Located in Qinglong County (晴隆县), Qianxinan Prefecture, 24-Turns Road (二十四道拐) is both a historically significant World War II landmark and a remarkable achievement in the history of mountain-road engineering. Built tightly against a steep mountainside, the road features 24 consecutive hairpin bends winding through rugged peaks like a silver dragon crossing the mountains.
More than a scenic mountain road, it served as a vital wartime supply route during China’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Here, dramatic karst scenery meets powerful military history. Visitors can admire the vast mountain landscape while discovering an important chapter of modern history, making 24-Turns Road one of the most distinctive cultural and natural attractions in southwestern Guizhou.
🚗 Unmissable Experiences at 24-Turns Road
The appeal of 24-Turns Road lies in the combination of spectacular road engineering and living historical memory. Whether viewing the bends from above or exploring the wartime exhibition hall, visitors can experience the site from several different perspectives.
🏞️ Overlook the Mountain Road from the Viewing Platform
Climb to the main observation platform for a complete panoramic view of all 24 hairpin bends. The road descends in layers along the steep mountainside, surrounded by rolling peaks and forests that change color with the seasons.
This is the most iconic photography viewpoint at 24-Turns Road, offering a striking visual contrast between human engineering and the rugged mountain terrain. Ordinary visitors are not advised to drive directly along the historic road. The old route is extremely steep, with sharp bends and challenging gradients, and is mainly preserved for historical sightseeing.
📜 Explore the Anti-Japanese War Exhibition Hall
Visit the 24-Turns Road Anti-Japanese War Exhibition Hall, where historic photographs, original objects and documentary materials recreate the difficult years of wartime transportation along the Burma Road network.
During World War II, this mountain road functioned as a critical supply corridor, carrying strategic materials to support China’s resistance efforts. The exhibition also introduces the history of international cooperation and joint wartime operations, helping visitors understand the important story behind this extraordinary road.
🎬 Visit a Famous Film and Television Location
24-Turns Road has served as a filming location for several Chinese television dramas and films about the War of Resistance.
Walking along the sightseeing paths, visitors can imagine military convoys slowly climbing the steep mountain road during wartime. Surrounded by quiet peaks and deep valleys, the site seems to preserve the echoes of history, making it especially appealing to cultural travelers and military-history enthusiasts.
🌄 Enjoy the Mountain and Karst Scenery
The scenic area lies within a classic karst mountain landscape, surrounded by densely forested hills. In addition to the historic road itself, short mountain paths provide opportunities for easy walks and nature viewing.
Wildflowers cover the slopes in spring, while the forests turn colorful in autumn. Visitors can therefore combine historical sightseeing with the distinctive mountain scenery of Qianxinan (黔西南).
✅ Why 24-Turns Road Is Worth Visiting
📖 A World-Class World War II Heritage Site
24-Turns Road is one of China’s best-known World War II transportation relics and has attracted considerable interest from international history enthusiasts.
It witnessed the wartime transportation of international aid to China and stands as physical evidence of cooperation between China and other Allied countries in the global fight against fascism. Unlike an ordinary landscape attraction, it carries a unique and powerful historical meaning.
📸 A Highly Photogenic Mountain Road
The visual effect of 24 consecutive hairpin bends is dramatic and instantly recognizable. From the elevated viewing platform, visitors can photograph the entire road without completing a demanding hike.
The combination of steep terrain, layered curves and surrounding peaks makes the site particularly suitable for landscape photographers and travelers seeking memorable panoramic images.
👨👩👧👦 Suitable for Visitors of Different Ages
The overall sightseeing intensity is low. Most visits focus on the observation platform and exhibition hall rather than strenuous mountain climbing, making the attraction suitable for seniors, children and family groups.
Visitors can make a quick stop for photographs or spend more time studying the historical photographs, documents and wartime exhibits.
🗺️ Easy to Combine with Other Qianxinan Attractions
24-Turns Road can be combined with Twin Breast Peaks (双乳峰) and Wanfenglin Scenic Area (万峰林景区) in a wider Qianxinan itinerary.
After exploring Wanfenglin, travelers can drive to Qinglong to add World War II heritage and mountain-road scenery to a journey otherwise focused on karst landscapes. This combination creates a more varied travel experience covering both nature and history.
📋 Practical Information for Visitors
📍 Location
Address: Qinglong County, Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China
Main viewing platform coordinates: 25.8342°N, 105.2147°E
International visitors can search for “24-Turns Road Qinglong” on Google Maps or Apple Maps.
⏰ Opening Hours
The main scenic area is generally open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
The Anti-Japanese War Exhibition Hall is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Visitors should allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for the main sightseeing experience.
🎫 Ticket Information
The adult admission ticket is approximately RMB 60.
A discounted ticket of approximately RMB 30 may be available for eligible students and seniors aged 60 to 69 with valid identification.
Children under 1.2 meters tall, seniors aged 70 and above, active military personnel and visitors with disabilities may receive free admission with valid supporting documents.
The observation platform is some distance from the entrance, so taking the scenic-area sightseeing vehicle is recommended.
🚗 Transportation Guide
From Xingyi (兴义), the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. Travelers can also take a long-distance bus to Qinglong County and then continue to the scenic area by taxi.
From Guiyang (贵阳), visitors can take a high-speed train to a station near Qinglong and then continue by private car or taxi.
Visitors should not attempt to drive along the historic 24-Turns Road without authorization. The old road is preserved as a protected historical site and is not open to ordinary public vehicles. The full road is best viewed from the main observation platform.
💡 Travel Tips
Prepare for Windy Mountain Weather
The observation platform can be windy, and temperatures in the mountains are often slightly lower than in Qinglong County town. Bring a light jacket, even during relatively warm weather.
Choose the Right Weather for Photography
Clear days offer the best visibility and are ideal for photographing the entire road. Misty or cloudy weather creates a dramatic mountain atmosphere, but low clouds may partly obscure the hairpin bends.
Use English Interpretation Services
Chinese and English signs are available at the scenic area. Travelers who want a deeper understanding of the wartime history can arrange an English-speaking guide in advance.
Try Local Food in Qinglong County
After visiting the scenic area, travelers can continue to Qinglong County town to taste local specialties and enjoy a meal before continuing their journey.