China is renowned for engineering achievements that consistently astonish the world, from constructing hospitals overnight to building roads along perilous mountain ridges. At times, such extraordinary
feats seem possible only in China. One striking example can be found in Shizhu, in Chongqing province.
The ‘Daobeiliang’ Sky Road stands as a living testament to the skill and precision of Chinese engineers. The name ‘Daobeiliang’ translates to ‘knife’s edge’, a description that perfectly captures the road’s dramatic setting.
Built On A Knife’s Edge
The road runs along an extremely narrow mountain peak, with sheer cliffs plunging nearly 600 metres on both sides. In such conditions, even the slightest error could prove fatal.
While mountain roads are already demanding due to sharp bends and limited visibility, the Daobeiliang Sky Road is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous of them all.
A Road With Extreme Dimensions
Stretching for around 3 kilometres, the road has an average width of just 5.5 metres. In some sections, it narrows to less than 3 metres, allowing only a single vehicle to pass at a time. There are no protective walls on either side, making the drive feel like travelling along a massive blade suspended in the air.
Interestingly, the road was not constructed for tourists. It was built by a wind energy company that required access to the summit of Qiyao Mountain to install and maintain wind turbines. Functionality, not thrill-seeking, was its original purpose.
A Global Attraction For Thrill Seekers
Despite this, the road’s unique design and heart-stopping danger have turned it into a magnet for adventure enthusiasts and drivers from around the world. Dozens of videos showcasing the road have gone viral on social media, and even watching them is enough to set pulses racing.
Although it is not considered as dangerous as the Babyurt road in Russia, the suspense and adrenaline rush offered by the Daobeiliang Sky Road are enough to frighten even seasoned drivers. Only those confident in their driving abilities or unafraid of heights dare to attempt the journey.
From above, the views are breathtaking. On the road itself, however, the experience is terrifying. The Daobeiliang Sky Road stands as one of China’s most remarkable infrastructure marvels, symbolising the extraordinary blend of human courage and modern engineering.
