The Panlong Ancient Road — literally “Coiling Dragon Road” — is the most photographed switchback road in Xinjiang. Near Tashkurgan in the Pamir, it drops in roughly 600 S-bends from a high plateau to the valley floor, a single continuous serpent of asphalt. Pair it with the Karakoram Highway self-drive for a knockout mountain day.
Where It Is
The road sits in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, southwest of Kashgar, on the route toward the Pamir scenic area covered in our Kashgar to Pamir drive. It connects the G314 corridor to local villages.
Driving It
- It is short (a few km of switchbacks) but slow — average 20–30 km/h through the curves.
- Paved and well maintained, but narrow. Meet oncoming traffic carefully at the bends.
- The famous overhead shot is from the plateau end; stop only where safe pull-offs exist.
Best Photo Spots
The classic image is the full coil from above — reachable from a viewpoint near the top. Morning light rakes across the valleys; afternoon brings long shadows that emphasize the serpent shape. Drone rules change, so check locally.
Combine With
Most visitors run Panlong as a half-day add-on after Karakul Lake, then return to Kashgar or continue south. Watch for new 2026 highway openings that may change access.
FAQ
Is Panlong Road open to foreign self-drivers?
It lies in the Pamir border region, so the same border permit required for the KKH applies. Confirm current access in Kashgar.
How long does it take?
The curves themselves: under 30 minutes of driving. With photos, budget 1.5–2 hours.
Is it scary?
Exhilarating rather than dangerous if you drive slowly and yield. Not for anyone with severe vertigo at heights.