Let's go Duku
From Shanghai to Xinjiang Duku Highway, start a wild journey in Northwest China
Tired of the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, would you like to go on an adventure at any time to appreciate the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang's Duku Highway? Now, follow this guide and ride all the way from the banks of the Huangpu River to the foot of the Tianshan Mountains!
Preliminary preparation
1. Documents: ID card, driver's license, vehicle registration, etc. Bring other preferential documents as well, as they may be required at some attractions.
2. Clothing: There is a big temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang. Even in summer, you need to bring a thick coat. In winter, you must bring enough warm clothes, such as down jackets, thick sweaters, etc.
3. Medicines: Prepare common medicines such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, altitude sickness medicine (some sections of the Duku Highway are at high altitudes), just in case.
4. Vehicle inspection: Before departure, conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle, including tires, engine oil, brakes, coolant, etc. to ensure that the vehicle is in good performance.
Itinerary
Phase 1: Shanghai - Urumqi
From Shanghai to Urumqi, it is recommended to take a plane, which takes about 4 hours. It can arrive quickly, save energy, and start the subsequent wonderful journey;
The second stage: Urumqi - Dushanzi
After arriving in Urumqi, rent a good car from a local car rental company. From Urumqi, you can reach Dushanzi by driving about 200 kilometers along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway. The road conditions are good along the way, and you can enjoy the vast land and unique scenery of Xinjiang along the way.
Dushanzi accommodation recommendation - Journey to the West Impression Hotel
When you come to Dushanzi, I strongly recommend staying at the Journey to the West Impression Hotel, which opened in 2020 and has newer facilities. The room is clean and tidy. After checking in, you will find that the bed is flat, there is no peculiar smell in the bathroom, and it is quiet and comfortable, allowing you to have a good sleep during a tiring journey. The breakfast is very rich, with local specialty milk tea, various breads, eggs, fruits, etc. to meet the taste needs of different people. The service staff is warm and thoughtful, the check-in is fast, and they will proactively provide travel advice and help. The check-in experience is great. The hotel is conveniently located, only 3 kilometers away from the Duku starting point. There is a large parking lot at the door, which makes parking very convenient, with charging stations, self-service car wash, etc.
Stage 3: Dushanzi - Kuche (the entire Duku Highway)
Starting from Dushanzi, driving along National Highway 217 (Duku Highway) for a total of about 561 kilometers is expected to take about 8 hours. However, due to the beautiful scenery along the way, it may take two days to stop and go.
- Attractions along the way:
- Dushanzi Grand Canyon: The first scenic spot on the Duku Highway, it is known as the "Duku Secret Realm, a billion-year wonder". The valley bottom of the scenic area is 100-400 meters wide, the valley shoulder is 800-1000 meters wide, and the height from the valley bottom to the valley shoulder can reach 200 meters. The altitude is 1070 meters. Here you can experience cliff swings, zip lines and other exciting projects.
- Nalati Grassland: The aerial grassland is picturesque, with grasslands, forests and snow-capped mountains complementing each other. You can ride horses and feel free, or take a stroll to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Bayinbuluke Grassland: China's second largest grassland, vast and boundless, is the habitat of rare birds such as swans. The Kaidu River winds through it. At sunset, you can see the beautiful sunset view of "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns".
- Big and Small Dragon Pond: Two alpine lakes with clear turquoise water, surrounded by mountains and lush forests, like two shining pearls inlaid in the mountains.
- The mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan: The reddish-brown rocks were formed through millions of years of wind and rain erosion. The canyon has winding paths and the mountains are in various shapes and forms, which is very spectacular.
Things to note when driving on Duku Highway
1. Opening hours: June to September every year is the best time to visit. During this period, the roads are basically open and the scenery is the most beautiful. At other times, the roads may be closed due to the harsh winter climate.
2. Complex road conditions: The Duku Highway has steep terrain, many bends and steep slopes. There may be falling rocks on some sections of the road. When driving, you must concentrate, control your speed, and avoid driving while tired.
3. Supply issue: There are gas stations and charging stations in towns along the way, but the distances vary. Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel before departure and plan the supply points in advance. Meals and accommodation are concentrated in the middle towns of Bayinbuluke, Nalati, etc. Bayinbuluke is very popular during the peak season, so remember to book in advance.
4. Environmental awareness: There are environmentally friendly toilets along the Duku Highway. Please protect the environment, do not litter, and protect this beautiful pure land.
Follow this guide, from Shanghai to Xinjiang Duku Highway, cross the mountains and seas, see grasslands, canyons, lakes, snow-capped mountains, experience the customs of different regions, stay in the comfortable Journey to the West Impression Hotel, and start an unforgettable self-driving trip!