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
moderateHai Van Pass
🇻🇳 Vietnam
# Hai Van Pass: Vietnam's Most Legendary Ride Picture this: a 21-kilometer stretch of asphalt that winds through the Truong Son mountains, sitting right on the border between Thua Thien-Hue and Da Nang provinces in central Vietnam. The road climbs to 496 meters, acting as a natural divider between two completely different climate zones—the cooler, rainier north and the hotter, drier south. It's so good that even Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear couldn't resist calling it "a deserted ribbon of perfection" and one of the world's best coastal roads. This isn't just a pretty drive—the Hai Van Pass is soaked in history. You'll spot remnants of fortifications from the Nguyen Dynasty, the French colonial era, and the Vietnam War scattered around the summit. There's an old French bunker up top that's now a sweet viewpoint where you can soak in the views. For centuries, this pass was *the* strategic chokepoint controlling movement between north and south, marking the ancient boundary between the Champa and Dai Viet kingdoms. Here's the best part: since the Hai Van Tunnel opened in 2005, most of the trucks and buses take the tunnel instead, leaving the old road blissfully quiet and perfect for adventurers. The route snakes through thick tropical forest, past waterfalls and rocky cliffs, with stunning panoramic views of the coastline, Lang Co lagoon to the north, and Da Nang bay spreading out below. It's become a must-do on the motorbike trail between Hue and Hoi An—most travelers rent bikes or grab an "easy rider" guided tour to tackle it. You can ride it any time of year, though expect clouds to roll in and envelope the summit (hence the romantic name: "Pass of the Ocean Clouds").
extremeWhere is the Aizhai Winding Road?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: you're in China's Hunan province, ready to tackle the Aizhai Winding Road, and trust me, it's a ride you won't forget! This isn't just any road; it's a twisting, turning adventure that climbs up the mountainside, serving up some seriously epic views along the way. So, where exactly is this beast? Head to the western part of Hunan, and you'll find it snaking up the mountain. They've paved it recently, which helps, but don't think it's a walk in the park. It's still a challenge, with a whole lotta steep and bendy bits! We're talking about a road that's only about 6 km in total length, but packs a punch. As you ascend, prepare for stunning views from the highest and most spectacular bridges around, and don't miss the totally Instagrammable 360-degree circular turn about three-quarters of the way up – complete with "China's No. 1 Overpass Bridge!" At the summit, pause to pay your respects at the memorials dedicated to those who built this incredible road. Here's the deal: in less than 100 meters of horizontal distance, you're climbing 440 meters vertically, with slopes that'll keep you on your toes. The road's super narrow in sections, sometimes too tight for two cars to pass! But don't worry, there's a viewing platform with a width of 3 meters, a length of 52 meters, and an area of more than 150 square meters where you can pull over, soak in the scenery, and snap some killer photos. Now, fair warning: this section of the highway is exposed in places, and things can feel a little unsecured. But that's part of the thrill! It honestly feels like you're driving in the sky, with cars appearing above and below as you make your way. Despite its somewhat dangerous reputation, it's usually pretty busy, so you won't be completely alone on your adventure!
hardA memorable road trip to Namika La in the Himalayas
🇮🇳 India
Namika La, aka Namika Pass or the Pillar of the Sky Pass, sits way up in Ladakh, India, at a whopping 3,823m (12,542ft)! Tucked into the Zaskar Range of the Himalayas, this beauty connects Leh and Kargil. It's one of two super-high passes linking the regions, the other being the even loftier Fotu La Pass. The road, National Highway 1 (NH 1) or the Srinagar Leh Highway, is paved all the way, but don't let that fool you. This drive is a real test, packed with hairpin turns and seriously sharp curves. Newbies beware: avoid driving at night or when visibility is poor. Keep an eye out for roadside memorials and always yield to the big rigs. The road stretches for 24.1 km (14.97 miles) from Mulbekh to Khangral. Expect snow closures from October to June (weather depending). The winds are fierce year-round. The climate is so brutal, the area's barren, like a lunar landscape. But once you crest the pass, get ready for insane views of lush greenery and snow-capped peaks. Seriously, this is a Ladakh must-see, and it's the last pass before you hit the Kargil region.
extremeLungdri La: Driving the unpaved 4,689m pass on the Tibet-Sichuan border
🇨🇳 China
Hit up Lungdri La if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure! This high-altitude pass sits way up at 4,689 meters (15,383 feet) in western Sichuan, China, practically straddling the border with Tibet. Seriously remote and raw, this route snakes through the rugged landscape above the Jinsha River (that's the upper Yangtze, FYI). Don't let the epic scenery fool you – this 17 km (10.5 mile) climb from near Jidong is a beast, and not for the faint of heart. We're talking a relentless, sustained climb with an average gradient of almost 10%, and sections maxing out at a whopping 17%! Loose rock means traction is a major issue, even if you're an experienced off-roader. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 – seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less. The views, though? Unbelievable! Think dramatic switchbacks overlooking the deep canyons of the Jinsha River. Just be prepared for anything. This is super remote, so there's no electricity, medical help, or running water. Bring your own fuel, emergency gear, and maybe some oxygen – altitude sickness is no joke up here. Plus, being so close to Tibet, permits and regulations can change in a heartbeat. And in winter, heavy snow makes this pass a complete no-go – icy 17% grades? No thanks! This climb is an unforgettable challenge, but remember, self-sufficiency is key out here in the wild west of Sichuan.