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Guoliang is a remote settlement nestled within the Taihang Mountains of China’s Henan Province, sitting 90 kilometers northwest of Xinxiang at an altitude of 1,300 meters.
Despite its rugged and isolated location, the village has garnered international attention for its remarkable road, the Guoliang Tunnel Road, carved directly into the cliff face by local villagers.
With around 300 residents living in traditional stone houses along mountain paths, the village covers an area of approximately 3 km2, surrounded by towering cliffs and dense forests.
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The Adventurous Road to Guoliang
Getting to Guoliang becomes an adventure in itself, considering its remote location.
However, travelers typically first travel to Xinxiang City, located in China’s Henan Province.
From there, visitors can take a bus or hire a private car to reach the village, which lies approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Xinxiang.
The journey lasts 3–4 hours, traversing winding roads, narrow tunnels, and scenic landscapes.
Additionally, hiking trails crisscross the surrounding mountains, leading to hidden waterfalls, ancient temples, and panoramic viewpoints.
Upon arriving in the village, travelers can explore its narrow streets and traditional stone houses, as well as engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing.
Architecture of Stone House in Guoliang
Guoliang Village’s architecture reflects its cultural heritage and mountainous environment.
Additionally, traditional stone houses, constructed using locally sourced materials, dot the narrow streets of the village.
These houses typically feature sturdy stone walls and sloped tile roofs, designed to withstand the harsh mountain climate and occasional seismic activity.
Moreover, many of the structures in Guoliang are built directly into the mountainside, with homes carved into the rock face and connected by winding pathways and stone steps.
Furthermore, many houses have electricity and plumbing, blending tradition with modern convenience for residents and visitors.
As visitors explore Guoliang Village, they glimpse a bygone era, where timeless architecture and scenery create unforgettable experiences.
The Guoliang Tunnel Road
The result of their labor is the awe-inspiring Guoliang Tunnel Road, often referred to as one of the world’s most dangerous roads.
This marvel of engineering stretches for approximately 1.2 kilometers and features a series of tunnels and windows cut directly into the mountain.
Carved entirely by hand using basic tools such as hammers and chisels, the road represents an incredible feat of human determination and skill.
Today, it serves as the main artery connecting Guoliang Village to the outside world.
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The History and Origin of the Hidden Village
Before 1972, this remote settlement virtually isolated itself from the outside world.
The villagers relied on precarious mountain pathways, cutting them off from civilization. They lacked paved roads or convenient access routes.
However, thirteen villagers, led by Shen Mingxin, changed the village’s fate by carving a road into the cliff face to improve connectivity.