – the summit has about 40% less than sea level. That means breathing gets tough, your pulse will race, and even simple movements feel like a workout. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so if you've got respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. The views, though? Absolutely stunning. Just be prepared for some challenges along the way! And pro tip: avoid this place on weekends – you'll want the space to navigate those tight turns and soak in the scenery (if the weather cooperates!). Also, watch out for rockfall when it's raining, and ice patches, especially from October to April. Be safe, and enjoy the ride!
moderateKaro La: enjoy a paved road among the clouds
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: Karo La, a staggering 16,500 feet high in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. This pass connects Shannan and Shigatse prefectures, and let me tell you, the views are insane! We're talking about the Karola Glacier, practically hugging the road – a mere 300 meters away! It's the closest glacier you'll find to a highway in Tibet, making for some seriously epic photo ops. You'll cruise along the 307 Provincial Road, part of the Southern Friendship Highway, also known as Koro La. Good news: the road is paved, so no crazy off-roading required. It's a long, steady climb over 17 miles (27.5 km) from Relong to Mujiabu, but trust me, the scenery is worth every minute. Tourist buses love this route, and you will too!