Xifanggoucun: The scary cliff-hanging road of the Daba Mountains
China, asia
N/A
914 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an adrenaline rush in Ningqiang County, Shaanxi, China! The road to Xifanggoucun is not your average Sunday drive. Nestled high in the Daba Mountains, this isn't just a road; it's a hand-carved tunnel clinging to the cliff face, a whopping 3,000 feet above the valley floor!
Built by the villagers themselves between 2000 and 2006, this 6-kilometer concrete ribbon transformed a grueling two-hour hike into a thrilling 10-minute ride. But don't think it's a smooth cruise! This road is narrow – seriously narrow. Think small cars or motorcycles only, as anything bigger won't squeeze through.
The "windows" carved into the tunnel walls are the real showstoppers. Originally debris chutes during construction, they now frame breathtaking (and slightly terrifying) views of the dizzying drop below.
But hold on, this isn't a sanitized tourist attraction. Forget safety barriers, mirrors, or even lights! Driving through the tunnels is like spelunking in your car, with the rough-hewn ceiling inches above you. Blinding transitions from dark tunnels to sun-drenched openings, plus the ever-present risk of rockfalls, keep you on your toes. One wrong move, and there's nothing but air between you and the valley.
Driving here demands laser focus and a strong stomach. It's the village's lifeline, so expect to share the road with local motorcyclists in the tightest spots. Rain turns the cliff face into a waterfall, cascading right over the tunnel entrances. This road is a testament to human ingenuity and a humbling reminder of nature's power. Prepare to be amazed and maybe a little scared.
Where is it?
Xifanggoucun: The scary cliff-hanging road of the Daba Mountains is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 33.3568, 101.4227
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 914 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 33.3568, 101.4227
Related Roads in asia
hardWhere is the Hor La pass located?
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventurers, buckle up for Hor La, a seriously high mountain pass in southeastern Tibet, China! We're talking some serious altitude here, so be prepared to catch your breath (literally!). You'll find it north of the stunning Na Riyongcuo lake, acting as a connector between remote villages in the Shannan region. The drive itself is about 33.3 km (or 20.69 miles) between a couple of local towns, so set aside about an hour to soak it all in. The great news? The road (S202) is paved! No crazy off-roading required – your average car can handle it. Just be ready for those classic mountain twists, turns, and constant climbs. Now, a word of warning: at this elevation, the air is thin! Altitude sickness is a real thing, so come prepared. Think about bringing some supplemental oxygen and make sure you're properly acclimated before you tackle this beauty. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
extremeWhere is the road from Bongabon to Baler?
🇵🇭 Philippines
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because the drive from Bongabon to Baler in the Philippines is an *experience*. We're talking Luzon island adventure, baby! This recently paved beauty snakes for about 80km (50 miles) from west to east, connecting Bongabon to the coastal town of Baler. Now, don’t think this is some leisurely cruise. Prepare for a workout! The road throws hundreds of curves and hairpin turns your way. Nestled inside the Aurora Memorial National Park, it's seriously steep, climbing to a peak of 687 meters (2,253 feet). All those twists and climbs can take between 2-3 hours, so take your time and enjoy the views. Trust me, you'll want to, because the scenery is *stunning*. Just keep your eyes on the road, because those hairpin turns can sneak up on you!
extremeIs the road to Ruro La in Tibet difficult?
🇨🇳 China
Hey adventure junkies! Ever heard of Ruro La? This insane mountain pass is tucked away in Zhag’yab County, way out in the Chamdo Prefecture of Tibet. We're talking seriously remote, some of the wildest, least-traveled terrain in eastern Tibet. Picture this: you're cruising at 14,917 feet (4,547m) above sea level, surrounded by a high-alpine desert landscape of rugged brown ridges and crazy steep, rocky slopes. This road, like so many in Chamdo, is a lifeline connecting tiny mountain villages. Just a heads up, though, that air is THIN up there – your engine (and your lungs!) will feel it. Acclimatize, people, acclimatize! So, is the road tough? You bet! Think rough and ready dirt track. A high-clearance 4WD isn't just recommended; it's a must. This roughly 4.2 km (2.6 miles) stretch runs north-south, linking different parts of this incredible region. It's a steep, winding beast, with around 10 hairpin turns that'll have you zig-zagging up the mountain. No safety barriers and loose soil mean it can get seriously slippery if you get caught in a rain or snow shower. Expect a completely deserted landscape and weather that can change on a dime. Honestly, I wouldn't even think about driving it at night. The track is narrow, the drop-offs are significant, and you need to be 100% focused. This is for experienced high-altitude drivers craving the REAL, raw, untamed beauty of Tibet, far away from those smooth, modern highways.
extremeDriving one of the world's highest motorable roads to Lajiong La
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers! We're heading to Lajiong La, a mind-blowing mountain pass in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Seriously, this spot in Coqên County, Ngari Prefecture, sits at a staggering 5,830m (that's 19,127ft!) altitude. Get ready for a wild ride on this unpaved road—think loose rocks, broken surfaces, and heart-stopping drop-offs. You'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this beast. Starting from the S206 road, you've got about 36.8 km (22.86 miles) of pure, unadulterated adventure ahead, with some seriously steep sections hitting a 16% gradient. The views? Absolutely epic. You're perched high in the Himalayas, in western Tibet. The best part is that Lajiong La is open to anyone in Tibet without special permits. Just be warned: winter can be brutal, with those icy winds making the journey almost impassable. This is a road trip for the books!