Jiajinshan Pass: a road you really wish you would drive at least once in your lifetime

Jiajinshan Pass: a road you really wish you would drive at least once in your lifetime

China, asia

Length

193 km

Elevation

1.018 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about Jiajinshan Pass in Sichuan, China! We're talking serious altitude here—a whopping 4,102 meters (that's 13,458 feet!). You'll find this beauty nestled in the Jiajin Mountains.

The road, also known as 210 Provincial Road (S210), stretches for 193 kilometers from Feixianguanzhen (at 1,018m) all the way up to Daweixiang (at 2,917m). And yes, it's paved, so your ride will be smooth-ish.

This pass is generally open year-round, so add it to your list no matter the season. Get ready for a rollercoaster of hairpin turns and curves that'll keep you on your toes. The views? Totally worth it! Be warned: it's a steep climb. Expect grades of 9-11% as you power through those bends!

Where is it?

Jiajinshan Pass: a road you really wish you would drive at least once in your lifetime is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.6378, 105.5382

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Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
193 km
Max Elevation
1.018 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
35.6378, 105.5382

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