The tourist route from Kuqa to Yining mainly follows the Duku Highway, a magnificent self-driving route connecting southern and northern Xinjiang. Here is a detailed tourist route planning:?
Departure and Initial Route Segment:?
Starting from Kuqa, you can first visit Kuqa Old Town to experience its rich historical atmosphere and unique architectural style.?
Then drive to the Big and Small Dragon Lakes, where the lake water is clear and blue, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains, making it an excellent spot for taking photos.?
Middle Section Attractions:?
Next, head to Kuqa Grand Canyon (Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon), a natural wonder untouched by humans. The canyon is deep and steep, with rock walls of various shapes that are breathtaking.?
Afterwards, arrive at Bayanbulak Grasslands, where the vast grasslands and distant rolling mountains form a beautiful picture. Here, tourists can choose to camp or stay in yurts to experience the lifestyle of the grassland people.?
North Section Attractions and Final Destination:?
Starting from Bayanbulak, continue north along the Duku Highway to arrive at the Nalati Grasslands. Known as the ‘Aerial Grasslands’, Nalati is one of the famous grasslands in Xinjiang. Tourists can choose to ride horses or hike to experience this magical land up close.?
Finally, head to Yining via the Yizhao Highway, where you can visit attractions such as Guozigou and Sayram Lake along the way. Yining, the capital of the Ili Prefecture, is rich in culture and cuisine, making it a perfect destination to end this trip.?
Precautions:?
The Duku Highway is 561 kilometers long, passing through the Tianshan Mountains along the way, crossing multiple tunnels and bridges. The road conditions are complex, so it is recommended that tourists make full preparations and plans before departure.?
Due to the uniqueness of the Duku Highway, it is recommended that tourists choose vehicle models suitable for self-driving and ensure that the vehicle is in good condition.?
Please keep an eye on weather changes during the trip to ensure safe driving.?
This tourist route not only covers the magnificent scenery of southern and northern Xinjiang, but also gives tourists the opportunity to deeply experience the local culture and folklore. Whether you are a self-driving enthusiast or a photography lover, you can find your own fun and gains on this route.?