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Duku Highway
Duku Highway (Dushanzi–Kuqa Highway) is one of the most spectacular scenic roads in China. It is the southern section of National Highway G217, connecting the northern and southern parts of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Crossing the magnificent Tianshan Mountains, it is also known as the “Tianshan Highway.”
The highway starts from Dushanzi District of Karamay City in northern Xinjiang, an important oil city, and ends at Kuqa City on the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains and the northern edge of the Tarim Basin. With a total length of approximately 561 kilometers, Duku Highway is a legendary route combining dramatic mountain landscapes, grasslands, valleys, glaciers, and ethnic cultures.
More than half of the highway lies above 2,000 meters in elevation, with the highest section reaching over 3,400 meters above sea level. Because of its challenging terrain and extraordinary scenery, Duku Highway has become one of the most popular self-driving routes in Xinjiang.
A Legendary Scenic Road Across the Tianshan Mountains
Duku Highway is often considered one of China’s most beautiful driving routes. Along the journey, travelers can experience an incredible variety of landscapes within a single day, including:
* Snow-covered mountains
* Alpine lakes
* Deep canyons
* Vast grasslands
* Primeval forests
* High-altitude wetlands
* Desert landscapes
The highway passes through several famous scenic areas, including:
* Dushanzi Grand Canyon
* Nalati Nature Reserve
* Bayanbulak Grassland
* Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon in Kuqa
The constantly changing scenery creates the unforgettable experience of “four seasons in one day and different landscapes every ten miles.”
Highlights Along Duku Highway
Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Located near the starting point of Duku Highway, Dushanzi Grand Canyon is known as the “secret land of the Tianshan Mountains.” Millions of years of geological erosion created steep cliffs, deep valleys, and unique rock formations.
The canyon provides spectacular viewpoints and is an ideal place to begin a journey along this legendary highway.
Nalati Grassland
Located in the eastern part of the Ili River Valley, Nalati Grassland is one of Xinjiang’s most beautiful alpine meadows. Surrounded by Tianshan peaks, forests, and rivers, the grassland offers breathtaking scenery and opportunities to experience traditional Kazakh nomadic culture.
In summer, the endless green meadows, colorful wildflowers, and grazing horses create a picture-perfect landscape.
Bayanbulak Grassland
Bayanbulak is one of China’s largest alpine grasslands and an important wetland ecosystem. Famous for Swan Lake and the Eighteen Bends of the Kaidu River, it is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
At sunset, the winding river reflects the golden sky, creating one of the most iconic views along Duku Highway.
Kuqa Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
At the southern end of Duku Highway, the Kuqa Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon is famous for its spectacular red sandstone cliffs and unique geological formations.
The narrow canyon walls, carved by wind and water over millions of years, display extraordinary shapes and colors, making it one of the most impressive canyon landscapes in Xinjiang.
Natural Wonders of Duku Highway
The unique location of Duku Highway allows visitors to travel through multiple climate zones and landscapes in a short distance. From northern Xinjiang’s grasslands to the southern desert edge, the route showcases the incredible geographical diversity of the Tianshan Mountains.
The highway passes through several mountain ranges and regions, including:
* Habor Mountain
* Bolekono Mountain
* Awal Mountain Area
* Nalati Mountain Area
* Erbin Mountain
* Harke Mountain
* Yining Valley
* Kuqa Basin
Every section offers a different landscape and travel experience.
Best Time to Visit Duku Highway
Due to heavy snowfall, ice, and harsh winter conditions in the Tianshan Mountains, Duku Highway is usually closed for traffic from November to May or June of the following year. The annual opening period is generally from late spring to early autumn, depending on weather conditions.
The best travel season is:
* June to September: Ideal weather, green grasslands, blooming flowers, and accessible roads.
* July to August: The most popular period for road trips, with pleasant temperatures in high-altitude areas.
* September: Beautiful autumn colors and fewer visitors.
Why Visit Duku Highway?
Duku Highway is more than just a road—it is an unforgettable journey through the heart of Xinjiang. With dramatic mountains, ancient valleys, alpine grasslands, ethnic villages, and diverse ecosystems, it offers one of the most spectacular self-driving experiences in China.
For adventure travelers, photographers, and nature lovers, the Duku Highway Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Tianshan Mountains.
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