Xiya Valley Hanging Tunnel is dug out by hand
China, asia
8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in China, deep in the Taihang Mountains, specifically the Xiyagou Valley between Henan and Lingchuan counties. This isn't just any road trip; it's a wild ride on the Xiya Valley Hanging Tunnel, also known as Xiyagou Guabian Road.
This incredible road, carved by hand starting in 1962, twists and turns in three layers up the mountainside like a giant "Z". Think of it—over 30 years to build this thing! The whole point was to connect the remote Xiyagou village to the world. The entire road is paved, clocking in at nearly 8 km (5 miles), making it a pretty epic adventure.
The highlight? A short tunnel section, finished in 1991, where things get seriously narrow. Forget passing another car—it’s a one-vehicle-at-a-time kinda situation. Natural light streams in through side windows, adding to the surreal experience. Just a heads up: this road is now exclusively for buses, so ditch the rental car and hop on board for this unforgettable journey!
Where is it?
Xiya Valley Hanging Tunnel is dug out by hand is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 35.3973, 102.6736
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 35.3973, 102.6736
Related Roads in asia
hardWhat’s at the Summit of Polongka La?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Polongka La! This crazy-high mountain pass punches through the southern part of Ladakh, in India, clocking in at a whopping 15,892 feet above sea level. What awaits you at the top? A spiritual explosion! The summit, sometimes called Gongkar La, is draped in hundreds of vibrant Buddhist prayer flags dancing in the wind. Just a heads-up: fuel stops are scarce, so top off that tank before you go! The road itself? Newly paved in the 2020s, this 43.49-mile stretch from Hanle in the east to Meroo in the west is an unforgettable rollercoaster. Expect dramatic landscape shifts and a heavy dose of Tibetan culture as you climb. Weather-wise, Polongka La is NO JOKE. You're heading to the gateway of one of Ladakh's incredible high-altitude saltwater lakes, so be prepared for anything. Temperatures can plummet well below freezing, even in summer, and swing wildly throughout the day. Rain or snow? Rare, thankfully. If you're camping, pack ALL the woollies – it gets seriously cold and blustery up there on the open plains.
hardDriving the dangerous Haraz Road in the Alborz mountains
🇮🇷 Iran
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you’re in Iran and craving an adventure that'll take your breath away (literally and figuratively), you NEED to experience the Haraz Road, aka Road 77. This 200 km stretch is the lifeline connecting Tehran to the Caspian Sea coast at Mahmudabad. We're talking a fully paved route that punches straight through the Alborz Mountains, so buckle up for some serious elevation – you'll climb to a whopping 2,701m above sea level! Picture this: stunning scenery, twisty turns, and a bunch of tunnels. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, heads up, this beauty comes with a bit of an edge. Keep an eye out for potential mountain and snow slides. Also, this road can get super crowded, especially on Iranian weekends (starting Thursdays) and holidays, so plan accordingly. Sometimes, the police make it one-way to handle the congestion. But hey, a little chaos is part of the adventure, isn't it?
moderateThe Best Shops in Ameyoko Shopping Street
🇯🇵 Japan
Hey Tokyo travelers! Get ready to dive headfirst into the electric energy of Ameyoko Shopping Street! Nestled in Ueno, this vibrant market sprawls right alongside the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku train lines, connecting Ueno and Okachimachi stations. We're talking a serious shopping paradise with over 500 stalls crammed with goodies. History buffs will love this: Ameyoko rose from the ashes of postwar Japan, starting as a black market hawking imported (ahem, American) goods. The name? It's a clever mashup, either nodding to the original "Ameya" candy shops or a shortened "America," hinting at the source of those early treasures. Today, you can find just about anything here: trendy clothes, yummy snacks, beauty must-haves, gadgets galore, and all the souvenirs you could dream of. And don't even get me started on the street food! Little stalls are everywhere, serving up delicious bites to fuel your shopping spree. Pro tip: Aim to arrive around lunchtime, when the market really comes alive and the food vendors are in full swing. The party keeps going until around 8 PM, but that's when the shops start closing up. Cash is king here, so hit up an ATM beforehand. Bonus: Ameyoko is a stone's throw from amazing spots like Ueno Park, the Ueno Royal Museum, and the serene Shinobazu Pond. It’s super easy to get to and explore on foot, so definitely squeeze it into your Tokyo adventure!
hardCan you drive to Munsiyari?
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're headed to Munsiyari, a charming mountain town way up in Uttarakhand, India, practically touching the Himalayas at 2,682m (8,799ft). The road there? It's called Munsiyari Road, naturally, and let me tell you, it's an *experience*. Starting from Birthi at 1,740m (5,708ft), it's about 33.7 km (20.94 miles) of paved road that'll have your heart pumping. We're talking a steep climb, with gradients hitting 12% in spots. Get ready for a serious zig-zag with 21 hairpin turns that demand your full attention. This isn't a drive for the faint of heart – it gets narrow, and sometimes those barriers are just…missing. One wrong move, and it's a long way down. Now, when should you go? Spring and autumn are your best bets. Monsoon season? Hard pass. Expect some serious traffic jams, too, everyone's trying to get a piece of this mountain paradise. Munsiyari used to be a restricted area nestled between India, Tibet and Nepal. Nicknamed "Gateway to Johar Valley", but it’s now booming in popularity, and for good reason! Is it worth it? Absolutely. You will find a beautiful waterfall called Birthi Falls. Plus, the scenery is mind-blowing. The views of the snow-capped peaks will leave you speechless and around every bend are splendid mountains and valleys. "Munsiyari" literally means "place with snow," and you'll understand why as soon as you arrive. The whole drive is just awe-inspiring. Get ready for adventure!