The travel route from Kuqa to Yili mainly follows the Duku Highway, which is a spectacular self-driving route. Here is a detailed travel route planning:?
Departure and First Destination:?
Departing from Kuqa in southern Xinjiang, you can first visit Kuqa Old Town to feel its rich historical atmosphere, see ancient building clusters, and experience local customs.?
Afterwards, drive to the Big and Small Dragon Lakes. Located deep in the Tianshan Mountains, the lakes have clear and blue water reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains, making them perfect spots for taking photos.?
Crossing the Southern Section of the Duku Highway:?
Driving north along the southern section of the Duku Highway, you will pass through Kuqa Grand Canyon (the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan). This is a naturally carved wonder with deep and steep canyons, and the rock walls of various shapes are breathtaking.?
Continuing on, you will arrive at Bayanbulak Grassland. Here, the grassland stretches endlessly, with distant rolling mountains and blue skies and white clouds forming a splendid contrast. In the evening, you can choose to camp on the grassland or stay in a local yurt to experience the lifestyle of the grassland people.?
Exploring the Middle Section’s Beauty:?
Departing from Bayanbulak, the next destination is the Nalati Grassland. Known as the "Sky Grassland," Nalati Grassland boasts beautiful natural scenery and rich folk cultural activities, such as wrestling and archery.?
In Nalati, you can choose to explore by horseback riding or hiking, getting up close and personal with this magical land.?
Heading to Yili:?
After passing through Nalati, continue driving along the Duku Highway to arrive at Tekes, Zhaosu, and other places. These places have unique natural scenery and human landscapes, such as the Tekes Bagua City and the Zhaosu rapeseed flower fields.?
Finally, head to Yining via the Yizhao Highway. In Yining, you can visit famous attractions such as Guozigou and Sayram Lake. Entering from the east gate of Sayram Lake, you can enjoy the breathtaking lake and mountain scenery.?
Return Suggestions:?
If you plan to return to Urumqi, you can choose to cross the Anjihai Grand Canyon as part of your return route, which will add more magnificent scenery to your trip.?
Throughout the journey, the magnificent scenery of the Duku Highway will accompany you, from the red Yadan landform in southern Xinjiang to the Grand Canyon, and then to the snow-capped mountains and the Tianshan Mountains in northern Xinjiang. Every place is a scene worth stopping to admire. Remember to plan your itinerary in advance, prepare the necessary travel supplies, and enjoy this unforgettable trip from Kuqa to Yili.?