Live Your Best Lives
Xinjiang's Provincial Highway 101, also known as the National Defense Highway, was built in the 1960s to prepare for war and famine and protect against Soviet revisionist attacks. Off-road vehicles are a natural advantage here, extending deep into the landscape, offering a dazzling array of colors along the way.
The 101 Danxia Highway is a sea of colors with cliffs, hills and gullies that integrate the Yardang landform and stone forest landform. It has clear horizontal layers and rich vertical folds.
This highway boasts breathtaking scenery, with distinct layers of landscape on both sides. It's an excellent route for photography, exploration, hiking, and painting. It's also the road to the magnificent Danxia Scenic Area at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. From a high vantage point, Provincial Highway 101 looks like a crouching dragon, nestled amidst the vibrant Danxia formations.
Recommended play time:
free
All day
The 101 Danxia Highway is notable for its route through Xinjiang’s rare Danxia landforms, showcasing colorful layered rock formations formed over millions of years. It provides both geological insight and scenic beauty, making it significant for natural tourism and photography.
Located near Urumqi, Xinjiang. Best accessed by car or taxi. Some tour buses may offer excursions along the highway. Public transport is limited.
The highway is open year-round. Best visiting times are spring and autumn for mild weather and clear skies; early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting for photography.
Entry is usually free; some scenic areas or parking zones may charge a small fee payable on-site.
Booking is generally not required unless joining a guided tour or visiting specific scenic areas along the highway.
Allow 3–5 hours to drive the full length of the highway with stops for photography and short hikes.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese; English or other language tours are rare and usually require private arrangements.
Start from the highway entrance near Urumqi, stop at major scenic points in order along the route, take short hikes at select areas, and finish at the main exit while capturing panoramic photographs along the way.
Night visits are generally not recommended due to safety. No light shows are offered; special tours may be arranged through local travel agencies.
Less crowded on weekdays; weekends and public holidays attract more visitors, especially for photography tours.
Basic facilities include rest stops, parking areas, and occasional small food stalls. Bring water and snacks for longer stretches.
Main viewpoints and the highway itself are accessible by car, but hiking areas may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is recommended for small parking fees or roadside services; mobile payments may be accepted at some stops.
Limited roadside eateries; small local restaurants can be found in nearby towns along the highway.
Halal food is common; vegetarian options exist but may be limited along the highway.
Hotels and guesthouses are available in Urumqi and nearby towns; few accommodations directly along the highway.
Small souvenir stalls offer local handicrafts, postcards, and mineral rock samples.
Private car or taxi for onward travel; local bus options may require transfers to reach Urumqi or nearby attractions.
