Xiaguo Wall Road is a dangerous drive carved out of the mountains

Xiaguo Wall Road is a dangerous drive carved out of the mountains

China, asia

Length

0.5 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for the Xiaguo Wall Road, a mind-blowing route carved into the Taihang Mountains of Hebei province, China! Seriously, this is one of those crazy Chinese tunnel roads you have to see to believe.

Imagine a road clinging to a cliff high above the Xiagou Reservoir. Yep, that's this one. Local villagers built it back in the 70s, and it's still the only way in or out for the folks in Xiagou village. Talk about dedication!

Clocking in at just over a third of a mile (560m), this paved road is definitely NOT for buses or big rigs! But the views? Oh man, the views! The "windows" cut into the rock offer insane panoramas of the Xiagou reservoir. The cliffs and the clear water create this stunning reflection – it’s gorgeous, and a little terrifying, all at once.

Where is it?

Xiaguo Wall Road is a dangerous drive carved out of the mountains is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 38.6011, 103.5253

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Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
0.5 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
38.6011, 103.5253

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