Zhongnanshan Tunnel is An Engineering Marvel in China's Shaanxi Province

Zhongnanshan Tunnel is An Engineering Marvel in China's Shaanxi Province

China, asia

Length

18.02 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
China
Continent
asia
Length
18.02 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
36.4307, 102.0988

Related Roads in asia

A memorable road trip to Imja Kholaextreme

A memorable road trip to Imja Khola

🇳🇵 Nepal

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I'm about to tell you about one seriously mind-blowing ride: Imja Khola, a glacial "road" carved into the side of Mount Everest itself! We're talking the Nepalese Cukung Valley, way up in the Taplejung District of Koshi Province. I mean, we're talking 5,156m (that's 16,916ft!). Back in '73, a group of Spanish daredevils on tricked-out Bultaco Sherpa bikes actually hauled themselves and their bikes up this icy beast, with the help of 55 Sherpas and aeronautical gas (seriously). It was brutal, I'm talking snow, insane inclines, and air so thin you could barely breathe. Think about it: conquering a glacier on a motorcycle. This road, if you can even call it that, is a testament to human grit and a serious dose of crazy. Sadly, the Nepalese government later closed the area to motorized vehicles. Still, just knowing it's there is enough to get the heart pumping, right?

Mihman Yoli Pass, one of the toughest tracks in the worldhard

Mihman Yoli Pass, one of the toughest tracks in the world

🇨🇳 China

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Mihman Yoli Pass! This beast of a road straddles the border between Afghanistan and China, clocking in at a dizzying 15,705 feet. You'll find it tucked away in the Wakhan Corridor Nature Refuge. Now, don't even THINK about bringing your sedan. We're talking super steep, unpaved terrain that DEMANDS a high-clearance 4x4. This pass links the Badakhshan Province of Afghanistan with Kashgar Prefecture in Western Xinjiang, China. Word to the wise: plan your trip carefully! This road is usually snowed in from October to June. But if you time it right, you're in for some seriously breathtaking scenery!

Ultimate 4wd destination: Takum Lahard

Ultimate 4wd destination: Takum La

🇨🇳 China

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Takum La in Tibet is calling your name! This beast of a pass sits way up high at 4,590 meters (15,059 feet) in Qusum County. Picture this: you start in Qusum Town and grind it out for almost 21 kilometers (about 13 miles) on a completely unpaved road. Yeah, that's right – pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your perspective!). Now, a word of warning: winter here means serious snow, so check that weather forecast before you head out. You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle some incredibly steep sections, with gradients hitting a whopping 13%! Don't expect any fancy amenities up here, either. We're talking basic, folks. But the raw, untamed scenery? Totally worth it. Prepare for an experience you won't soon forget!

Gata Loops is a roller coaster road with 21 hairpin turnsmoderate

Gata Loops is a roller coaster road with 21 hairpin turns

🇮🇳 India

Okay, buckle up for the Gata Loops – 21 hairpin turns carved into the Himalayas in Ladakh, part of Jammu and Kashmir! This stretch on the Leh-Manali Highway is legendary. It's all paved, but don't think it's a breeze. It's a constant up-down-and-around dance for 10.3 km as you climb to Nakeela La. Most loops are a few hundred meters, but those last two are whoppers – nearly a kilometer and then a full kilometer and a half each! The steep inclines mean even big trucks can manage. Watch for shortcuts across the loops, but they're only for smaller vehicles. You'll start at around 4,190m (13,746ft) and end up at 4,650m (15,255ft). The average gradient is almost 4.5%, so if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe rethink this one. The views are stunning, but the road demands your full attention. Pro tip: Avoid driving at night or in bad weather if you're not familiar with the route. This road is usually only open between June and September. Oh, and one more thing: legend has it the Gata Loops are haunted by the ghost of a trucker! Locals say you should pay your respects with water and cigarettes at a small shrine, just in case. Spooky!