Hongshi Highway is an Internet celebrity of Yunnan
China, asia
54.8 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because the Hongshi Highway in southern Yunnan, China, is calling your name! This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience* carved into the mountains of Shiping County.
Officially the G5615 (or Shihong Expressway), this fully paved wonder connects the Jishi and Yuyuan Expressways with 54.8 kilometers (34.05 miles) of pure adrenaline. Opened in late 2015, it's a wild ride boasting steep slopes, crazy elevation changes, and terrain that keeps you on your toes.
Seriously, this road wasn't built for the faint of heart! Expect a ton of engineering marvels, towering slopes, and a landscape that throws everything it has at you. While the road might be challenging to build and travel, the views and the improvement it’s brought to the local economy makes the investment well worth it. Get ready for unforgettable scenery and a serious test of your driving skills.
Where is it?
Hongshi Highway is an Internet celebrity of Yunnan is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.9066, 107.0782
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 54.8 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.9066, 107.0782
Related Roads in asia
hardNamja La: The remote Himalayan trade route at 5,005m
🇳🇵 Nepal
Nestled high in the Himalayas, Namja La (or Nangsa La) is an international mountain pass topping out at an unbelievable 5,005m (16,420ft)! This isn't just any road; it's a super remote gateway straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet. Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Nepal. You'll find this wild spot at 29°58'03.5"N 82°32'16.4"E, connecting the isolated village of Mugu in Nepal to Zhongba County in Tibet. This route has been a vital lifeline for local traders for centuries, and even today, it’s a bustling trade route for salt, wool, and other goods. Namja La is about as seasonal as it gets! Heavy snow and ice mean it's usually only passable in August. Even then, the unpaved track – mainly maintained by the Chinese – is a real challenge. A high-clearance 4x4 is a must, as you'll be tackling loose scree, deep mud from melting glaciers, and river crossings that change depth by the hour! Starting just past Mugu, the track heads north into the vast Tibetan plateau. Driving here takes serious skill and knowledge of high-altitude mechanics. At this altitude, engines lose power, and altitude sickness is a real concern, so acclimatization is key. Namja La is a cultural hotspot during its brief summer opening. Locals trek for days with mule trains or 4x4s to meet Chinese traders. Keep in mind, this is a sensitive international border, so expect strict military regulations. Foreigners need special permits from both Nepalese and Chinese authorities. If you dare to attempt this journey, be completely self-sufficient. There are no repair shops, fuel stations, or medical facilities. Bring double spare tires, extra fuel, and satellite communication as bare essentials. Namja La is where the road is more of a suggestion carved into the mountains and nature calls all the shots!
hardYouzhuda Grand Canyon Wall Road is a drive you'll never forget
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the Youzhuda Grand Canyon Wall Road in China's Hebei province! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a real nail-biter carved into the cliffs high above the Yongding River. Picture this: You're hugging the side of a mountain, with the canyon dropping away dramatically on your other side. This road is steep, with gradients hitting nearly 8% in places. The smooth asphalt turns to gravel inside the tunnel sections, so watch your speed! The views, though? Absolutely breathtaking. The road snakes alongside the majestic Yongding River, with mountains towering all around. The "windows" cut into the rock face offer incredible, perfectly framed snapshots. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road — this one demands respect! This two-lane road is challenging and thrilling, offering a unique perspective on the stunning Chinese landscape.
hardConquering the hairpinned Old Kunyi Road in Yunnan Province
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! You HAVE to check out Old Kunyi Road in China, nicknamed "Yiliang 68 Dao Guai" – and trust me, the name's no joke. We're talking about 68 hairpin turns packed into one insane stretch of road! Imagine a massive dragon slithering through the mountains – that's what this looks like from above. It's seriously one of the twistiest roads on the planet. You'll find this hidden gem near Xiaopojiao Village, about 53 km outside Kunming in Yunnan Province. Most of the road is unpaved, adding to the thrill. Built in '95, it's only 6.8 km long, and barely 5 meters wide in spots. The craziest part is a 3 km stretch with 42 super-tight turns. Seriously, the longest straightaway is only 50 meters! Even locals don't always know about this place, but it's a total photographer's dream. The views are unreal. For the best perspective, head to the viewpoint on top of Yanquansi Mountain. You'll get an insane panoramic view of the twisting road below.
hardShipki La is one of the World's Most Treacherous Roads
🇮🇳 India
# Shipki La: India's Wild High-Altitude Border Pass Perched at a breathtaking 3,954 meters (12,972 feet) in the heart of the Himalayas, Shipki La is where India meets China in one of the world's most dramatic mountain settings. This high-altitude border post sits in the stunning Sutlej Valley, near the small town of Khab, connecting India's Kinnaur district with Tibet. It's actually India's third-busiest trade route with China, following Nathu La and Lipulekh—and yes, it's got serious historical cred as part of the legendary ancient Silk Road. The pass itself stretches roughly 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Shipki on the Chinese side to Khab in India. The Indian section (National Highway 5, formerly NH22) is mostly unpaved and was constructed by the Border Roads Organization in 2010—a 31.1-kilometer marvel of engineering that winds through impossible terrain. On the Chinese side, it's basically a mule track, just 3.1 kilometers long. Here's the catch: this road is genuinely treacherous. Massive 1,000-meter cliffs drop straight down to the Sutlej River, and the pass is notorious for both flash floods and brutal winter conditions. You're looking at serious closures from late October through late June or early July depending on snowfall. If you're planning a visit, go prepared—this isn't your typical scenic drive. Note: The border is currently closed to non-residents.