The Ministry of Transport recently announced the list of the most beautiful road trip routes, with Taihang No 1 Tourist Highway making the top 20, making it the only route in North China's Shanxi province on the list.

The Pingding section of Taihang No 1 Tourist Highway. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Taihang No 1 Tourist Highway stretches from Pingxingguan Pass in Fanzhi county, Xinzhou, in the north to Xihonghong village in Yuanqu county, Yuncheng, in the south, passing through six cities including Taiyuan, Yangquan, Jinzhong, Changzhi, and Jincheng. It has a total length of 5,217 kilometers, including a 1,225-km mainline road, making it a vital part of Shanxi's transportation infrastructure.

The route offers stunning views of the Taihang mountains, canyons, red historical culture, and the hanging wall roads, effectively connecting over 350 scenic spots and natural landscapes.

The Lingchuan section of Taihang No 1 Tourist Highway. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Along the route, there are 339 km of slow lanes, 58 inns, 22 caravan campsites, and 67 viewing platforms. Furthermore, infrastructure like charging stations and tourism road signs have been improved to allow travelers to better explore the mountains and waters of Shanxi.

Previously, the Jincheng section of Taihang No 1 Tourist Highway was selected as one of the nation's first typical cases of the integrated development of transportation and tourism. Additionally, the Lingchuan section of Taihang No 1 Tourist Highway was honored as the most popular road in China in 2023.