Journey Through Time: Rediscovering the Panlong Ancient Road in China

With a total length of 75 kilometers, the Yunnan-Burma Highway has over 600 S-turns, many of which are 180 degrees or even 270 degrees, including the Nu River 72 turns and the Qinglong 24 turns. The Panlong Ancient Road resembles a massive dragon, floating over the Pamir Plateau at an elevation of 4,100 meters. The dark asphalt roads blend wonderfully with the colorful mountains.

Chinese Name: 盘龙古道

Location: On the Pamirs, in the boundaries of Wacha Township, Taxkorgan County, Xinjiang

Opening Hours: Open all year; please contact the scenic site for specific business status.

What to Visit on the Panlong Ancient Road

It is situated in the Pamir Mountains, in Wacha Township, Taxkorgan County, Kashgar, Xinjiang. The majority of its corners are more than 180 degrees, with some even reaching 270 degrees, like a black dragon entrenched in the mountains; regardless of the visual impact or driving experience, it will send people’s adrenaline soaring.

Features of the Panlong Ancient Road

It is a well-known Internet celebrity highway in Kashgar. The highway is built on a winding mountain, and its typical winding lane with twists and turns has a propensity of “nine bends and eighteen bends”. The view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking.

Travelling guidelines

Panlong Ancient Road has 600 bends. Panlong historic route, also known as the Wacha Highway, is a route that existed very early and was a portion of the historic Silk Road, connecting Ta County and Wa Cha. Allow you to experience the allure of the historic path. If you access the Panlong Road from Ta County, you must climb over 4,000 meters of mountain beams to get to Panlong. The Panlong Road’s slope is steep and twisted, making it unsuitable for beginner drivers. You must check the brakes before leaving.

You must check the brakes and tires before leaving, and it is preferable to bring a drone, as this location is only ideal for drone photography! Do not exercise vigorously if you are short on oxygen at high altitude! Highlights: Panshan Road has almost 600 bends.

Traffic Strategy:

Self-drive or rent a car. Playtime: 2-4 hours. Pre-departure preparation: inspect the brake tires

How to Get There

From Taxian County’s Tourist Service Center, go approximately 23 kilometers on National Highway 314 towards Hongqi Lafu. Continue for about 100 meters after seeing the road signs (as seen in the picture below), then turn left onto the asphalt road towards Wacha Township, and finally enter Panlong Ancient Road.

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