A must-drive in a lifetime! These 11 scenic highways offer world-class views along the way—an experience you must have at least once!

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The "Driving Around China" dream journey is formed by seamlessly connecting three major national highways—New National Highway 219, G331, and G228—creating a complete self-driving route along the country's borders. However, this journey is not limited to just these three highways. It also links many other breathtaking roads across China.

Let's take a look at some of these stunning highways:

1. G318 – The Scenic Highway of China

  • Route: Nyingchi – Bomi – Ranwu Lake

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway is divided into the northern and southern routes, with the southern route (National Highway 318) being known as the "National Highway of the People." It is one of the most renowned self-driving routes in China.

This road takes travelers through glaciers, forests, sacred mountains, holy lakes, grasslands, wetlands, monasteries, ancient ruins, and the sources of great rivers.

G318 is a dream road for many, inspiring sayings like "Youth has no price, Huabei (credit) straight to Lhasa."

2. Grassland Road: The China-Mongolia Border Grasslands

  • Route: S303 (Dong Ujimqin Banner – Xilin Gol – Erlianhot)

This provincial road follows the China-Mongolia border, passing through scenic grasslands and numerous border outposts. The road is only 3.3 meters wide and stretches for 300 km straight into the horizon, disappearing into the vast grasslands.

3. Bingcha-Cha Route: The Worst Road with the Best Views

  • Route: Bingzhongluo – Chawalong – Chayu

This is a legendary, once extremely difficult road leading into Tibet from Yunnan. Though it was once a test of courage, it is now part of the scenic G219, accessible to all.

4. Medog Highway: Dangerous Yet Stunning

  • Route: Bomi – Ranwu Lake – Chayu

Known as National Highway 559 or the "Zamo Highway," this route passes through glaciers, forests, waterfalls, and the vast Tibetan rainforest. It is regarded as "China’s ultimate off-road route" and is sometimes compared to the Amazon Rainforest.

5. Dulong River Road: The Last Hidden Paradise in Nujiang

  • Route: Chawalong – Bingzhongluo – Dulong River – Lushui

This treacherous but breathtaking road follows the Dulong River and took four years and 800 million yuan to construct. It leads to remote Tibetan villages and pristine landscapes rarely touched by modern civilization.

6. Karakoram Highway: The International Plateau Highway

  • Route: Kashgar – Muztagh Glacier – White Sand Lake – Tashkurgan

Dubbed "the most beautiful highway in the world," this road traverses the Kunlun Mountains, Pamir Plateau, and the western Himalayas. It passes by three major snow-capped peaks, making it a must-visit for adventure seekers.

7. Panlong Ancient Road: 600 Turns in 75 km

  • Route: Tashkurgan – Hongqilafu – Panlong Ancient Road – Tashkurgan

This stunning road, resembling a coiled dragon, winds through the Pamir Plateau with 360-degree switchback turns. It offers a breathtaking driving experience like no other.

8. Yizhao Highway: The Most Beautiful Road in Xinjiang

  • Route: Yining – Zhaosu – Tekes

Part of Provincial Road 237, this highway was once a part of the ancient Silk Road. It crosses snow-capped peaks and connects the northern and southern regions of Xinjiang, offering mesmerizing scenery along the way.

9. Duku Highway: The Most Beautiful Summer Road in China

  • Route: Bagua City – Nalati Grassland – Nalati

Connecting the northern and southern regions of Xinjiang, this road offers an ever-changing landscape of grasslands, canyons, glaciers, lakes, forests, and deserts. Known as the "Hero’s Road," it was built at great cost, with 168 soldiers sacrificing their lives to construct it.

10. Tasha Ancient Road: A Road You Must Walk in Your Lifetime

  • Route: Tashkurgan – Shache – Yecheng

This ancient trade route was once used by the legendary monk Xuanzang during his journey to India. It traverses extreme landscapes, from paved roads to gravel paths, landslides, and river crossings. Despite its challenges, the scenery along the way is nothing short of paradise.

11. China-Vietnam Border Road: One of China’s Most Beautiful Border Roads

  • Route: Jingxi – Shuikou – Detian Waterfall – Pingxiang – Dongxing

Designated as Provincial Road S325, this highway runs along the China-Vietnam border and is known as the "Thousand-Mile Lijiang on Land." It offers stunning karst landscapes, rich ethnic cultures, and historical landmarks.

Conclusion:
These 11 breathtaking highways offer some of the best road trip experiences in China. Whether you seek adventure, history, or scenic beauty, each of these routes promises an unforgettable journey. Which one would you like to drive first? 🚗💨