The Duku Highway in Xinjiang is a popular tourist route known for its magnificent natural scenery and unique driving experience.?
The Duku Highway starts from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, with a total length of 561 kilometers. It is known as one of the most beautiful highways in China and is the best route for traveling from northern to southern Xinjiang. Along the way, visitors can enjoy spectacular scenery such as ‘four seasons in one day and different weather every ten li’, including grasslands, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and other natural landscapes.?
The best travel time is from June to September each year. During this period, the scenery along the Duku Highway is picturesque, with lush grasslands and blooming flowers, making it an excellent time to experience the grassland scenery. Especially in August, visitors can experience the unique feeling of ‘four seasons in one day’, and there are relatively fewer tourists, making it more suitable for in-depth travel.?
The Duku Highway is divided into the northern, middle, and southern sections. The northern section runs from Dushanzi Grand Canyon to Qiaoerma, with attractions such as Dushanzi Grand Canyon and Hashilegen Daban along the way; the middle section runs from Qiaoerma to Nalati to Bayinbuluk, featuring scenic spots like Nalati Grassland and Bayinbuluk Grassland; the southern section runs from Bayinbuluk to Kuqa, passing by attractions such as the Big and Small Dragon Lakes and the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon.?
In addition, due to its complex terrain and changeable climate, the Duku Highway is closed from around October each year to May of the next year due to heavy snowfall. Therefore, special attention should be paid when planning the itinerary.?
In short, the Duku Highway in Xinjiang is a tourist route that combines natural scenery and human history. Whether driving alone or with a tour group, it can provide tourists with an unforgettable travel experience.?