Guoliang Tunnel Road
China, asia
1.2 km
1,752 m
extreme
April to October
# The Guoliang Tunnel Road: China's Most Epic DIY Highway
Deep in the Taihang Mountains of Henan Province sits one of the most jaw-dropping roads you'll ever drive—and it was literally carved out of a cliff by hand. The Guoliang Tunnel Road stretches just 1.2 kilometers, but don't let that fool you. This thing is the real deal.
Back in the early '70s, thirteen villagers from the tiny hamlet of Guoliang decided they were done with the "Sky Ladder"—a sketchy set of steps hacked into the rockface that was barely passable on foot, let alone by vehicle. So between 1972 and 1977, these determined folks grabbed nothing but hammers, chisels, and dynamite, and went to town carving a road straight through solid rock. No heavy machinery. No construction crews. Just pure grit.
The finished tunnel runs about 5 meters high and 4 meters wide, with over 30 irregular "windows" punched through the cliff wall for light and fresh air. But here's the kicker—those windows also frame absolutely vertiginous views of the valley 200 meters straight down. The pavement is rough and uneven (remember, hand-carved), and the whole thing winds and curves with the natural rock formations. Squeezing past an oncoming car requires some serious nerve; there's barely enough room for two vehicles to pass in most spots.
Today, Guoliang has transformed into a surprisingly popular tourist destination, complete with film and TV appearances. The surrounding landscape is spectacular—think dramatic red sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. Year-round access is a thing, though winters can be sketchy with ice. It's not just a road; it's a monument to human stubbornness.
Where is it?
Guoliang Tunnel Road is located in Henan Province, China (asia). Coordinates: 35.7219, 113.5531
Driving Tips
# Road Tips for This Route
So here's the thing about this tunnel—it's pretty tight! Make sure you give your horn a good honk before you head into any blind corners. You definitely want other drivers to know you're coming around those curves.
If you can swing it, try to visit on a weekday. Way fewer tourists clogging things up, which makes for a much more chill drive and gives you way more flexibility to stop and enjoy the scenery.
While you're in the area, you've gotta check out the hiking trails in the Taihang Mountains. They're incredible and a perfect complement to your drive. You'll want to carve out some time for that.
One last thing—skip this route if you're going during those icy winter months. The conditions get sketchy, and honestly, it's just not worth the risk. Pick a different season and you'll have a way better experience.
Road Surface
Rough carved rock
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Region
- Henan Province
- Length
- 1.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,752 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Surface
- Rough carved rock
- Best Season
- April to October
- Coordinates
- 35.7219, 113.5531
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhere is Nayzatash Pass?
🌍 Tajikistan
Pereval Nayzatash is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.134m (13,562ft) above sea level, located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan. Where is Nayzatash Pass? Set high in the Pamir Mountains, within the Badakhshan National Park, the road to the summit, also known as Najzatos Pass, Nayzatash Pass, Nezatash Pass, Neza-Tash Pass or Aghbai Nayzatosh, is the historical , officially called M41. Most of the road is paved, except for the mountain passes. The road is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches. How long is Nayzatash Pass? Running through a lunar landscape, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the conditions of the road. The pass is 185km (114 miles) long, running from Dzhiland to Why is it called Nayzatash Pass? The pass is named after an international high mountain pass on the border of China and Tajikistan, at an elevation of 4.541m (14,898ft) above sea level in the Sarikol Range, at . The name of the path means "spear stone" in Kyrgyz as it is named after a rock near the location. The road to the old pass is 45.7 km (28.39 miles) long, starting from Tashkorgan, also known as Tashkurgan. The road to the summit is very steep, and the elevation gain is 1590 m. During the 19th century, Neztash Pass was frequently used by European explorers passing through the region. The road is extremely challenging, with many hairpin turns, steep parts, and narrow sections. Located in the middle of nowhere, if your ideal road trip involves getting way off the beaten track, then this is the drive for you. A journey on the legendary Pamir Highway to Kyzylart Pass Driving the challenging Pamir Highway to Koitezyak Pass Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardKilik Pass
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Kilik Pass: we're talking seriously high altitude here, topping out at 15,567 feet! You'll find this bad boy straddling the border between Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and Xinjiang, China, deep in the heart of the Karakorum Mountains. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpiness. Basically, you need a 4x4 and a hefty dose of courage. Word to the wise: winter hits hard up here. Expect it to be impassable from October to June, give or take, depending on Mother Nature's mood. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? Heights not your thing? Maybe skip this one. Bonus bummer: The Chinese side around Mintaka Pass has been a no-go for foreigners since way back in '47. Still, the views up there are worth bragging about—if you dare to make the trek!
extremeDriving the scenic Makran Coastal Highway
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Cruising down Pakistan's Makran Coastal Highway (aka National Highway 10) is like starring in your own epic travel movie. This fully paved ribbon of asphalt stretches for 683 km (424 miles) hugging the Arabian Sea from Karachi, Sindh (Pakistan's mega-city) all the way to Gwadar, a seriously strategic port in Balochistan. But the fun doesn't stop there! It keeps winding west, linking up coastal towns like Ormara and Pasni before kissing the Iranian border. Keep in mind, this isn't your average Sunday drive. You're in remote territory where the elements call the shots. Think harsh climate, limited amenities, and a landscape that throws everything it's got at you. The highest point hits 323m (1,059ft) at the Buzi Pass. This road's a fighter, carved through terrain that often seems impossible, with sections that are narrow and surprisingly steep. Mother Nature can be a real diva here, too, so be ready for cyclones and flash floods that can mess with road conditions. Plus, gas stations and rest stops are few and far between, so top up the tank and pack those snacks! But oh, the views! Prepare for jaw-dropping vistas of the Arabian Sea, a coastline that’s all rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and dramatic rocky formations. It’s a photographer's dream and a nature lover's paradise. This coastal highway is a major draw for tourists seeking stunning scenery and unique marine adventures. You can explore untouched beaches, wander through quaint fishing villages, and soak up the local culture at historical spots. Built between 2002 and 2004, this route follows the footsteps of Alexander the Great's army! The road symbolizes Pakistani pride, transforming a muddy track into a vital link for trade and travel. The highway is super important, connecting Gwadar Port (a key part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) to the rest of Pakistan and beyond.
moderateLungnak La
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Lungnak La, nestled high in Sikkim's Chopta Valley, India, is not your average Sunday drive. We're talking a lung-busting 5,084 meters (16,679 feet) above sea level, practically spitting distance from the India-China border. Picture this: a rough and rugged gravel track, rocky and bumpy as all get out. One wrong move, and things could get hairy fast. The views, though? Absolutely breathtaking. Think stark, Tibetan-plateau-esque landscapes with limited vegetation – a raw, untamed beauty. Be warned, Chopta Valley has restricted entry for international visitors; you may need to arrange a pass. And the road? It’s a fickle beast, often closed from October through June, thanks to the weather. Scope out the terrain before you fully commit, because conditions can change in a heartbeat. You'll definitely need a 4x4 and nerves of steel! This demanding climb requires serious skill, patience, and a healthy respect for heights. Take it slow and steady; altitude sickness is real! Don't go running a marathon when you arrive; soak it all in with some deep breaths and slow movements. Trust me, the views are worth the effort.