Over-Water Highway runs along the middle of a river valley in China
China, asia
10.86 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central China, in the Hubei province's Guzhao district. Suddenly, you find yourself on the Over-Water Highway, a motorway that's *literally* built over the water! It’s known officially as the Gu Zhao overwater highway, and let me tell you, it's one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
This incredible road stretches for about 10.86 kilometers (6.74 miles), connecting Xingshang County and Zhaojun Bridge, not far from the G42 (the major Shanghai to Chengdu route). What's wild is that to protect the surrounding forests, roughly 4.4 kilometers (2.73 miles) of the highway floats above a river snaking through absolutely stunning mountains. We're talking about the Xiangxihe and Gufuhe Bridges, making up that incredible over-water section.
Built right in the heart of a river valley, this engineering marvel started construction in 2013 and opened to traffic in 2015. You're basically driving on an elevated bridge that cuts right through the middle of the river. With a price tag of around 70 million dollars, you know it's something special!
Where is it?
Over-Water Highway runs along the middle of a river valley in China is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 32.6511, 101.2519
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 10.86 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 32.6511, 101.2519
Related Roads in asia
hardPereval Oburdon
🌍 Tajikistan
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Pereval Oburdon in Tajikistan's Sughd Region! This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a whopping 3,902 meters (that's 12,801 feet!). The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta shaking and bumping. We're talking hundreds of turns and hairpin switchbacks that'll have you gripping the steering wheel. Heads up, this route is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. Linking the remote villages of Shamtuch and Basmanda, Oburdon demands a 4x4 and a serious dose of courage. If you're afraid of heights, maybe grab a coffee instead, because the views—and the drops—are EPIC!
hardCan I drive to Khargush Pass?
🌍 Tajikistan
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan region, right in the heart of the Pamir Mountains. You're on the legendary Royal Silk Road, headed for Pereval Khargush, a staggering 4,319m (14,169ft) high! The 32.2 km (20 miles) to the top? Pure, unadulterated adventure. We're talking totally unpaved, rugged terrain winding through a landscape so desolate it's beautiful. You'll catch your first, magical glimpse of Afghanistan and the snow-capped Hindu Kush peaks in the distance. The road isn't crazy difficult, but stay sharp. The corrugated surface and pothole-filled stretches after the pass demand your full attention. But trust me, the otherworldly scenery is worth it. You'll pass mirror-like lakes and vast desert landscapes. The climb is no joke, either. Expect some steep sections with gradients hitting 10-15%, though the average is around 5.5%. And watch out for those salt lakes formed by snowmelt! In winter, heavy snow can trigger landslides and avalanches, so plan accordingly. Reaching the summit is an experience in itself. There's a small, humble café where you can grab tea and a bite. It's the only sign of civilization for miles, and the hospitality is as warm as it gets. Don't expect lush vegetation up here, just raw, untamed beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateHo Chi Minh Road (Western Branch)
🇻🇳 Vietnam
# The Ho Chi Minh Road: Vietnam's Epic Mountain Journey Want to experience Vietnam way off the beaten path? The Ho Chi Minh Road is your answer. This roughly 1,200-kilometer highway connects Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by cutting straight through the heart of the Truong Son mountains—think dramatic peaks, endless curves, and virtually zero tour buses. The road hugs the legendary route of the old Ho Chi Minh Trail, that famous jungle supply line from the war years. These days, you'll cruise through some seriously jaw-dropping scenery: the mind-bending cave systems of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the historically charged DMZ region, and the A Shau Valley draped in thick tropical forest. Fair warning: you'll still spot reminders of the past in the form of old bomb craters scattered throughout the landscape. Here's what makes this drive special—it stays blissfully quiet and remote compared to the crowded coastal Highway 1. You'll actually get to see real rural Vietnamese culture in action, complete with minority hill tribe villages, hidden waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views that'll make your camera roll explode. Road conditions vary depending on the section. Some stretches feature silky-smooth tarmac cutting through pristine jungle, while others get delightfully rough and require a bit more adventurous driving. Either way, it's an authentic, unforgettable ride through the real Vietnam.
hardHow to get to the summit of Niwar La Pass in the Dhawalagiri Zone
🇳🇵 Nepal
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Niwar La, a crazy-high mountain pass nestled way up in Nepal's Dhawalagiri Zone! We're talking serious altitude here – 5,204 meters (17,073 feet)! It's right up there with the highest roads Nepal has to offer. You'll find it in the Mustang District, practically hugging the Chinese border. The summit is marked by those colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind. Now, hold on tight because this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road from Sangda is a wild, unpaved beast stretching for 18 km (12 miles). Get ready for super narrow sections, crazy steep climbs (up to 20%!), stomach-churning drops, and more hairpin turns than you can count. You'll gain 2,095 m of elevation, so the average gradient is a hefty 11.63%. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so take it slow, drink plenty of water and acclimatize. And be warned – some parts of the road can get washed out. A 4x4 is essential. This whole area is part of the Himalayas, so expect seriously rugged, high-altitude terrain. The best time to tackle this beast is late spring (late April to June) or early autumn (September to mid-November). Keep in mind that Chhusang, in Upper Mustang, requires special permits since it is a restricted area. Secure these through local trekking agencies - independent travel is a no-go. But hey, the rewards? Dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, towering passes, and those glaciated peaks. Trust me, it's worth the effort!