Duku Highway

1. Core Positioning: The Hardcore Strength of China's Most Beautiful Highway Duku Highway (National Highway 217, Dushanzi to Kuqa section) stretches 561 kilometers, running north to south across the Tianshan Mountains, connecting Dushanzi District in Karamay City, Northern Xinjiang, with Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture, Southern Xinjiang. This "scenic avenue along the Tianshan ridge" is renowned for its three major features: vast altitude range, diverse landforms, and rich history, making it a top choice for self-driving enthusiasts: Altitude Wonder: Half of the route is above 2,000 meters, with the highest point at Tielimaiti Daban Pass reaching 3,400 meters. It crosses four snow-capped passes year-round, creating a vertical climate zone where you can experience "four seasons in one day." Landform Museum: The route covers eight major landforms including Gobi desert, canyons, snow mountains, glaciers, forests, grasslands, lakes, and Danxia landforms. It has been praised by China National Geographic as a "thousand-mile gallery condensing the essence of Xinjiang." Heroic Road: Built from 1974 to 1983 by tens of thousands of soldiers over 10 years, with 168 sacrifices—on average, one soldier is buried every 3 kilometers. The memorial monument and tombs at the Qiaolma Martyrs Cemetery make this road a "heavenly road paved with lives." 2. Scenic Highlights: A Visual Feast at Every Step Northern Section (Dushanzi - Qiaolma): Dushanzi Grand Canyon: A 200-meter-deep valley formed by billions of years of wind erosion, with ravines carved like knives and chisels. From a drone’s view, the river at the valley bottom and the cliffside road create a stunning "earth fissure" scene. Hashilagen Daban Pass: At 3,390 meters elevation, this snow-capped mountain pass features the world’s only avalanche-proof long corridor. In summer, you can witness the rare spectacle of "snow flying in June." Qiaolma Martyrs Cemetery: 168 tombstones stand silently, with an inscription on the monument reading "Comrades who sacrificed their lives for the Duku Highway project will live forever," inviting drivers to pay tribute to heroes. Central Section (Qiaolma - Bayinbuluke): Nalati Grassland: One of the world’s four major alpine grasslands, where snowy spruce trees and Kazakh yurts blend in the aerial grassland. From June to August, wildflowers bloom everywhere, resembling scenes from a Studio Ghibli animation. Bayinbuluke Grassland: China’s second-largest grassland, where the Kaidu River forms "nine bends and eighteen turns." At sunset, you can capture the rare sight of "nine suns" reflected on the river surface. Southern Section (Bayinbuluke - Kuqa): Big and Small Dragon Pools: Two sapphires deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with emerald-green waters reflecting surrounding snow peaks. Legend says these are the bathing pools of the Queen Mother of the West. Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: Reddish-brown rock walls formed by billions of years of wind erosion. When sunlight penetrates the canyon, the walls look like burning flames. It is rated by China National Geographic as one of "China’s top ten most beautiful canyons." 3. Self-Driving Experience: Challenges and Surprises 1. Driving Difficulty: Sharp Turns and Steep Slopes: 280 kilometers of the route are above 2,000 meters. The northern "Tiger’s Mouth" section runs along cliffs and requires strict speed control. Complex Road Conditions: Although upgraded to a secondary highway, some sections still have rockfall risks. Pay attention to traffic signs near avalanche corridors and tunnels. Vehicle Recommendations: SUVs with engine displacement above 1.5L are recommended. Novice drivers should travel in groups and prepare anti-skid chains and emergency tools. 2. Seasonal Restrictions: Open Period: Early June to mid-October annually (closed for winter from October 21, 2025, reopening in June 2026). Best Time: July to August for grassland flowers, September for colorful autumn, but be alert for sudden snow or rainstorms causing mudslides. 3. Supplies and Accommodation: Key Stops: Qiaolma (monument, restaurants), Nalati Town (concentrated homestays), Bayinbuluke Town (hotels), Kuqa City (end point). Booking Tips: Accommodations are tight during peak season; book at least one month in advance. Bayinbuluke yurt homestays offer Kazakh cultural experiences (100-200 RMB per person per night). 4. Culture and History: The Spiritual Totem Behind the Road Epic Road Construction: From 1974, tens of thousands of soldiers worked in extreme cold of minus 40°C, using ropes for suspended operations and explosives to blast mountains. It took 10 years to complete this "lifeline" that halved the distance between northern and southern Xinjiang. Kucha Culture: The endpoint Kuqa City is the ancient site of the Kingdom of Kucha. The murals of the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and the domes of Kuqa Grand Mosque tell the glory of Western Region civilization. Folk Customs: Along the way, you can visit Kazakh herders’ homes, taste hand-pulled meat and kumis (fermented mare’s milk), and watch the "Girl Chase" horseback performance. 5. Practical Information and Pitfall Avoidance Traffic Control: Closed in winter (November to May). Check road conditions before travel (follow the "Xinjiang is a Good Place" official website). Environmental Requirements: Carry your trash to supply points for disposal. Drones must be registered for flight in Qiaolma, Nalati, and other locations. Photography Tips: Northern Section Morning Fog: Shoot the rising mist over Dushanzi Grand Canyon between 7-8 AM. Southern Section Sunset: Wait after 7 PM for the slanting light in Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon. Safety Tips: Mountain areas have weak signals; download offline maps. Evacuate to high ground immediately during heavy rain and avoid low-lying roads. 6. Summary: The Ultimate Road Trip You Must Drive in Your Lifetime The charm of Duku Highway lies in how its 561 kilometers condense the grandeur and history of Xinjiang. Here, you can experience the magic of "crossing four seasons with one step on the gas" and the solemnity of "loyal bones buried every kilometer." It offers the thrill of pushing driving limits and the healing peace of watching clouds roll by. When your wheels crush the snow at Hashilagen and the sunset dyes the Kuqa canyon walls red, you will realize: this road has long surpassed being just a "highway"—it is an epic of courage, reverence, and heritage.