Hongjing Road is a drive worth taking in Beijing province

Hongjing Road is a drive worth taking in Beijing province

China, asia

Length

187 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! I've found a hidden gem in China, just waiting to be explored. Nestled in the West Mountains of Beijing's Fangshan District is Hongjing Road, also known as X045 County Road, or, more dramatically, "Devil Road."

This paved ribbon of tarmac stretches for 18.7 km (around 11.6 miles) from Honggangkou (near Wolong Village) all the way to Jing’eryu where it meets National Road 108.

Fair warning: it’s not for the faint of heart! This baby is STEEP, with gradients hitting a maximum of 12% in places! And those hairpin turns? Get ready to navigate a full 21 of them! But trust me, the views are worth it. They say this is the most beautiful road in the whole Beijing province. Ready for an unforgettable drive?

Where is it?

Hongjing Road is a drive worth taking in Beijing province is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.2874, 102.5434

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
187 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
35.2874, 102.5434

Related Roads in asia

Riadong La: Driving the remote S224 road in the Qiajajima Mountainsextreme

Riadong La: Driving the remote S224 road in the Qiajajima Mountains

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up adventurers, because Riadong La Pass in Qinghai, China, is calling your name! Perched way up high at 5,005m (16,420ft), this mountain pass straddles the edge of Zadoi and Zhidoi counties, deep within the Yushu Prefecture. We’re talking serious Tibetan Plateau wilderness vibes here. Think of it as a brand-new (and I mean *brand-new*) gateway slicing through the Qiajajima mountains, which act as a natural barrier between the Mekong and Yangtze rivers. You'll be smack-dab in the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve, cruising alongside the Angqiansong River. Trees? Forget about it. This is high alpine tundra all the way. Now, about the road... well, "road" is a generous term. It’s the S224, and it’s completely unpaved. Picture this: loose gravel, dirt tracks, and a surface that's constantly battling the elements. A high-clearance 4x4 is absolutely non-negotiable. Get ready for washboards, dust clouds in the dry season, and mud pits after the rain. Oh, and did I mention there are no guardrails? The path often hugs the cliffs right next to the river! The entire route stretches 198 km (123 miles) from Zhidoi to Zadoi, and plan on a solid 8-9 hours to complete the journey, even without long stops. The challenging terrain and the altitude (most of the drive is over 4,000 meters!) will slow you down. And remember, there are zero gas stations or repair shops between the two towns, so you need to be fully self-sufficient. The two biggest concerns? Altitude sickness and mechanical issues. At that height, the air is thin, so be prepared for potential headaches and engine struggles. Also, the weather can flip on a dime – expect snow or sleet, even in August! That gravel can get super slippery. And because you are right next to the Angqiansong River, be aware that parts of the road can disappear due to erosion or flash floods. Pack extra fuel, a satellite phone, and maybe some oxygen for good measure. This pass is generally only open from late June to early September. The rest of the year, it’s a snowy, sub-zero wasteland. Even in summer, expect freezing temperatures at night. And if it starts raining hard, just stop! The roadbeds here are new and can easily wash out.

Hatu Peakhard

Hatu Peak

🇮🇳 India

Okay, buckle up, fellow travelers! We're heading to Hatu Peak in Himachal Pradesh, India, a spot sitting pretty at 10,446 feet! The road? Well, it's paved, but don't expect a highway. Think narrow, winding, and seriously steep. Even seasoned drivers will find the constant twists and turns a bit of a workout. Basically, it's up, down, left, right… repeat! Night driving or foggy conditions? Maybe skip it if you're not a local. And forget about it in winter – snow shuts this baby down. But oh, the views! Epic mountain scenery is everywhere you look. Word of warning: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. And go easy on that last meal! Trust me, you'll thank me later. At the very top, you'll find the charming little wooden Hatu Temple. Definitely worth the white-knuckle drive!

Where does Grand Trunk Road start and end?moderate

Where does Grand Trunk Road start and end?

🇮🇳 India

The Grand Trunk Road: a South Asian legend stretching a whopping 2,400 km (1500 miles) from Kabul all the way to Kolkata. This isn't just a road; it's a living, breathing piece of history connecting Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Seriously, this route has been around for over two thousand years! Locally known as "Gernaili Sadak" or "Sadak-e-Azam," the GT Road is mostly paved. The journey begins in Kabul, winds its way through the legendary Khyber Pass (a relatively low 1,070m (3,510ft), but steeped in history), then meanders through Lahore, Delhi, before finally reaching Kolkata. Be warned though: this road is not for the faint of heart. It's not the altitude that gets you, but the sheer volume of traffic! Imagine being stuck in a jam caused by camels casually strolling along. Trucks, buses, bicycles, pedestrians – you name it, it's all here, turning parts of this road into a chaotic symphony. You'll need your wits about you behind the wheel. Historically, the Grand Trunk Road, once known as Uttarāpatha, has been a vital trade artery and a path for invading armies. Rebuilt by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century, it was later developed by the British who gave it the name it has today. It’s a "river of life," as Kipling called it, but a wild one!

How long is 301 Provincial Road (S301)?extreme

How long is 301 Provincial Road (S301)?

🇨🇳 China

Hey adventurers! Get ready for the ride of your life on China's 301 Provincial Road (S301) in Tibet. This route isn't just a road; it's an epic journey straight through some of the most remote landscapes on Earth. Stretching for what feels like forever, this east-to-west adventure will take you to a lung-busting elevation, putting you face-to-face with the sky. Trust me, this climb is a beast. The air gets thin, and even your vehicle will be gasping for breath. Altitude sickness is a real concern, so take it slow. But hey, it wouldn't be an adventure without a bit of danger, right? The 301 has earned its stripes thanks to crazy weather – think sudden snowstorms and blizzards that can turn paradise into peril in minutes. You'll be cruising at a super high altitude for ages, traversing a massive, lonely plateau. Heads up: avoid travel during specific bad weather months. Winds can be fierce, and the temperature swings are wild. Even in summer, you might find yourself battling rain or snow. This road is a real test, so come prepared! So, is the 301 worth it? Absolutely. The scenery is mind-blowing, offering views you'll never forget. This is a trip for the bold, the prepared, and those who crave a truly unforgettable experience.