Zhongnanshan Tunnel is An Engineering Marvel in China's Shaanxi Province
China, asia
18.02 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province, China? Then get ready to experience the mind-blowing Zhongnanshan Tunnel, linking Xi’an and Ankang! Seriously, this thing goes *under* Mount Zhongnan.
Clocking in at a staggering 18.02 km (that's almost 11.2 miles!), this is China's longest tunnel, and it’ll swallow up about 15 minutes of your road trip. Think of it as a super long, two-lane highway to another world!
Opened back in 2007, for a cool $410 million, this toll tunnel is a vital artery, speeding up travel and trade between northern and southern China.
But wait, it gets cooler! Forget boring tunnel drives. This place boasts the most advanced lighting system *ever*. We're talking colorful, patterned lights to keep you wide awake. And check out the ceiling—artificial plants and dreamy cloud images are projected to banish road fatigue and transform your drive into a scenic experience.
Where is it?
Zhongnanshan Tunnel is An Engineering Marvel in China's Shaanxi Province is located in China (asia). Coordinates: 36.4307, 102.0988
Road Details
- Country
- China
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 18.02 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.4307, 102.0988
Related Roads in asia
hardHow long is Kelok 9 road in Indonesia?
🌍 Indonesia
Get ready for Kelok 9, a legendary stretch connecting Central and Eastern Sumatra! This 2.7 km ribbon of road, nestled in West Sumatra's Riau province, winds its way from the Central Trans-Sumatra Highway to the East Trans-Sumatra Highway, near the city of Payakumbuh. Originally built between 1908 and 1914, Kelok 9 was infamous for its nine super-steep, winding climbs that could cause major traffic jams. But don't worry, it got a $49.6 million upgrade in 2013! Six shiny new bridges replaced the old climbs, easing congestion and offering killer views. "Kelok" means curve, and this road lives up to its name, delivering nine adrenaline-pumping hairpin turns. And get this: it was built over the old Kelok 44 road, so you know it's got a wild history. The flyover structure was a game-changer, turning what used to be a 5-6 hour crawl into a much shorter cruise. But it's not just about the thrills, the road cuts through two stunning nature reserves, showcasing lush green hills. You’ll find both the White Water Reservation and the Harau Nature Reserve along the way. Kelok 9 has turned into a full-blown tourist attraction, boasting plenty of spots to pull over, snap photos, and admire Indonesia's incredible engineering.
extremeAn epic enthralling road to Kharsang La
🇮🇳 India
Kharsang La is a seriously epic international pass straddling the Indo-China border, clocking in at a whopping 4,437m (14,557ft)! Nestled high in the Himalayas, this route links Arunachal Pradesh in India with Cona County in Tibet. The road? Let's just say it's an adventure! It's unpaved and a rollercoaster of hairpin turns – definitely not for the faint of heart. You'll need some serious mountain driving skills. As you climb, be prepared for thinner air and maybe even a slightly grumpy vehicle. Plus, being where it is, you'll need a special permit to even attempt this journey. Hidden away in the Sumdorong Chu Valley, Kharsang La often gets snowed in, especially during the winter months when it's bone-chillingly cold. If you're hiring a ride, make absolutely sure your driver knows this area like the back of their hand and is a pro at handling snowy roads. The climb starts from Zemithang and stretches for 46km (28 miles) to the top.
moderateHundreds of turns and switchbacks on the road from Chalakudy to Valparai
🇮🇳 India
Okay, picture this: you're cruising from Chalakudy to Valparai, deep in India's Sholayar Reserve Forest. This drive is pure magic! It's all on State Highway 21 in Kerala, a fully paved road that's super popular with everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Get ready for a serious climb, though – this road is steep! We're talking hundreds of turns and switchbacks that'll keep you on your toes. Clocking in at 107km (66 miles), this epic route connects Chalakudy (practically at sea level at 19m) to Valparai way up high at 1,193m (3,914ft). But the views? Absolutely worth it! You'll wind through lush forests, past endless tea plantations, and get a glimpse of the breathtaking Athirapally waterfall. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you!
extremeWhere is Zardalu Pass?
🌍 Afghanistan
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Zardālū Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at 2,669m (8,756ft), straddling the Jaghori and Qarabagh districts of Afghanistan, southwest of Ghazni city. The Jaghori - Qarabagh Road stretches for 70.7 km (44 thrilling miles) from Anguri to Qarabagh, and let me tell you, it's an *experience*. We're talking unpaved all the way, so brace yourself for potholes, seriously steep climbs, and stretches that'll make you question how narrow a road can get. Oh, and don't forget the stomach-dropping cliffs and hairpin turns galore! Safety-wise, daylight is your best friend on this route. Night driving? Hard pass. Afghanistan presents some serious travel challenges, with security risks, ongoing conflict, and potential for kidnapping. Plus, you've got to watch out for roadside bombs and ambushes, and remember that remote areas mean limited access to emergency services, fuel, or even medical help. If you absolutely HAVE to travel this way, proceed with the utmost caution.