Fun Things to Do in Beijing
China, asia
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down a twisty bit of asphalt, roughly 28km (17 miles) long, snaking through some seriously stunning mountain scenery near Mentougou District, west of Beijing. We're talking some decent elevation changes here too, folks, climbing from around 300m (984ft) up to a thigh-burning 900m (2,953ft) above sea level. The views are killer, but keep your eyes peeled! This route is known for its hairpin turns and steep drops, so it demands your full attention. Trust me, though, the panoramic vistas are totally worth the white knuckles. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Fun Things to Do in Beijing is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.2338, 101.0363
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 35.2338, 101.0363
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhy is Gate Tower Building famous?
🇯🇵 Japan
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Fukushima-ku, Japan, and you spot it—the Gate Tower Building. This isn't your average office block; it's a 16-story marvel with a twist. Get this: a highway punches straight through floors 5, 6, and 7! Yep, the Hanshin Expressway, a hefty 239 km stretch of road that loops around Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto, actually *rents* those floors. Wild, right? The building was built in 1992 to specifically accommodate the Umeda Hanshin Expressway, and the expressway structure doesn't even touch the building. Think of it like a bridge running through a giant hole! It's a seriously cool piece of engineering and a must-see if you're ever in downtown Osaka.
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.
moderateThe paved road to Surtok La with stunning views of Pangong Lake
🇮🇳 India
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Surtok La! Perched way up high in the Leh district of Ladakh, India, this beauty sits at a cool 14,291 feet (4,356m). The road, also known as Pangong Lake Road, is paved and generally in decent shape, making it accessible for most vehicles. But don't get too comfy! It's a twisty, turny ride with some seriously steep climbs and narrow sections that'll keep you on your toes. Clocking in at around 20 miles (33km), the route snakes its way from Tangtse to the stunning Pangong Lake. Trust me, the views are incredible! Picture this: breathtaking panoramas of the lake unfolding before you as you conquer those curves. It's a photographer's dream and an unforgettable driving experience!
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!