The Duku Highway, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, is a winding and scenic road connecting Dushanzi and Kuqa with a total length of about 561 kilometers. The road traverses the majestic Tianshan Mountains, across vast grasslands and steep canyons, and is known as one of the most beautiful plateau roads in China.
Recommended for winter outings
The starting point of the Duku Highway is Dushanzi, which is the center of Xinjiang's petroleum industry, with oilfield facilities all over the place, presenting a modern scene. From here, the road winds its way up to the majestic Tien Shan mountain range, where the verdant mountains glisten in the sun. The first stop along the way is Bayingbrook, known as the "Pearl of the Tien Shan Mountains", a paradise for photography enthusiasts with its vast grasslands and verdant mountains beyond.
Continuing west, the Duku Highway passes by Tianchi in the Tianshan Mountains, the highest moraine lake in China's Tianshan Mountains. The scenery of the lake and the mountains, the alpine meadows and the lake present an idyllic scene in the sun, attracting countless tourists. Tianshan Tianchi is a site of great natural beauty and an ideal place for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Kangsu grassland along the way is a quiet and peaceful pasture, with blue sky and white clouds, cattle and sheep leisurely eating grass, forming a beautiful picture. Visitors can feel the tranquility of nature and the vastness of the grasslands here.
Next, the Duku Highway passes through Baihaba, a Kazakh herdsman's settlement, where traditional yurts and colorful Kazakh handicrafts showcase the unique culture of the land. Tourists can taste authentic milk tea, enjoy Kazakh-style song and dance performances, and feel the strong folk customs.
Eventually, the Duku Highway arrives at the Kuqa Grand Canyon, a deep canyon landscape with torrents rushing through and layers of rock. The Grand Canyon is a stunning sight to behold, and it's also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts looking for thrills.
However, there are also some things to keep in mind during the journey on the Duku Highway. First of all, due to the high terrain, there may be road closures in winter, so the best time to visit is summer and autumn. Self-driving tours are a common way to travel, but make sure that your vehicle and driving skills meet the requirements of highlands and complex terrain. During driving, you should also pay attention to altitude sickness and gradually adapt to the plateau climate.
Duku Highway is a journey full of adventure and surprises, and the scenery along the way makes you forget to return. In this pure land, tourists can appreciate the vast and diverse natural scenery of Xinjiang, feel the strong national culture, and leave indelible memories. The Duku Highway, like a poetic road leading to natural wonders and cultural attractions, awaits every traveler's exploration.