Shrouded in mist and braving the void, this 240 km long road rises to an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, hence its nickname the highway of the clouds. You have to have a strong heart to venture there!
Perched between sky and earth, a road winds through the mountains of Sichuan, China, defying the laws of gravity and the imagination of travelers. This spectacular route, often shrouded in mists, seems to float above the clouds, offering breathtaking panoramas, provided you have the right heart. Drivers who take this 240 kilometer long route, called Yaxi Highway, are embarking on a real adventure. The steep slopes, sharp turns and passages above the void, often shrouded in mist, require constant vigilance.
However, each kilometer traveled is an invitation to wonder: green forests, deep valleys and majestic peaks pass before their eyes. Sometimes, when the clouds deign to part, it offers dizzying panoramas, giving the impression that we are literally flying over the region. It’s not called the “cloud highway” for nothing!
Built between 2007 and 2012, this architectural feat connects the cities of Ya’an and Xichang, in Sichuan province, passing through some of the most restrictive reliefs in the country. The infrastructure rises from 600 to 3,200 meters above sea level, crossing several rivers as well as an area prone to earthquakes and landslides. But China, already a pioneer in bold engineering, will stop at nothing and has risen to the challenge. The result is a road that seems to defy the laws of gravity
No less than 25 tunnels totaling 41 kilometers and 270 bridges were necessary to cross the rugged mountains and its valleys. Among them, Ganhaizi Bridge deserves special mention. Situated at a dizzying altitude of 2,500 meters, this 1,811 meter long giant is an engineering gem. It rises thanks to a tubular steel structure reaching 117 meters in height and is the longest concrete and steel tube truss bridge in the world.
The Yaxi Highway runs through the deep mountain valleys of southwest China. For every 1 km, the average elevation is 7.5 meters, so it is called “heavenly scale highway”. pic.twitter.com/fPBiSXuIOp
— Embassy of China in France (@AmbassadeChine) August 12, 2020
However, the Yaxi Highway was not designed just for wonder. It plays a crucial role in the economic and social development of the region, facilitating the transport of goods and people in this mountainous province. Thanks to this expressway, previously isolated cities are now connected to the rest of the country, accelerating their growth and strengthening trade. An investment which cost around 4 billion dollars and required five years of work.
But any driver who takes it cannot ignore the sensation of being on an unusual road, where the tunnels seem to be dug into the very heart of the mountain. The engineers and workers who participated in its construction had to face extreme weather conditions and unstable terrain, making each step perilous.
Today, this iconic road attracts not only locals, but also travelers from around the world seeking adrenaline and spectacular scenery. However, it remains a challenge: driving on the Yaxi Highway is not a simple walk in the park. The most daring will need to be patient and careful, as weather conditions can change suddenly. The road is particularly dangerous in the event of snow or at night…
A section of the highway, the Ganhaizi Bridge, is even called the Devil’s Highway, due to its very high altitude and the risk of slipping. Today, the Yaxi Highway is still under construction and heads towards Tibet, following the ancient tea route.