Taking on the Twists and Turns of Shenxianchi 28 U-turns road

Taking on the Twists and Turns of Shenxianchi 28 U-turns road

China, asia

Length

715 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
715 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
34.9911, 103.9172

Related Roads in asia

Norgo La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guidehard

Norgo La: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventurers, listen up! I just tackled Norgo La, a crazy-high mountain pass sitting pretty at 5,256m (that's 17,244ft!) in western Tibet. You'll find it in Coqên County, part of the Ngari Prefecture. The S206, as it's officially known, is all paved now, thankfully! This 110 km (68 mile) stretch runs north-south from Dawaxung to Dongco and let me tell you, the views are EPIC. Think shimmering lakes like Dawa Co and Tong Tso, plus the majestic Shahkang Shan mountain looming in the distance. Heads up though: we're talking serious altitude here, so the air is THIN. Take it slow, and listen to your body. Also, this climb gets STEEP in sections (we're talking up to 17% gradient!), and the weather can turn on a dime. Basically, be prepared for anything! But trust me, the bragging rights are SO worth it.

Where is Chanther Gali?moderate

Where is Chanther Gali?

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan, you HAVE to check out Chanther Gali, also known as Shounter Pass. This insane mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 4,558m (14,954ft) – seriously high! You'll find this beast of a road nestled in the Neelum Valley, a truly stunning area with views for days. Think towering hills, lush forests, and the sparkling Neelam River winding below. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you. Now, for the gritty details: This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about roughly 80km (50 miles) of completely unpaved road stretching between Gorikot and Shounter. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Low-clearance vehicles need not apply! The road is rough, but hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Word on the street is there's a tunnel in the works that would cut down travel time to the China border, which would be pretty epic! Keep in mind that Mother Nature calls the shots here. Chanther Gali is only accessible for a few months out of the year. Heavy snows make winter travel impossible, so plan your trip accordingly!

If you love to drive, you'll love the road to Yarto Drak Lamoderate

If you love to drive, you'll love the road to Yarto Drak La

🇨🇳 China

Okay, buckle up for Yarto Drak La, a wild ride high in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China! We're talking a whopping 5,038 meters (16,528 feet) above sea level, so be prepared for that altitude! You'll find this beauty in Qusum County, snaking along the S202 Road. The good news is, it's fully paved, so no off-roading nightmares. The not-so-good news? It's remote, winding through desolate valleys. Keep an eye out for Shobo La to the south. Speaking of challenges, altitude sickness is a real risk here, so take it slow and stay hydrated. And when winter hits, expect snow and slippery conditions. But the scenery? Totally worth it! You're cruising through the fertile Yarlung Valley, connecting Shannan (Lhoka) with Cona, passing the small, serene Zhalacuo lake at the summit. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for Yarlha Shampo, a majestic 6636m peak where legend says the first Tibetan king descended from the heavens. Seriously epic views!

Is the 705 County Road (X705) paved?hard

Is the 705 County Road (X705) paved?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Want a taste of the real Tibet? Then buckle up for the X705, also known as the 705 County Road! This epic route stretches entirely across a seriously high mountain range, so be prepared for some altitude! The good news? It's paved now, so you can ditch the off-roader and take your trusty car. The not-so-good news? "Easy" isn't exactly the word that springs to mind. We're talking major elevation here, so acclimatize and prepare for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Trust me, you don't want that ruining your trip! This beauty clocks in at 705 County Road (X705) long, winding its way east to west from a S304 to a small town called Tinki La. Speaking of winding, get ready for a serious workout for your steering wheel! We're talking 90 hairpin turns leading up to Tinki La. Now, a word of warning: this is the extreme Tibet Autonomous Region, so winter is no joke. Blizzards? Yup. Icy roads? You bet. Check the weather forecast religiously before you even think about setting off. But hey, with all that said, the views are absolutely breathtaking. If you're up for the challenge, the X705 promises an unforgettable Tibetan adventure!