G315 U-shaped Road
G315国道U型公路
A straight stretch of National Highway G315 that rises and falls like a roller coaster and stretches toward the horizon. Nicknamed “China's Route 66,” it is a popular photo spot.
The U-shaped Road is a straight section of G315 in the Qaidam area, roughly between kilometers K766 and K783. It crosses undulating Gobi terrain, and from afar it looks like a giant U-shaped ribbon reaching into the sky. The slope is steepest and most photogenic near K780. From Chaidam Town, it takes about 1.5 hours by car to reach the highway heading west on G315 via Xiao Qaidam Lake. It is often combined with Hongya and the Water Yardang as a day trip. This is an active national highway with fast-moving heavy trucks, so take photos only in safe spots on the shoulder. Never stand in the middle of the road or stop for long periods. Gas stations are few along the route, so fill up before setting out.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Hongya Mars Landform Area
- Da Qaidam Lake
- Xiao Qaidam Lake
- Emerald Lake, Da Qaidam
- Chaidan Town & Starry Sky Camp
- Da Qaidam Snow Mountain Hot Spring
- East Taijinar Lake
- Wusute Water Yardang