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
hardHow long is the road?
🇨🇳 China
Hey fellow adventurers! If you're up for a seriously high-altitude drive in western Tibet, check out the concrete road to the Shiquanhe (Ali) Observatory, near Shiquanhe town in the Ngari (Ali) Prefecture. It's a scenic climb, built to give access to those super-cool science facilities. The road clocks in on China National Highway 219 and will take you up, up, up, reaching a dizzying 5,403 meters (17,726 ft) above sea level! Be ready for steep sections and tons of hairpin turns, with exposed areas that'll give you incredible views (if you dare to look!). While the road is mostly paved and wide enough for those crucial maintenance vehicles, I'd seriously suggest a 4x4—it’s STEEP! Keep your wits about you and watch out for changing weather. Avalanches, snow, landslides, and icy patches can sneak up on you. Why this road, you ask? It takes you to some seriously high observatories, like the Shiquanhe Observatory at 5,100 meters (16,700 ft) and the Ali CMB Polarization Telescope at 5,176 meters (16,981 ft). The elevation is perfect for clear optical and microwave views, which is why scientists chose this spot. The road is primarily used to transport people, gear, and supplies, so plan ahead! Acclimatize in Shiquanhe town (~4,300 m) for a day or two before heading up. Bring extra fuel, food, water, and emergency gear, because services are super limited. Avoid driving during snow, heavy rain, or high winds - conditions change in a heartbeat. And seriously, a reliable 4×4 with great brakes is essential. Mobile coverage is spotty, so consider a satellite device. Basically, be prepared and you'll have an unforgettable (and safe!) trip to one of the highest scientific facilities on earth!
moderateHakusan Shirakawa-go White is a tourist toll road in Japan
🇯🇵 Japan
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through central Japan on the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road. Trust me, it's a visual feast, especially when autumn paints the mountains in fiery hues! This toll road, once called Hakusan Super Rindo Forest Road, connects Hakusan City in Ishikawa with the charming Shirakawa-go in Gifu. Think winding roads, dramatic mountain vistas, panoramic viewpoints, and hiking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls. Summer's gorgeous with lush greenery, but autumn? That's when this road *really* shines. It's about 33.3 km (20 miles) long, climbing to over 1400 meters. There are a few tunnels along the way. Keep an eye on your speedometer, because the limit's only 30 km/h. You're essentially driving through the Hakusan National Park alpine reserve, so soak it all in! Heads up: the Gifu side is super curvy with limited places to pull over. The road climbs quickly to a tunnel linking the prefectures. You can only experience this road between early June and mid-November – weather permitting! From June to August, it's open from 7 AM to 6 PM, and from September to November, 8 AM to 5 PM. Built in 1977, the whole drive takes about an hour. Keep in mind, it’s for cars only—no bikes or pedestrians allowed. Time to get that scenic drive in!
hardWhy was the Kunshan Tunnel Road built?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about the Kunshan Tunnel Road in China's Henan Province. This isn't just a road; it's an epic tale etched into the Taihang Mountains. Picture this: a village, Kunshan, tucked away in the peaks, once only reachable by a sketchy cliffside path and some seriously steep stone steps. So, the villagers decided to DIY a road—by hand! The result? A 1.6 km rollercoaster through the mountains, complete with not one, but SIX tunnels! And get this: they carved windows right into the cliff face – originally to toss out the rock debris during construction! Elevation-wise, you're cruising between 1,000 and 1,300 meters above sea level. Now, when should you go? Aim for May to November. Winter can be a no-go thanks to snowfall. While the Guoliang Tunnel might get more buzz, Kunshan is longer and arguably more challenging. The government spruced it up in 2009, connecting the Wangmang Mountains Scenic Area entrance to Kunshan Village a few clicks north. Get ready for some incredible views, but keep your eyes on the road – this is one wild ride!
extremeWhere is the road from Qusum to Diyag?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a doozy for you: a wild ride across the Tibetan Plateau connecting Qusum (Shannan Prefecture) to Diyag (Zanda County, Ngari Prefecture). Picture this: you and your trusty high-clearance 4x4, tackling some of the most remote and rugged terrain imaginable in southern Tibet. Forget smooth asphalt; this entire route is a rollercoaster of gravel and dirt, carved by the elements themselves. We're talking deep ruts, steep climbs, and conditions that demand your full attention. Expect a solid 7-9 hours behind the wheel. Hold on tight because you'll be conquering six major mountain passes, all towering above 14,700 feet (4,500 meters)! The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The air? Noticeably thinner. This isn't your Sunday drive! Countless hairpin turns and sheer drop-offs will keep your adrenaline pumping. High altitude means less oxygen for both you and your engine, so pace yourself. Keep an eye on the weather, too – sudden snowstorms are a real possibility, even in summer. And if the monsoon hits or the spring melt gets heavy, this road can become totally impassable. Are you ready for the challenge?