The Duku Highway: 561 km, Experience Four Seasons in a Day

The Duku Highway, a section of National Highway 217 from Dushanzi to Kuqa, spans 561 km and is open for only four months a year. It has been hailed by China National Geographic as a "scenic avenue across the Tianshan Mountains," where you can experience four seasons in a single day, traversing high mountains and canyons, snow-capped mountains and lakes, Gobi deserts, spruce forests, and Yardang landforms. Duku Highway Overview: The Duku Highway is divided into three sections: North, Middle, and South. 🚗 North Section: Dushanzi - Qiaoerma - Nalati, approx. 230 km, approx. 4.5 hrs 🚗 Middle Section: Nalati - Bayanbulak, approx. 61 km, approx. 1.5 hrs 🚗 South Section: Bayanbulak - Kuqa, approx. 270 km, approx. 5 hrs Attractions along the way: Anjihai Grand Canyon: Magnificent canyon landscapes, rich vegetation and wildlife, and colorful canyon scenery. Bayanbulak: The second largest grassland in China, offering views of the "Nine Suns." Dushanzi Grand Canyon: The first scenic spot on the Duku Highway. Nalati Grassland: A vibrant river valley and mountain grassland, the ultimate "sky grassland." Tangbula Grassland: Shepherds, yurts, and cattle and sheep everywhere. Qiaoerma Martyrs' Cemetery: A testament to the difficulty of constructing the Duku Highway, where countless heroes are buried in the Tianshan Mountains. Admission Fee: Free Opening Hours: Mid-June to October annually Vehicle Requirements: Vehicles with 7 seats or less and small 6-seater RVs are permitted (RVs with a height limit of 4.5m). Tips: Choose a 4WD SUV if possible, as occasional snow or gravel due to weather conditions may make it difficult for low-chassis vehicles to pass safety checkpoints. There are many curves along the road, so those prone to carsickness should prepare accordingly. Vehicle Check - Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and has sufficient fuel. Gas stations are scarce along the Duku Highway. It is recommended to fill up in Karamay, Qiaoerma, Nalati, Bayanbulak, etc. The mobile signal is unstable along the highway, so download offline maps in advance. There are 33 designated photo stops along the way. Please use these areas for roadside photography and be mindful of safety. Drone pilots can fly their drones without prior notification, except near checkpoints.