It is the longest of the China National Highways at 5,476 kilometres (3,403 mi) in length and runs west from Huangpu District, Shanghai towards Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, Chongqing, Sichuan, and ends in Tibet Autonomous Region.

At the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge, it connects with the 115 km long Araniko Highway to Kathmandu.

The route is popular with tourists due to the wide variety of biomes, cultural areas, and natural scenery.

Another extension plan was announced in 2022, including new small purpose connection highways (601-701).

This People's Republic of China road-related article is a stub.