Duku Highway: Experience Four Seasons in One Day

Duku Highway (G217 from Dushanzi to Kuqa) is hailed as one of "China's most beautiful highways." Stretching approximately 561 kilometers, it traverses the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, offering diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and lakes. Due to climate restrictions, the highway is only open from June to October each year (specific dates depend on annual weather conditions). It is recommended to check road conditions in advance.

🚌 Travel Itinerary (Recommended Duration: 5-7 Days)
Starting Point: Dushanzi Grand Canyon. This iconic starting point is renowned for its rugged canyon terrain. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here for photos and sightseeing. Nearby, Dushanzi town offers a chance to replenish supplies.

Highlights Along the Route:
⛺ Nalati Grassland: Alpine grassland scenery with lush greenery in summer, ideal for horseback riding or camping (Entrance fee: approximately ¥95).
⛺ Bayinbuluke: Famous for its breathtaking sunset over the "Nine Bends of the River." Allocate half a day here (Entrance fee + shuttle bus: ¥140).
⛺ Small and Large Dragon Pools: High-altitude lakes in the Tianshan Mountains with crystal-clear blue waters, perfect for a short rest stop.

Ending Point: Kuqa. At the final destination, Kuqa County, you can explore Kuqa Grand Canyon (reddish-brown rock formations, approximately 2 hours of hiking) and Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (Buddhist grotto relics, entrance fee: ¥70).

👉 Important Notes:
- Traffic Restrictions: Duku Highway is limited to vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, and night travel is prohibited (usually from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM).
- Altitude Changes: Elevation ranges from Dushanzi (700 meters) to Haxilegen Pass (3,400 meters). Be cautious of altitude sickness.
- Gas Stations: Fuel stations are sparse along the route. Fill up in Dushanzi, Nalati, and Bayinbuluke.
- Unpredictable Weather: Mountain areas are prone to rain and snow. Bring warm clothing and snow chains, even in summer.

🍩 Accommodation and Dining:
- Recommended Lodging: Nalati Town and Bayinbuluke Town. Book in advance during peak season.
- Local Cuisine: Enjoy Xinjiang specialties such as hand-grabbed lamb, baked buns, and milk tea. There are plenty of restaurants in the towns along the way.

🕘 Best Travel Seasons:
- June to August: Grasslands are lush and green, with pleasant weather.
- September to October: Autumn colors paint the landscape, and there are fewer tourists.

🧡 Tip: Many areas along Duku Highway lack cell signal. Download offline maps in advance.