Xinjiang Southern Xinjiang Panlong Ancient Road Loop Guide

Panlong Ancient Road, the "electrocardiogram" in the Kunlun Mountains, although only 30 kilometers long, the altitude rises sharply from 3000 meters to 4200 meters. From a distance, the Panlong Ancient Road looks like a winding giant dragon lying in the mountains. It is said that Xuanzang passed through here, making it a crucial route over the Kunlun Mountain ridge. The scenery along the way is mysterious, astonishing, and spectacular, attracting many visitors. The entire road twists and turns, with over 600 S-shaped bends on the mountain road. Whether for visual impact or driving experience, it will make your adrenaline soar. It is recommended to spend 5 hours for the entire journey. Starting from Tashkurgan, you can take a loop regardless of which side you start from. For photography, it is suggested to drive along the road and find a place where you can overlook the road for shooting. You can also fly a drone here. The healing phrase "Today I have walked all the winding roads, from now on life will be smooth" can be seen at the entrances and exits of both the Big and Small Panlong. Route Navigation 1. Enter from Big Panlong and exit from Small Panlong Starting from Tashkurgan, head towards Hongqilafu along National Highway 314 for about 23 km. After seeing the sign for Wacha Township, continue for about 100 meters, then turn left into the Panlong Ancient Road towards Wacha Township. This officially marks the beginning of the Panlong Ancient Road. Along the way, you will pass through Big Panlong → Small Panlong → Xiabuzikala Village → Kaneryang Village → Xiabandi Reservoir → Congling No. 1 Tunnel → Quman Checkpoint, and finally return to National Highway 314 back to Tashkurgan. 2. Enter from Small Panlong and exit from Big Panlong Starting from Tashkurgan, head towards Kashgar along National Highway 314. About 100 meters before the Quman Checkpoint, there is a painted gate of the Xiabandi Water Conservancy Project on the right side of the road. Turn right into County Road 613. Along the way, you will pass through Congling No. 1 Tunnel. After exiting the tunnel, there is a fork in the road. Going straight leads to Tal Township and Datong Township, and you can reach Shache County. The famous "Tasha Ancient Road" starts here. Turn right towards Kaneryang Village and Wacha Township; turn right towards Xiabandi Reservoir, cross the bridge and turn left → Kaneryang Village → Xiabuzikala Village. Seeing the "Panlong Ancient Road" sign, turn right → Small Panlong → Big Panlong, and finally return to National Highway 314 back to Tashkurgan. Tips 1. From November to April of the following year, due to snowfall in Tashkurgan, the entire Panlong Ancient Road is closed, and cars can only reach the bottom of the Small Panlong Ancient Road. 2. To enter Tashkurgan, you need to apply for a border communication permit (Kashgar Self-driving Camp, weekdays 10:00-13:30, 16:00-19:30; weekends 10:30-13:30, 16:00-19:00). 3. Be careful of altitude sickness in high-altitude areas, avoid strenuous exercise, and pay attention to sun protection as ultraviolet rays are strong.