Top Most Beautiful Highways in China
China is home to several stunning highways that traverse diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains to coastal cliffs. Here are some of the top most beautiful highways in China:
- G318: Sichuan-Tibet Highway: Also known as the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, G318 is one of the highest and most breathtaking roads in the world. It traverses the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, passing through snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and high-altitude grasslands. Highlights include the 4,700-meter-high Mila Mountain Pass and the stunning Basum Lake.
- G213: China-Nepal Friendship Highway: This scenic highway connects Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It winds through the Himalayas, offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and Tibetan monasteries. The highway passes by Mount Everest Base Camp, providing travelers with the opportunity to see the world’s highest peak up close.
- G318: Yunnan-Tibet Highway: Another section of the G318, the Yunnan-Tibet Highway runs from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, to Lhasa. It passes through the rugged terrain of western Yunnan and eastern Tibet, with highlights including the stunning Nujiang Grand Canyon and the picturesque Nyingchi Prefecture.
- G216: Xinjiang-Tibet Highway: This highway crosses the remote and rugged landscapes of western China, connecting Xinjiang Province with Tibet. It passes through the Pamir Plateau, the Kunlun Mountains, and the vast Tibetan Plateau, offering breathtaking views of deserts, mountains, and grasslands.
- G319: Hubei-Shaanxi Highway (Yan’an to Shennongjia): This scenic highway winds through the remote and mountainous regions of central China, connecting the cities of Yan’an in Shaanxi Province and Shennongjia in Hubei Province. It passes through dense forests, deep valleys, and pristine wilderness areas, with stunning views of waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
- G318: Sichuan-Yunnan Highway (Shangri-La Expressway): Also known as the Shangri-La Expressway, this highway connects the cities of Chengdu in Sichuan Province and Shangri-La in Yunnan Province. It passes through the breathtaking landscapes of western Sichuan and northern Yunnan, including deep gorges, alpine meadows, and Tibetan villages.
- G228: Guangxi Coastal Highway: This picturesque highway runs along the coast of Guangxi Province, offering stunning views of the South China Sea and the rugged karst landscapes for which the region is famous. Highlights include the seaside cliffs of Beihai, the beaches of Fangchenggang, and the picturesque fishing villages of Qinzhou.
These are just a few examples of the most beautiful highways in China. Each offers its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and adventurous appeal, making them popular destinations for road trips and scenic drives.