
Driving the scenic Panshan Highway to Lishan Mountain
China, asia
9.5 km
1,034 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! I just discovered this unreal mountain road in China called Panshan Highway, and you HAVE to add it to your bucket list.
Picture this: you're in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, ready to tackle Mount Li (or Lishan Mountain, if you’re feeling formal). This isn't just any mountain; we're talking about a peak that hits 1,034 meters (3,392 feet)!
The road? Epic. Nine and a half kilometers (5.9 miles) of pure, paved switchback bliss winding up from Lintong city into the Qinling Mountains. And when I say switchbacks, I mean serious hairpins! Some of these climbs get STEEP – we're talking a maximum gradient of almost 15%!
But trust me, the views from Lishan National Forest Park are worth every white-knuckle moment. Every time the sun is out, expect bikers and tourists galore, all stopping at overlooks to snap the ultimate panorama. Trust me, you’ll want to, too. Get ready for some serious scenery!
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Panshan Highway to Lishan Mountain is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 33.8253, 103.8676
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 9.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,034 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 33.8253, 103.8676
Related Roads in asia
hardDaha Ata Wanguwa is the 18 Bends Road
🌍 Sri Lanka
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Sri Lanka's Central Province, heading west of Mahiyanganaya. You're about to hit Daha Ata Wanguwa, the legendary "18 Bends Road" – even though it's actually only 17 these days! Legend has it, there used to be 18, but one got straightened out way back when. This 6.2 km (3.85 mile) stretch is part of the main A26 connecting Kandy and Mahiyanganaya. It's totally paved now, but for over a century and a half, this winding mountain road was *the* only link between these major cities. For a long time, this road was known for being a real test of driving skill! You'll find yourself snaking along, crossing 10 bridges and passing over hundreds of culverts. The views? Absolutely killer. Many make a pit stop at the top of the hilly section to soak in the panoramic views of the Mahiyanganaya valley. Trust me, counting those 17 bends and taking in the scenery is an experience you won't forget!
moderateA wild road to Quzhong La
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Quzhong La! This insane mountain pass in Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet, punches you up to a staggering 4,885m (16,026ft). We're talking serious altitude! Also known as Chudrong La, this wild ride follows the S303, but don't expect smooth sailing. Most of it's unpaved, so a 4x4 is basically a must. Keep your eyes peeled for thick mist that can roll in and cut visibility to near zero. Oh, and did I mention the tunnels? Several of them are muddy, rough, and totally dark, with water dripping and trucks barreling through. It's a thrill, to say the least! This 38.3 km (23.79 miles) stretch runs north-south from the G317, so plan your route accordingly. Trust me, the views are worth the white-knuckle drive!
moderateAn awe-inspiring drive to Ak-Beyit Pass
🌍 Kyrgyzstan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about the Ak-Beit Pass in eastern Kyrgyzstan's Naryn Region. This baby climbs to a cool 3,289 meters (that's almost 11,000 feet!) in the At-Bashi Range. The good news? It's totally paved, so no need for a monster truck. You'll find it on the A365, which is part of the E125 if you're into that kinda thing. Usually, it's open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva in winter, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. Clocking in at 119 kilometers (about 74 miles), this road connects Kara-Bulun to ... well, the start of your adventure! Seriously, daylight is your friend here. Night driving? Nah, skip it. This pass is the gateway between the At-Bashi and Arpa Valleys, so get ready for some serious scenery!
hardAn extreme road to the summit of Saser La Pass
🇮🇳 India
Get ready for an epic adventure on Saser La, one of India's highest roads, soaring to 17,753 feet in eastern Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir! Tucked away in the Karakoram range, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 32.5-mile stretch of unpaved, rugged terrain—basically a mud track that laughs in the face of smooth rides. Historically a caravan route connecting Leh to Yarkand, this pass demands a high-clearance 4x4 and a serious sense of adventure. The window for travel is pretty small, mostly just during the summer months. But wait, there's more! The Border Roads Organisation is currently building a new, 35-mile road, the Sasoma–Sasser La Road, set to become the world's first motorable road across a glacier! This paved route will link Sasoma, near the Siachen Glacier, to Gapsam near Murgo in the Depsang plains. Once complete, it will cut the distance from Leh to Daulat Beg Oldi by a whopping 49 miles! It's an incredible feat of engineering, tackling unstable glaciers and tricky moraines. Talk about a scenic shortcut!