Taking on the Twists and Turns of Shenxianchi 28 U-turns road
China, asia
715 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up road trippers! Deep in China's Sichuan province, in Jiuzhaigou county, awaits the Shenxianchi 28 U-Turns—a name that pretty much tells you everything! This section is part of the longer Zhangda Road, a twisting ribbon of asphalt that climbs through the Hengduan Mountains.
Picture this: a smooth, red-paved road carving its way up, up, up, punctuated by—you guessed it—28 seriously tight hairpin turns. After being damaged by an earthquake in 2017, it was reborn in 2020. The road stretches for about 71.5 kilometers (or 44ish miles for you non-metric folks), linking Shangsizhai in Zhangzha Town (off Provincial Road S301) with Dalu Township (Daluxiang).
The views are stunning, but be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart! You'll need your wits about you as you navigate those switchbacks, but the bragging rights (and the photos!) will be totally worth it.
Where is it?
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Shenxianchi 28 U-turns road is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.9911, 103.9172
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 715 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 34.9911, 103.9172
Related Roads in asia
extremeWhy is it called Se La Pass?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Se La Pass! This high-altitude beauty sits way up at 4,198m (that's 13,772ft!), right on the border between Tawang and West Kameng in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Seriously, it's a must-see. Legend has it that the pass is named after a local woman, Sela, who helped an Indian soldier during the 1962 war with China. So, yeah, it's got history and incredible views. You'll be cruising on National Highway 13 (NH13), the main road to Tawang. Expect mostly paved roads, but keep your eyes peeled for gravel patches – Mother Nature throws some curveballs up here! It's a winding, curvy road with epic Himalayan views, but stay focused. This pass stretches for 100 km (62 miles) from Jang to Dirang, with snow-capped peaks galore! Heads up: that thin air can knock you for a loop, so pace yourself. Good news: Se La Pass is usually open year-round. The bad news? Heavy snow or landslides in winter can close it down temporarily. Budget about 3-4 hours for the drive, not counting stops. And trust me, you WANT to stop. Sela Lake (aka Paradise Lake) is right near the top and is a total stunner. It's even considered one of the holiest lakes in the region. Word on the street is that the Sela Pass tunnel is on the way! This bi-lane tunnel will offer a smooth, year-round connection between Guwahati and Tawang when it's finished. This Border Roads Organization (BRO) project should make getting to and from Tawang easier than ever!
hardDare to drive the dangerous Changi La road
🇮🇳 India
Alright, adventure junkies, let me tell you about Changi La in Ladakh, India! This beast of a mountain pass climbs to a dizzying 13,894 feet. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking a super-narrow, unpaved, winding path, so buckle up and get ready for 42 hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Seriously, you're going to want a 4x4 for this one. The views are absolutely breathtaking, though! The road, appropriately named Changi La Road, kicks off from Akchamal and stretches for about 8.7 miles. In that short space, you'll climb over 4,100 feet. That’s an average grade of almost 9%! At the top, you'll find some communication towers, but the real reward is the panoramic scenery and the bragging rights of conquering this epic climb. Trust me, this is one road trip you won't soon forget!
hardA Journey on Kalash Valley Road, Pakistan's Most Challenging Drive
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Ready for an off-the-grid adventure? Head to the Kalash Valley in Pakistan's Chitral district, practically knocking on Afghanistan's door! Here you'll find a road that's not for the faint of heart. This totally unpaved track hugs the Kalash River for about 17.6 km (10.93 miles) between Ayun, off the N45 south of Chitral, and Grum. You'll even find yourself on the Rumbur Valley Road for the final stretch! Think you can breeze through? Think again. This bone-jarring road boasts crazy narrow sections, dizzying drop-offs, and zero safety barriers. Seriously, you need a high-clearance 4x4 to even think about tackling it. The countless tight turns and rugged terrain mean this short trip can take up to nine hours! Plus, expect stream crossings – which turn into icy hazards in the freezing winters. Perched high in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, this adrenaline-pumping road climbs a hefty 400m, topping out at 1,923m (6,309ft). Word to the wise: this route is a no-go during winter. The road is not suggested.
hardIs the Road to Tagu La in Tibet Unpaved?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Tagu La, a sky-high pass in Tibet's Drongpa County, soaring to a breathless 16,332 feet. Forget luxury – we're talking raw, untamed beauty here. Think sparse on the amenities, and heavy on the views. Yep, the road's all dirt – gloriously unpaved. When winter hits, expect snow and ice, so a 4x4 is your best friend. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a 20-mile rollercoaster with narrow stretches and serious climbs, running east-west from Qusha to Nakangba. And remember, at this altitude, the air thins out, so take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness. The scenery? Totally worth it.