
Where is Tianlongshan Highway?
China, asia
30 km
1,364 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because the Tianlongshan Highway in China's Jinyuan District is seriously next-level! They call it the "highway above the clouds," and after driving it, you'll totally understand why.
You'll find this incredible stretch of asphalt near Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, way up north. Completed in 2019, this beauty clocks in at 30km (18.64 miles) of pure driving pleasure. And get this: it's got four viaducts and a tunnel to keep things interesting!
The elevation gain is wild – we're talking 350 meters! Think of climbing a 116-story skyscraper! You'll peak out at 1,364m (4,475ft) on Tianlong Mountain.
But the real showstopper? A mind-blowing circular loop bridge! It's a triple-decker of driving fun, reaching 350 meters into the sky. Seriously, it's like a giant dragon curled around the mountain. This alone makes it a must-see and one of the most epic bridges you'll ever lay eyes on!
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,364 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in asia
moderateDare to drive the defiant road from Gilgit to Skardu
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Get ready for an epic road trip from Gilgit to Skardu in the heart of Pakistani Kashmir! This 167 km (104 mi) stretch, also known as Strategic Highway 1 and Skardu Road, winds its way from Gilgit (elevation 1,500m/4,900ft) up to Skardu (elevation 2,226m/7,303ft). This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure! Expect hairpin turns and heart-stopping drop-offs, all while hugging the mighty River Indus. While it's now mostly paved, thanks to recent upgrades completed in 2021, landslides are still a real risk, and weather can shut things down for days. Budget about 3-4 hours for a non-stop drive. Originally built between 1970 and 1982 by Pakistani and Chinese engineers, this route isn't just strategically important; it's a feast for the eyes. Picture postcard villages, massive suspension bridges, and breathtaking valleys await around every bend!
extremeKarakoram Highway
🇵🇰 Pakistan
# The Karakoram Highway: Earth's Most Epic Mountain Road Buckle up—the Karakoram Highway (KKH) isn't just any road. Stretching over 1,300 kilometers from Hasan Abdal in Pakistan's Punjab province to Kashgar in China's Xinjiang region, this legendary route has earned the nickname "Eighth Wonder of the World," and for good reason. It's one of the highest paved international highways on the planet, topping out at a breathtaking 4,693 meters at the Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan-China border. Here's the thing about the KKH—it's a feat of human determination. Built between 1959 and 1979, this 20-year project came at an enormous cost. Around 810 Pakistani and 82 Chinese workers lost their lives during construction, a sobering reminder that roughly one life was lost for every kilometer built. The road traces the ancient Silk Road through some of Earth's most jaw-dropping terrain, cutting through the Karakoram, Himalayan, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges. You'll navigate alongside vertiginous gorges, pass under colossal peaks that tower 7,000 and 8,000 meters high, and catch glimpses of glaciers that have existed for centuries. The real showstopper? The Hunza Valley section is hands-down one of the most stunning stretches of asphalt anywhere on Earth, framing views of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar with the historic Baltit Fort dramatically perched above it all. But here's the catch—this road demands respect. Landslides, rockfalls, and washouts are constant threats, especially during monsoon season and spring thaw. The 2010 Attabad Lake landslide created a barrier that forced authorities to carve out an ingenious tunnel system (completed in 2015) to keep traffic moving. Still, the KKH rewards brave travelers with access to some of the world's most extraordinary mountain landscapes and warm-hearted communities, especially the famous Hunza people, legendary for their longevity and generosity.
moderateThe Wild Road from Delüün to Bulgan
🌍 Mongolia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a truly epic off-road experience, you HAVE to check out the road from Delüün to Bulgan in western Mongolia. We're talking Bayan-Ölgii Province, practically spitting distance from the Chinese border, nestled right in the heart of the Altai Mountains. Forget smooth tarmac – this 125km (77-mile) stretch is all about embracing the bumps! Seriously, it's unpaved and relentlessly rugged. You'll need a proper SUV to tackle this north-south route from Delüün towards Bulgan. The payoff? Unbelievable scenery! Just be prepared for a climb! You'll be topping out at a whopping 3,419m (11,217ft) above sea level. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure!
extremeDhana Sar Kacha
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventurers, picture this: Pakistan's Balochistan province, and the mind-blowing Dhana Sar gorges (or Pakka Dhana, if you’re feeling local). We're talking a seriously long and deep river canyon carved out by the Karher River – nature at its most dramatic! The road snaking through this masterpiece? That's the N50, also known as the Zhob-D I Khan highway, your lifeline between D. I. Khan and Zoab (Fort Sandeman back in the day). This asphalt ribbon through the Suleiman Range is, shall we say, cozy. Built way back in 1905, it's a historic route, but be warned: Mother Nature likes to keep it interesting. Think flash floods, landslides, and potential closures. But oh, the scenery! We're talking majestic mountains and a raging white torrent keeping you company. Just be prepared for cliff-hugging moments with simple stone barriers and a dizzying drop. As you twist and turn, pristine beauty unfolds – think towering stone walls, a snaking road, and that ever-present river companion. It is definitely a drive you will not soon forget!