Qianxinan, Guizhou Province

The Lifeline of History: Driving the Legendary Qinglong Twenty-Four Turns

🚙Road Trip 📸Photography 🛤️Highland Aesthetics(高原美学)

Altitude

1,550m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Qinglong Twenty-Four Turns, located in the southwest of Qinglong County, Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, is not just a scenic mountain road but a monumental symbol of history and resilience. Often referred to as a "highway wonder," this winding road spirals up the Qinglong Mountain and Yapanshan Mountain, creating a spectacular "S" shape that resembles a giant dragon ascending into the clouds. With a total length of approximately 4 kilometers, a vertical drop of about 250 meters, and a steep slope of 60 degrees, it stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity amidst rugged karst terrain.

1.The significance of the: Twenty-Four Turns goes far beyond its visual grandeur. It occupies a pivotal place in the history of the World War II and the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Originally a rugged ancient post road, it became a crucial bottleneck on the famous "Stilwell Road" (Ledo Road) in 1941. To ensure the transportation of vital supplies—arms, ammunition, fuel, and medicine—to the front lines, the road was reconstructed and improved by the U.S. Army engineers in cooperation with local laborers under extremely difficult conditions. Because of its strategic importance in keeping the supply lines open when coastal routes were cut off, it earned the revered title of the "Lifeline of History" and the "Symbol of the War of Resistance",.

Today, the site offers a profound "three-in-one" experience combining a miracle of road engineering, a historical museum, and a cultural heritage site. Visitors can ascend to the Observation Deck on Qinglong Mountain to witness the panorama of the road snaking through the mountains—a view that is particularly stunning at night when the trail is illuminated, resembling a fiery dragon. For driving enthusiasts, navigating the twenty-four sharp bends is an adventurous journey through history, offering a tangible connection to the convoys that once roared up these slopes,.

2.At the foot of the mountain lies the Stilwell: Road Heritage Park (also known as the Anti-Fascist War Memorial Park), where historical military vehicles, trenches, and bunkers are preserved or reconstructed to recreate the atmosphere of the wartime era. Nearby, the Annan Ancient Town (Qinglong Ancient Town) invites travelers to step back in time. As a historical military and commercial hub, the restored town features traditional wooden architecture, slabstone streets, and tea houses that whisper stories of the past, providing a serene contrast to the ruggedness of the mountain road,.

✨ Why Visit Qinglong Twenty-Four Turns

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The 24 Bends Miracle

Witness the spectacular engineering feat of 24 sharp hairpin turns winding up the mountain, resembling a dragon, which served as a crucial supply line during WWII.

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Historical "Lifeline"

Explore the "Stilwell Road" landmark, a site of immense historical significance that served as the throat of international transportation for China's war effort.

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Driving Adventure

Experience the thrill of driving on the historic winding road (or take a sightseeing bus), navigating the steep ascent and sharp curves that tested wartime convoys.

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Annan Ancient Town

Visit the nearby restored ancient town, a former strategic post and commercial hub, to see traditional architecture and experience local culture.

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Night Photography

Capture the stunning view of the road at night when light trails from vehicles and the illuminated path create a mesmerizing "fire dragon" effect against the dark mountains.

Location & Nearby

📍 Qianxinan, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 1550m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Qinglong Twenty-Four Turns Travel Guide

Where is Qinglong Twenty-Four Turns located?

It is located southwest of Qinglong County town, in the Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province.

Why is it called the "Lifeline"? During WWII, it was a vital choke point on the Stilwell Road, essential for transporting international aid and military supplies to China's front lines when other routes were blocked.

Can I drive my own car on the road? Yes, self-driving is a popular way to experience the road. However, due to the steepness and sharp turns, caution is advised. There are also sightseeing buses available.

What else is there to see nearby? Besides the road itself, you can visit the Stilwell Road Heritage Park at the foot of the mountain and the Annan Ancient Town to explore local history and architecture.

When is the best time to visit? The recommended times are March to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant. Rainy/foggy days can add a mystical atmosphere but require extra driving caution.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Qinglong Twenty-Four Turns?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.