The 24 Zig Road in Qinglong County (晴隆二十四道拐), also known as the “Stilwell Road” or “24 Turns of Qinglong,” is a symbol of resilience from the Anti-Japanese War era. Originally named “Yaguan Pass,” it boasts of its rugged, majestic, and perilous terrain, akin to the saying “one man guards the pass against ten thousand.” Spanning approximately 350 meters horizontally and 260 meters vertically from the foot to the summit, this road covers a distance of about 4 kilometers, winding and snaking along the mountainside with a steep incline of about 60 degrees, forming a series of “S” curves. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination in the face of formidable natural obstacles, embodying the spirit of triumph over adversity.
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 50 RMB (admission + cable car) |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0859-7611100 |
Location and transportation
The 24 Zig Road is located approximately 1 kilometer southwest of Qinglong County in the Qianxinan Prefecture of Guizhou Province, Southwest China. To reach this scenic spot, travelers can first take a high-speed train to Guiyang, Duyun, or Xingyi. From there, they can transfer to a bus heading to Qinglong. Finally, upon arrival in Qinglong, visitors can hire a taxi or use other local transportation options to reach the scenic area of the 24 Zig Road.
History of the 24 Zig Road
The history of the 24 Zig Road, nestled in Qinglong County, has roots tracing back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when it was a winding ancient postal route. Along this path stood the Yongquan Temple, accompanied by a tea pavilion for weary travelers to rest. Carved into the nearby rock were inscriptions highlighting the beauty of the landscape.
Construction of the 24 Zig Road commenced in the 24th year of the Republic of China (1935) and was completed the following year. It served as an essential segment of the Guizhou-Yunnan Highway. Sadly, during its construction, many of the ancient stone inscriptions from the Ming and Qing temples were damaged.
During World War II, the road gained significant strategic importance. It became a vital artery for transporting American aid to China via the Burma Road, reaching Kunming and then passing through the 24 Zig Road to the frontline and Chongqing. This road was thus targeted by Japanese airstrikes in attempts to sever the supply lines between Guizhou and Yunnan.
In 1942, the United States’ 1880th Engineer Aviation Battalion stationed themselves in Qinglong County to repair and maintain the road. Led by Captain Maiden, they utilized American-made cement to construct retaining walls and repair the road. With the cooperation of local residents, they completed their mission, ensuring the smooth flow of transportation. The American engineers remained stationed there until just over a month after the unconditional surrender of Japan.
In 1945, the first convoy of vehicles driven by American soldiers traversed the Ledo Road, reaching Chongqing. Chiang Kai-shek delivered a speech in Chongqing, renaming the Guizhou-Yunnan Highway to the “Stilwell Road” in honor of General Joseph Stilwell. Henceforth, the 24 Zig Road became synonymous with the Stilwell Road, etching its place in history.