
G217 is a Chinese remote paved road
China, asia
1,753 km
3,538 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey adventurers! Get ready for the ride of your life on China National Highway 217 (G217) in southwest Xinjiang!
This epic, recently paved road stretches for 1,753 km (1,089 mi) through some seriously stunning (and challenging) terrain. Starting in Altay, Xinjiang, it plunges you straight into the heart of the Taklamakan Desert – think massive sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, framed by the majestic Kunlun, Pamir, and Tian Shan mountains. The Dushanzi-to-Kuqa section, also known as Duku Highway, is an absolute beast, carving its way through the Tian Shan range. Finally, you'll roll into Hotan, a vibrant city in southwestern Xinjiang.
Heads up: you'll be hitting an elevation of 3,538m (11,607ft) at Haxilegen Pass! Due to snow and ice, this highway's only open from May to October. Also, larger vehicles (more than 7 seats) aren't allowed, and watch out for potential mudslides. But trust me, the views are worth it! Prepare to be amazed!
Where is it?
G217 is a Chinese remote paved road is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.9723, 103.0403
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 1,753 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,538 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.9723, 103.0403
Related Roads in asia
moderateWhat are the best 5 roads in Malaysia?
🌍 Malaysia
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Malaysia's got some seriously amazing drives, and I'm here to spill the tea on a few. First up, the **Karak Highway**. This baby cuts through the Banjaran Titiwangsa mountains for 60 km of pure driving bliss. We're talking winding tarmac, hills, valleys, the works! Most of it's a comfy two or three lanes, so you can really get some speed going. It's a total fave with Malaysian car enthusiasts, and the fun starts right after the Gombak toll. If you're feeling adventurous, ditch the highway for the B-roads – think Bukit Tinggi or Genting Highlands. These are tighter, more technical, but SO rewarding when you nail those corners. Then there's **Bukit Putus** in Negeri Sembilan. This old-school road is only about 7 km long, but it's PACKED with tight corners and hairpin bends. The speed limit's a chill 90 km/h, and the whole area is covered in lush green jungle. Early morning drives here are seriously refreshing, but it can get a bit spooky with how quiet it is, so maybe grab a buddy or two before you go. If you love a good challenge and want to see what your car can *really* do, this is your spot. Next on the list: **Kuala Klawang**. Located in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, this route is a weekend hot spot for group drives. It's got stunning views, including a stop at the Semenyih Dam. Compared to Bukit Putus, this road is steeper, with around 400 turns spread over 50 km of smooth road. Weekends can be busy with car clubs, bikers, and cyclists, so keep your eyes peeled! If you're heading to Cameron Highlands, skip the usual route and take the **Simpang Pulai** road. It's a bit of a secret gem, especially popular with drivers from the north. This one's a bit more modern and less claustrophobic than Genting, with wider lanes and a more open feel. At about 80 km, it'll take you around 1 hour 40 minutes to get to Cameron Highlands, and it's known as a safer option than the old Tapah route. Last but definitely not least, we have the legendary **Ulu Yam** route. Seriously, if you're a petrolhead in Malaysia, you HAVE to drive this one. It's super close to Kuala Lumpur, so it's perfect for a weekend blast. Starting near Batu Caves, you're immediately hit with fast corners, steep hills, and blind spots that keep you on your toes. The scenery is amazing, especially the views of Batu Dam. After a short stint in Ulu Yam town, you're back in the twisties, eventually ending up at a bridge overlooking the dam – the perfect spot for a photo op! There's also a lookout point just five minutes further that gives you panoramic views of the whole area. Trust me, this drive is an absolute classic for a reason!
extremeWhere is Ane La?
🇮🇳 India
Ane La is this crazy-high pass right on the China-India border – one of the highest roads you'll find anywhere! It connects Tibet with northern India's Chang-Chemno range. Forget smooth tarmac; this one's completely unpaved and known as Ane Pass Road. It's narrow and steep, plus you'll be sharing the road with tons of military vehicles! This is a seriously remote spot. The road stretches for about from the last village, , in the Leh district all the way to . Get ready for some wild, unpaved driving in the Himalayas! Just imagine cruising towards the stunning Lake Moriri.
moderateWhere is Anwu La Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Anwu La Pass sits high up in the Tibetan mountains, in the Nagqu prefecture-level city. This fully paved road (aka G345) stretches for about 175km, running east to west from Nyima County to Amdo County. While the pavement is generally good, keep an eye out for potential road repairs. This route isn't as brutally steep as some other high-altitude roads, but the elevation is still a factor. Watch out for hidden dips and turns, especially in winter. Most towns along the way offer basic supplies, but it's always a good idea to stock up on water and snacks just in case. The landscape is classic Tibet: endless high-altitude grasslands, with snow-capped peaks towering nearby. It makes for a truly awe-inspiring drive! You'll spot a sign at the summit claiming an altitude of 5,089m, but GPS and other data put the actual elevation closer to 4,771m. Who knows why the sign is off, but hey, it makes for a good photo op!
extremeWhere is the Kiangan-Buguias Road?
🇵🇭 Philippines
Wanna hit the highest road in the Philippines? Then get ready to rumble on the Kiangan-Buguias Road! This insane stretch of asphalt winds its way through the Cordillera Central range, clocking in at a breathtaking 2,406m (7,893ft) above sea level at its peak. You'll find this epic 63km (39-mile) route connecting Kiangan in Ifugao to Buguias in Benguet, and trust me, the views are worth the white knuckles. Picture yourself cruising through mossy forests and under cloud-draped peaks. Seriously stunning! But hold up, this ain't no Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep climbs (some hitting a wild 20.4% gradient!) and enough switchbacks to make you dizzy. Mother Nature likes to throw curveballs too: think heavy fog, mist, and slick roads when it rains. Oh, and keep an eye out for landslides – rocks and debris are known to crash the party. Factor in plenty of time for this one, because the twists and turns mean you’ll be averaging a snail's pace. It's a chilly ride up there with all that cloud cover, so pack accordingly, and always be ready for the unexpected. Trust me, conquering this road is an adventure you won't soon forget!