
Road X120
China, asia
150 km
4,016 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the X120 in northwestern Sichuan, China! Locals call it the Pingsong Road, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. This asphalt ribbon stretches for 150km, connecting Chuanzhusizhen to the Pignan Highway, but it’s not just a connector – it's an adventure!
Get ready for a serious climb! We're talking a lung-busting ascent to 4,016m (13,175ft). That altitude can hit you hard, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness, especially if you’re sensitive to heights over 2,500m. And the road? It's a twisty beast, famed for hundreds of hairpin turns – including a staggering 72 bends just to reach the summit of Ye La, and another 90 near Tinki La!
Keep an eye on the weather! This area is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. Patches of ice are common, and low visibility from heavy mist can make things pretty dicey. So, while the scenery is absolutely stunning, remember to respect the mountain and only tackle this route in good conditions!
Where is it?
Road X120 is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.5077, 106.1929
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 150 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,016 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 36.5077, 106.1929
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