How long is Zhongnanshan Tunnel?
China, asia
18.02 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because the Zhongnanshan Tunnel in China's Qinling Mountains is a TRIP. Seriously, this thing is HUGE. Connecting Xi’an and Ankang, you're basically diving under Mount Zhongnan for a solid 15 minutes.
Clocking in at around 18 km (that's over 11 miles!), it's not just long, it's an experience. Forget boring tunnel commutes, because someone went all-out to keep you from getting drowsy. We're talking crazy cool lighting with colors and patterns that shift as you drive, and even artificial plants and cloud images projected on the ceiling! It's like a mild amusement park ride, underground.
Opened back in 2007, this tunnel is part of a major highway linking northern and southern China, so you’ll be sharing the road with plenty of travelers and trade trucks. Oh, and remember it’s a toll road, so have some yuan handy. Get ready for a uniquely bizarre and unforgettable drive!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 18.02 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhere is Wuxi's Token Stone Road?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, picture this: Wuxi's Token Stone Road in Chongqing, China. It's not your average Sunday drive – this baby's a real thrill! Think of it as a rebellious ribbon of asphalt clinging to the mountainside. You'll find this wild ride snaking through Wuxi County, connecting the tiny Tian Ping Community to the rest of the world. It cuts through the Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve, so you know the scenery is epic, even if the driving is, well, intense. Locals call it Wuxi's Token Stone Road, and trust me, you'll remember the name. This 3.7-kilometer stretch hugs the southern slopes of the Daba Mountains, linking Tianping Village to the 201 Provincial Road. The zigzag part, built in 2012 and paved in 2019, is where the real fun begins. We're talking seriously steep – almost all slopes are intense, with the tightest turn exceeding imagination. Get ready for 18 hairpin turns that will leave you breathless. It's no wonder this is known as one of the region's most challenging and downright scary roads. But it's not just for kicks, this road is a lifeline for 137 residents from 37 families, giving them vital access. And the views? Oh, the views! The crazy zigzags and dramatic curves make it an Instagrammer's dream. Built in a rough state originally, in 2019 it was paved with cement rails for extra safety. Think steep slopes, hairpin turns, narrow lanes and minimal traffic. They say no one's ever made it through the entire thing in one go – full concentration is key. No trucks, buses, or caravans allowed. Before you head out, double-check that the road's clear. Some cars might even need to reverse for more power! Gear down to first and don't even think about shifting until you're at the top. Automatic? Lock it in first. This drive demands your full attention. Small cars can make it through the hairpins, thanks to the extra space on the corners. It's hard, demanding, but offers unique experience that tests your driving skills.
moderateMae Hong Son Loop
🇹🇭 Thailand
# The Mae Hong Son Loop: Thailand's Ultimate Twisty Ride Ready to experience one of Southeast Asia's most thrilling road trips? The Mae Hong Son Loop is a jaw-dropping 600-kilometer circuit that'll have you grinning behind the handlebars (or steering wheel) the entire time. Nestled between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces in northern Thailand, this legendary route is basically a love letter to curves – we're talking 1,864 of them, which is absolutely bonkers in the best way possible. What makes this loop so special? The scenery is genuinely stunning. You'll weave through emerald tropical forests, past terraced rice paddies that look like they're straight out of a postcard, and cruise through authentic hill tribe villages where life moves at a completely different pace. The misty mountain passes along the Myanmar border add an extra layer of adventure and mystery to the whole experience. Plan for 3 to 5 days if you want to actually enjoy yourself (rushing this route would be a travesty). The elevation climbs to around 1,500 meters, so you'll be treating yourself to crisp mountain air and those Instagram-worthy moments when you break through the clouds. Don't skip charming Pai – it's got serious bohemian vibes – and definitely hit up Tham Pla fish cave and the natural hot springs at Tha Pai for some unique breaks. This isn't a race to the beaches kind of trip. It's about real northern Thailand, far from the tourist crowds, where you'll actually connect with the landscape and local culture.
extremeWhere is Kuhe Haji Ebrahim?
🌍 Iraq
Okay, so you want off the beaten path? How about the *unpaved, likely-to-get-you-detained-or-worse* path up Kuhe Haji Ebrahim, a prominent peak right on the Iran-Iraq border in the Zagros Mountains? Location-wise, you're straddling the line between Iran's West Azerbaijan Province and Iraq's Erbil Province, gazing out over the rugged Pishdar, Choman, and Sidakan regions. Think impossibly steep terrain with a long history of being a hideout for... well, let's just say "unfriendlies". The road itself? Picture this: hacked into the side of the mountain by the Iranian army to supply a fortified military base. Roughly [insert road length] of loose, raw rock. We’re talking serious, hardcore 4x4 territory with inclines that will test your machine's limits. But here's the kicker: DANGER, DANGER, DANGER. This isn't your average "watch out for the potholes" kind of drive. We're talking landmines leftover from past conflicts, and a heavy military presence that doesn't take kindly to tourists. This is a no-go zone for civilian vehicles. Iraqi officials are concerned about the expanding network of Iranian military outposts in this area for good reason. Think detention if you’re caught without clearance. Seriously, skip this one. Between the terrifying road surface, the threat of explosions, and the watchful eyes of the military, Kuhe Haji Ebrahim is not your next adventure destination. This is a drive best left undriven.
hardWhere is the Chapursan Valley?
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan to be exact, heading towards the Wakhan Corridor. You're about to embark on a 51 km (31 mile) off-road adventure from Khuda Abad to Yashkuk through the Chapursan Valley – a place where the road is more of a suggestion than a perfectly paved path. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think lunar landscapes dotted with towering granite peaks, and vast alluvial fans carved by the Chapursan River. The "road" itself? A mix of loose shale, sandy stretches, and thrilling river crossings. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? There are some serious unprotected edges plunging down to the river below. Landslides and rockfalls are common, especially when the snow melts or after a good rain. From December to March, the valley can be completely snowed in, so plan accordingly. Your ultimate destination, at the end of the road, is the Shrine of Baba Ghundi, a spiritual haven for the local Ismaili community. It's a high-altitude oasis near the Afghan border where the road ends and yak trails begin. Important notes for your trip: This area is remote, and close to the Afghan border, so you’ll need to be prepared. Make sure you’re up-to-date on local regulations, bring copies of your ID for checkpoints, and consider hiring a local guide who knows the area well. There are no facilities here, so bring enough fuel, food, and emergency supplies. Avoid driving at night!