The road to Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be the scary of scaries

The road to Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be the scary of scaries

China, asia

Length

30 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Hidden away in Shawan County, China, is the mind-blowing Anjihai Grand Canyon, also known as the Hongshan (Red Mountain) Grand Canyon. Seriously, this place is a photographer's dream!

Picture this: you're in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, staring down into a canyon carved by the Anjihai River. We're talking about a 30-kilometer-long gash in the earth, plunging a staggering 400 meters deep. At points, it’s only two or three meters wide! Expect sheer cliffs, jagged rocks, and stones bursting with color.

Getting there is an adventure in itself. This unpaved road snakes along the northern base of the Tianshan Mountains and it is NOT for the faint of heart. I'm talking precipices, hanging cliffs, and a max speed of 40 km/h. Newbies, maybe sit this one out.

The views from the top of the canyon are insane! But heads up, it’s a serious drop. And just to keep things interesting, the road dead-ends at the edge of the mountain, right above a mine. This one is for those who like to live life on the edge!

Where is it?

The road to Anjihai Grand Canyon is said to be the scary of scaries is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 34.8576, 106.0838

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
30 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
34.8576, 106.0838

Related Roads in asia

How to drive the remote 4x4 road to Ruro La in Tibet?extreme

How to drive the remote 4x4 road to Ruro La in Tibet?

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ruro La Pass in eastern Tibet is calling your name—if you're brave enough. We're talking about a staggering 4,547 meters (that's 14,917 feet!) high in the Zhag’yab County of Chamdo Prefecture. Get ready to rumble through one of Tibet's wildest, most isolated corners. Picture this: a desolate, high-altitude desert where gigantic brown ridges and jagged rocks dominate the horizon. This isn't just a pretty drive—it's a lifeline connecting tiny mountain villages. But be warned, the air is thin up here, so make sure you're acclimatized before you put the pedal to the metal. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think rough, unpaved dirt track that demands a serious 4x4 with high clearance. This 8.99 km (5.59 miles) stretch twists and turns between Deku Muy and Quedeng, throwing 10 hairpin turns at you as it climbs the mountain. And hold on tight, because there are no guardrails, and the ground can get super slick with even a hint of rain or snow. You'll be completely alone out there, with weather that can flip on a dime. Seriously, don't even think about driving this at night. The road is narrow, the drop-offs are real, and it requires your full attention. But if you're an experienced high-altitude driver craving the real, unfiltered Tibetan backcountry, this is your ultimate challenge.

Zagashersharmoderate

Zagashershar

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in China, you HAVE to experience Zagashershar Pass. We're talking serious altitude here—a whopping 4,130m (13,549ft)! The good news? The S217 Provincial Road is paved. The not-so-good news? "Paved" doesn't mean "easy." This is a long, tough haul that slices through some seriously remote mountain terrain. Think oxygen deprivation, steep climbs that’ll test your mettle (and your vehicle), and conditions that demand respect. But oh, the rewards! At the top, you're greeted by a stunning temple and a massive rock draped in prayer flags. The scenery is breathtaking—when you can see it, that is. This area is known for thick, sudden mists that can make things dicey. So, pro tip: skip this one if the weather's looking sketchy. Trust me, the views aren't worth the risk!

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to drive to Orkyi La?extreme

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to drive to Orkyi La?

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a crazy-beautiful pass to tell you about: Orkyi La. Nestled in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, specifically Kangmar County in Xigazê, this beast clocks in at a whopping 5,567m (18,264ft) above sea level. Seriously, you're breathing some thin air up here. Is a 4x4 needed to drive to Orkyi La? Forget your sedan, folks. We're talking a rough, unpaved track south of the stunning Pu Moyongcuo lake, practically on the Bhutanese border. You'll need a high-clearance, preferably 4-wheel drive vehicle, unless you fancy getting stuck. And definitely skip this one in winter; it's impassable! Altitude sickness and crazy weather are part of the package. How long is the road to Orkyi La? Starting from Kangmar, you've got about 74.8 km (46.47 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure. Give yourself 4-5 hours of drive time, minimum, but honestly, you'll want to factor in extra time for photos. Trust me, the views are absolutely jaw-dropping! Prepare for unparalleled freedom, tons of fresh air, and scenery that'll redefine your definition of "epic." Get ready to explore!

Why is Rawanduz Canyon famous?extreme

Why is Rawanduz Canyon famous?

🌍 Iraq

Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery in Iraqi Kurdistan's Erbil Province! Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Iranian and Turkish borders, you'll find the incredible Rawanduz Canyon. Picture this: towering rock walls framing the Rawanduz River as it carves its way through the landscape. This place is all about drama, with rivers snaking between the canyons. It's typically dry and dusty in the summer, but springs into vibrant green life from spring through autumn. The name "Rawanduz" comes from a local poet and a word for "citadel," which feels about right for such an imposing place. You can cruise right through it on the fully paved Hamilton Road (Route 3, also known as the Soran-Khalifan road), a seriously scenic route hugging the narrow canyon walls. It's all thanks to a New Zealander named Archibald Milne Hamilton. The drive itself stretches for about 17.2km (10.68 miles), connecting Khalifan and Soran, two cities in Erbil Province. Now, a word of caution: most governments advise against travel to Iraq due to the ongoing security situation. While Rawanduz is safer than other regions thanks to the Peshmerga forces, vigilance is still key. Road travel can be dangerous, and roadside attacks sadly still happen. Car insurance can also be tricky to obtain. If you're seriously considering this trip, do your research and stay informed.