The Serpent of the Tianshan
Plan My Trip →The Panlong Road is one of the most spectacular drives in China — a highway of hairpin bends that snakes over the Tianshan mountains, earning its reputation as the country's most winding road.
The Panlong Road (盘龙古道) climbs into the Tianshan with dozens of hairpin bends — a feat of engineering laid over dramatic mountain scenery. It's become one of Xinjiang's iconic drives.
The road connects the valleys of southern Xinjiang over the Tianshan, offering ever-changing views of cliffs, forests, and peaks. The drive is as rewarding as the destination.
The switchbacks require careful driving, but the road is well-maintained. Stopping at the viewpoints rewards drivers with the full panorama of the serpentine road below.
The Tianshan landscape along the road is magnificent — alpine forests, rocky gorges, and the high meadows of the mountains, with wildlife and nomadic herders along the way.
The road is best driven from spring to autumn, when the passes are open. In winter, snow closes the high sections.
Drive with a local guide or an experienced driver. Allow a full day for the drive and stops. Bring water, food, and warm layers — the mountain weather changes quickly.