A Romantic Encounter of Snow Mountains, Grasslands, and Danxia Landscapes

Driving Diary of the Southern Section of Duku Highway: A Romantic Encounter of Snow Mountains, Grasslands, and Danxia Landscapes

📍Route Overview

G217 Atha Line: Runs through the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, connecting Altay City and the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County.
Duku Highway (this trip’s southern section): Nalati → Bayinbuluke → Big and Small Dragon Pools → Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, a surprise encounter with “Ten Miles of Different Skies.”

🚗 Day 1: Nalati → Bayinbuluke · Pastoral Song of the Grasslands

Spruce and Curves: Leaving Nalati, slender and tall spruces stretch along the mountainside, the highway winding through, meadows blending yellow and green, with a panoramic view like a painting.
Cute Moment: Encountered a calf lying in the middle of the road, guarded by a big cow nearby, warmly reminding: please slow down when driving in mountainous areas and don’t disturb the “road boss” cattle and sheep~
Grassland Charm: Entering Bayinbuluke, the terrain is flat and open, flocks of black-headed sheep dot the grassland, their colorful markings like flowing musical notes.
Taste Surprise: Tried highland mangoes by the roadside, sweet and juicy, each bite full of sunshine flavor.
Weather Bonus: After the rain, the temperature dropped sharply, the chill biting, yet it brought the misty beauty of the grassland shrouded in rain and fog.
Lucky Blessing: That night heard the northern section was temporarily closed due to weather, feeling grateful the southern section was clear and able to continue forward!

🚗 Day 2: Bayinbuluke → Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon · A Feast of Landforms

Snow Mountains as Companions: Driving along the grassland valley, snow-capped mountains stretch on both sides of the road, seemingly within reach.
Tunnel Boundary: Passing through the Hutun Guoleng Tunnel, the snow mountains gradually fade, welcoming the winding challenge of the “Eighteen Bends of Mountain Roads,” steering gently as the scenery changes with each curve.
Cattle and Sheep “Encounter”: Two cows beside the road were rummaging through a trash bin chewing plastic bags, the owner stopped them in time, urging: protect the environment, don’t let animals eat garbage~
Pastoral Painting: Descending the mountain, the hillside is densely covered with flocks of sheep, like scattered pearls sprinkled across the land.
Dragon Pools Serenity: Passing by Dragon Pool Waterfall, the Big and Small Dragon Pools backed by pine forests, the lake water calm as a mirror, a natural viewing platform by the national highway, every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy.
Danxia Finale: Entering the Danxia landform area, red rock formations in myriad shapes, finally arriving at the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, the red cliffs are breathtaking.
Tribute to the Brave: Encountered cyclists on the Duku Highway, measuring mountains and rivers with their sweat, their backs are the most beautiful scenery on the road👍

✨ Trip Summary

Though only traveling the southern section and not experiencing the full “four seasons in one day,” the successive appearances of snow mountains, grasslands, lakes, and Danxia landscapes are enough to captivate the heart. Every kilometer of the Duku Highway is a symphony of nature and culture.