G315 U-shaped highway: China's most "photogenic" highway

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Haixi Mongolian Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture directly under the jurisdiction of National Highway 315 at 780 kilometers

Opening hours

Open all day throughout the year

In the vast Gobi of Qinghai, there is a section known as “the most movie-like highway on earth”-the G315 National Highway U-shaped highway.
It extends straight, high at both ends and low in the middle, shaped like a huge “U” lying horizontally on the wasteland, and vehicles passing by seem to float between heaven and earth. It is called the “Roadto the Sky” and “The Mirror of the Sky Highway”.

This is a mecca for Internet celebrities to check in on the Ganqing Great Ring, where countless travelers have taken pictures of “floating blockbusters” that maxed out the circle of friends. But there are also hidden risks behind the beautiful scenery. How to check in safely and in compliance? This article is a comprehensive analysis for you.

Basic situation and geographical location

Official name: G315 National Highway (Golmud to Laomangya Section)
Location of the Net celebrity section: In Manya City, Haixi Mongolian Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province,about 20 kilometers from Dongtai Jiner Lake
Altitude: about 2900 meters
Reason for formation:
The gently sloping U-shaped road designed due to the ups and downs of the terrainis not a special landscape project. Its visual shock stems from the open and flat landform of the Qaidam Basin and the strong perspective effect. The road surface in the distance is connected to the sky, forming the illusion of “through the sky”.
Best time for photography:early morning (6:30-8:30) or evening (18:00-20:00), with soft light, less traffic, and clearer reflections on the lake

How to get there? Traffic guide

Self-driving (the only way)

From Dachaidan Town: about 320 kilometers, 4.5 hours by car, westbound along G315 National Highway
From Manya City (Huatugou): about 230 kilometers, 3 hours by car
From Dongtai LakeKinel: about 20 kilometers, 20 minutes by car
Navigation and positioning: search for “G315 U-shaped highway” or ‘G315 Net celebrity Highway”, which is actually a normal section of G315 national highway, with no independent scenic entrance.

💡 Tips：

It is recommended to use offline maps (Gaode/Baidu), some sections of the road have no signal；

This destination can be combined with Dongtai Jianer Lake, Water Yadan, and Mars Camp to form a classic “Northwest Viral Route.”

Tickets and opening hours

Whether to charge:No charge, G315 is the main national highway, a non-closed scenic area
Whether to allow parking and taking pictures: It is officially prohibited, but in reality most tourists stop for a short time to take pictures.
Opening hours: Open all day (but there is no lighting at night, there are serious safety risks,and it is strongly recommended to go during the day)

️️ Important note:
This section of the road is an important traffic route,large trucks pass frequently, and the speed is fast (the speed limit is 80km/h). There is a very high safety risk of parking at will!

Attractions and photo highlights

1. The visual spectacle of ‘The Road to Heaven”

Due to the ups and downs of the terrain and the extremely low horizon, the U-shaped highway presents the illusion of “driving into the clouds” on a sunny day, which is very visually impactful and is an excellent subject for aerial photography and wide-angle photography.

2. ”Mirror of the Sky’ reflection effect

After the rain or when the dew is not dry in the early morning, the road surface is slippery as a mirror, which can take dreamy blockbusters of “walking in the sky” and “cars floating in the air”, the effect is not lost to Chaka Salt Lake.

3. Drone aerial photography Holy Land

It is allowed to fly drones legally (it is recommended to confirm the local policy in advance), and from the air, the U-shaped arc merges perfectly with the horizon, which is very sci-fi.

4. Cinematic road blockbusters

With wasteland, distant mountains, and lonely cars, it can shoot the eschatological aesthetic style of ‘Battle of the Doomsday’ and ‘Dune’, which is loved by photographers and short video creators.

Precautions and Safety warnings (must read! ）

✅ It is strictly forbidden to stop for a long time or stand in the middle of the road
. G315 is a freight trunk line. There are many large trucks and fast speeds. There have been many traffic accidents caused by taking pictures. Don’t risk your life for taking pictures!
Select the Safe Viewing Area
to stop for a short time in an area with a wide shoulder and a good view. The driver does not get off the car, and the passengers leave immediately after taking a quick photo.
✅Avoid strong
noon light and direct sunlight at noon, the road surface is reflective and dazzling, and the color is whitish. It is recommended to go in the early morning or evening.
✅ Wear bright clothes to take pictures
. Bright-colored clothes such as red, yellow, and white are more prominent in the taupe gobi. Avoid wearing dark colors similar to the background.
✅Environmentally friendly travel
does not leave garbage, does not destroy the roadbed, and achieves “seamless travel”.
✅Rational check-in, safety first
, although the landscape is beautiful, there is only one life. It is recommended to look from a distance or use a telephoto lens to shoot to avoid risky behavior.

Summary: Is it worth a visit?

The answer is: it’s worth it, but you mustcheck in safely.

The G315 U-shaped highway is not a traditional scenic spot, but an ordinary highway that has become popular for visual wonders. Its beauty lies in the extreme desolation and loneliness.
But remember:the most beautiful scenery is always on the road, not in an accident.

📌 A word of advice:
It can be viewed from a distance, aerial photography, and telephoto shooting. Don’t gamble on the safety of a lifetime for one photo.