Doxong La tunnel: watch out for oncoming vehicles in the dark
China, asia
N/A
3,555 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of cruising through Tibet? Then you NEED to know about the Doxong La tunnel! Tucked away in Mainling County, near Nyingchi, this engineering marvel opened in 2021 and completely bypasses the old, gnarly Doxong Pass.
We're talking serious altitude here – 3,555 meters (11,663 feet) above sea level! The tunnel itself stretches for 2,114 meters, a smooth, paved ride. It's also known as the Laohuzui Tunnel. This is more than just a shortcut; it's a gateway to a stunning 67.22-kilometer stretch connecting Pad Township, Nyingchi town, and the wild beauty of Medog County. Imagine the views! Construction took 7 years, so you know it's a solid route. Get ready for an unforgettable Tibetan road trip!
Where is it?
Doxong La tunnel: watch out for oncoming vehicles in the dark is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.8291, 102.5044
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 3,555 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.8291, 102.5044
Related Roads in asia
difficultTianmen Mountain Road
🇨🇳 China
# Tianmen Mountain Road: The Road to Heaven Ready for one of the most intense drives in the world? Welcome to Tongtian Avenue, or as locals call it, "The Road to Heaven" — and trust me, this 11-kilometer stretch in Hunan Province isn't for the faint of heart. Snaking up Tianmen Mountain near Zhangjiajie, this engineering marvel climbs from 200 meters straight up to 1,300 meters, gaining elevation so fast your ears will pop. Here's what makes this road legendary: 99 hairpin bends. And no, that number isn't random — in Chinese culture, nine is sacred (representing heaven's nine palaces), so 99 feels pretty cosmic. Built in 2005 as the centerpiece of Tianmen Mountain National Park, this road was designed to challenge and impress in equal measure. Expect white-knuckle moments as your bus winds through lush subtropical forest with impossibly tight turns and steep grades that'll have you gripping your seat. (Pro tip: private vehicles aren't allowed up here — it's bus-only for good reason.) Every bend is numbered and named, and the views? Absolutely breathtaking. At the summit, you'll spot the jaw-dropping Tianmen Cave, a massive natural arch punching clean through the mountain — 131 meters high and 57 meters wide — visible all the way from Zhangjiajie below. Reach it by climbing 999 more steps if you're feeling ambitious. Not thrilled enough? The summit also features a glass skywalk suspended 1,432 meters above the valley (it's as terrifying as it sounds) and the world's longest commercial cable car ride at 7,455 meters. Car manufacturers have even staged promotional events here to show off their vehicles. Visit year-round, but expect cold, foggy conditions if you go in winter.
moderateA sensational drive to Xuebaoding Snow Mountain Pass
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for Xuebaoding Snow Mountain Pass! This high-altitude gem sits way up in northwestern Sichuan, China, in Songpan county, clocking in at a cool 4,015 meters (13,172 feet) above sea level. You'll find it near the ridiculously scenic Mt. Xuebaoding. The whole route's paved (it's X120, also known as Pingsong Road), but don't think it's a cakewalk! This winding road is full of hairpin turns that'll have you reaching for the motion sickness pills. We're talking about 30 hairpin turns. This pass, also known as Liang Yakou, is about 41km (25.47 miles) long, taking you from Chuanzhusizhen to Huanglong. There's even a car park at the top for a breather and some photos. The steepest part of the old road is now bypassed by the Xueshanliang Tunnel. However, the climb is still intense, with gradients hitting a maximum of 25% in places! Definitely keep an eye on the weather before you head out – conditions can change in a heartbeat up here.
extremeDare to drive the dangerous Shel La in Tibet
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Shel La, or Xia La, is a seriously high mountain pass sitting way up in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, clocking in at a dizzying 4,904 meters (that's nearly 16,100 feet!). You'll find it in Dêngqên County, Chamdo City, way out east in Tibet. Now, the original road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking unpaved, narrow, seriously steep, and loaded with hairpin turns. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops? Guardrails? Sometimes you'll see them, but often, nada! Luckily, there's now a 4.06 km (2.52 mi) tunnel to bypass the gnarly old road. But if you're feeling adventurous, that original unpaved beast is still there waiting for you. The newer, paved route is part of the G317 (Sichuan–Tibet Highway) and stretches for 45.3 km (28.14 miles) between Badaxiang and Chiduzhen. Get ready for some stunning scenery, no matter which path you choose!
extremeThe road to Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be the scary of scaries
🇨🇳 China
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Hidden away in Shawan County, China, is the mind-blowing Anjihai Grand Canyon, also known as the Hongshan (Red Mountain) Grand Canyon. Seriously, this place is a photographer's dream! Picture this: you're in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, staring down into a canyon carved by the Anjihai River. We're talking about a 30-kilometer-long gash in the earth, plunging a staggering 400 meters deep. At points, it’s only two or three meters wide! Expect sheer cliffs, jagged rocks, and stones bursting with color. Getting there is an adventure in itself. This unpaved road snakes along the northern base of the Tianshan Mountains and it is NOT for the faint of heart. I'm talking precipices, hanging cliffs, and a max speed of 40 km/h. Newbies, maybe sit this one out. The views from the top of the canyon are insane! But heads up, it’s a serious drop. And just to keep things interesting, the road dead-ends at the edge of the mountain, right above a mine. This one is for those who like to live life on the edge!