Yingkuoshan Pass: Driving the scenic G214 high-altitude route in Qinghai
China, asia
44 km
4,465 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through China's Qinghai Province? You HAVE to check out Yingkuoshan Pass (aka Jarong La)! This high-altitude gem tops out at a whopping 4,465m (14,648ft), perched right on the Tibetan Plateau between Yushu and Xining. It's a legendary stretch of the old G214 National Highway.
Okay, so most of the big trucks now blast through the G0613 toll road (and its tunnel), but seriously, ditch the fast lane and take the old pass. Why? Because fresh air and mind-blowing mountain views are WAY better than tunnel darkness! Just remember, you're climbing super high, so your ride needs to be in tip-top shape, and you need to be ready for some serious altitude challenges.
This 44 km (27.3 mile) stretch runs south to north, from Nilunlong to Zhenqinzhen. The best part? It's all paved, so you don't need a crazy off-road vehicle. But don't get too comfy! The road gets seriously steep in spots, with some 7% gradients that will have you downshifting like crazy, especially with that thin air.
Trust me, the views are worth it. "Jaw-dropping" doesn't even cover it! Think winding curves, herds of yaks chilling out, and endless, wide-open landscapes that the boring toll road totally misses. It's the perfect road trip for anyone craving freedom and a slow pace through one of China's most stunning provinces.
Heads up: even though the pavement is good, winter can be brutal. Snow is common from late autumn to late spring, and since this isn't the main road anymore, snow removal might be a bit slow. Those 7% ramps get slick, so bring snow chains or winter tires if you're traveling during those months.
Pro tip: hit this road during daylight hours. Night driving at that altitude? No thanks! Temps drop like crazy, and you might run into livestock. Double-check your brakes for the long downhill towards Zhenqinzhen, and pack extra warm clothes and supplies in case the weather throws you a curveball. Yingkuoshan Pass is a pure, scenic throwback for anyone wanting to ditch the tunnel and experience the real Himalayas.
Where is it?
Yingkuoshan Pass: Driving the scenic G214 high-altitude route in Qinghai is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 37.7391, 102.5849
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 44 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,465 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 37.7391, 102.5849
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