Most visitors to China stick to the well-trodden highlights—big cities, famous landmarks, and the usual routes. But if you want to see a side of China that feels completely different, travel far west to Xinjiang, where mountains dominate the landscape and the stories of the Silk Road still echo through the roads.
In this journey with Aziz Family Official, the family travels south from Kashgar towards Tashkurgan and discovers one of the most dramatic drives they’ve ever experienced: the Panlong Ancient Road. It’s the kind of route that instantly changes how you see a country—one that doesn’t just look scenic, but feels untamed, remote, and full of character.
Xinjiang: China’s vast western world
Xinjiang is described as China’s largest region, covering roughly one-sixth of the country. It’s also located at a crossroads of cultures, bordering eight different countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan—“basically, a lot of stans.”
Centuries ago, ancient Silk Road routes passed through this region, connecting China with Central Asia and beyond. That historical backdrop helps explain why travel here can feel like stepping into a different chapter of the world.
Panlong Ancient Road: one of the wildest drives
The Panlong Ancient Road sits deep in the mountains, and the video makes it clear why it’s so memorable. The road is known for its sheer number of twists and climbs: over 600 bends winding through mountain terrain and climbing to above 4,200 metres.
The scenery, too, feels like it belongs to a different China—one that the family didn’t expect after seeing the usual highlights like “mega cities, bullet trains and skyscrapers”. After around 30 days travelling across the country, experiences like this become a turning point, reshaping their perception of what China truly looks like.
A family adventure at high altitude
One of the most striking moments from the journey is that the family brought their children along, including a 4-year-old and a baby. It’s not just about the view at the top—the climb itself tests everyone.
As they ascend, they start to feel the effects: the air gets thinner and “traveling gets really, really difficult.” Meanwhile, the children end up “knocked out,” as if their bodies decide to rest through the most challenging part.
That mix of determination and reality is part of what makes the Panlong Ancient Road feel so authentic. It isn’t just a scenic drive—it’s a high-altitude experience with a sense of adventure built in.
What you’ll remember when you reach the top
After pushing through the steep ascent and hundreds of curves, the payoff is the moment you finally reach the higher viewpoints. The video describes it as a reward after a difficult climb—an arrival that feels earned.
And because travel in China is full of surprises, the team also notes the availability of small extras at scenic stops, including motorbikes and people who can help you capture a drone video for a low cost. It’s a reminder that even in remote mountain settings, there’s a lively travel culture waiting for you.
Why this route belongs on your China bucket list
The strongest takeaway from the video is simple: most tourists don’t come here. That’s exactly why Xinjiang—and the Panlong Ancient Road in particular—stands out as a bucket-list journey.
If you’re the type of traveller who wants variety, not repetition, this is the kind of experience that changes your perspective. China has “SO many different sides”—and Xinjiang is one that many visitors never get to see.
Would you drive Panlong Ancient Road?
If you’re dreaming of a China trip that goes beyond the usual itinerary, this drive is the kind of challenge that turns into a story you’ll talk about for years. With its 600+ bends, dramatic mountains, and high-altitude views, the Panlong Ancient Road is made for travellers who crave the road less travelled.
Travel-inspired next steps
- Plan for altitude: the climb reaches above 4,200 metres, and the video highlights how the air can affect travellers.
- Choose your pace: this is a route built for gradual climbing and plenty of viewpoint moments.
- Go beyond the popular route: if you’re only touring cities, you’ll miss what makes China feel truly vast.
Sakina Tours specialises in curated travel experiences for travellers who want more than a checklist. If you’d like help building a China itinerary that includes off-the-map regions like Xinjiang, get in touch and we’ll help turn your bucket list into a thoughtfully planned journey.
