China's Most Scenic Highway: Duku Highway

The Duku Highway, officially known as the Dushanzi to Kuqa section of China's National Highway 217, forms the southern leg of this national route connecting southern and northern Xinjiang. Also called the Tianshan Highway due to its traverse of the Tianshan Mountains, Stretching 561 kilometers from its northern terminus in Dushanzi District, Karamay City—the oil capital of Northern Xinjiang—to its southern endpoint in Kuche City, Aksu Prefecture, Southern Xinjiang, at the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains and northern edge of the Tarim Basin, half of the highway lies above 2,000 meters in elevation. Its highest point, the Haxilegen Pass, soars over 3,400 meters.

It is not only China's most scenic highway but also embodies the decade-long epic of blood and tears endured by the soldiers who built it! By 2025, with upgraded service areas and new attractions opening, this legendary road will once again become a dream destination for travel enthusiasts. 

Xinjiang's second most scenic highway, the Ahe Highway, has also opened in 2026:

Altay–Hemu Road: One of the Most Scenic Self-Driving Routes in Xinjiang

If you'd like to explore this destination in greater depth, join our 2026 New Oriental Luxury Train Journey: 15 Days Xinjiang Luxury New Orient Express Tour June & July 2026

Duku Highway Overview

The Duku Highway stretches from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north to Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture in the south. Though only 561 kilometers long, it crosses four mountain passes over 3,000 meters high, traverses five rivers, and passes through three major grasslands. Most remarkably, it features a vertical elevation drop of 2,500 meters—equivalent to driving from the tropics to the frigid north. 

The entire Duku Highway is divided into three sections: North, Central, and South! The northern section features mountain gorges, the central section showcases plains and lakes, and the southern section reveals grassland river valleys.

Northern Section: Gorges and Snow-Capped Peaks

Dushanzi → Qiemo (approx. 150 km, 4-hour drive)

Must-Stop Attractions

Dushanzi Grand Canyon

New in 2025: Cliff Swing

2025 Opening: “Snow Mountain Café” – sip hot drinks while admiring glaciers

Photo Spot: Glass Bridge overlooking canyon fissures

Qiemo Martyrs' Cemetery: Hear the graveyard keeper recount tales of 168 road-building heroes

Central Section: Grasslands and Flower Seas

Nalati → Bayinbuluke (approx. 60 km, 1.5-hour drive)

Nalati Sky Pasture: Horseback riding through wildflower seas (New in 2025: Pony rides for children)

Bayinbuluke: Witness the renowned “Sunset over the Nine Bends and Eighteen Curves,” a must-see for many Xinjiang travelers.

Swan Lake Observation Point: Upgraded telescope equipment 

Southern Section: Oasis to Gobi Desert

Kuche → Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (approx. 70 km, 2-hour drive)

Kuche Grand Canyon: Hike through red rock canyons (Night Light Show Opens 2025)

Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: Buddhist art predating Mogao Grottoes

 

Duku Highway Travel Tips:

Opening Period & Road Conditions

Duku Highway typically opens only from June to October annually. After October, the road closes due to snowfall and harsh weather.

Accommodation Recommendations

• For the northern section, consider staying in Dushanzi or Qiemo, where accommodation facilities are relatively well-developed to suit diverse traveler needs.
• For the central section, recommend Bayinbuluke Town, conveniently located near the Bayinbuluke Grassland Scenic Area for sunrise/sunset viewing.
• For the southern section, stay in Kuche City. As a historic city, Kuche offers diverse lodging options and immerses visitors in local culture and customs.

Clothing Guide

• Summer: Daytime sun is intense; wear short sleeves with a light jacket. However, mountain weather is unpredictable with significant temperature swings between day and night. Bring down jackets or other warm layers for evenings. Mountain weather can change rapidly, with rain possible at any time, so carry a raincoat.
• Autumn: Temperatures gradually drop. Wear thick jackets, thermal leggings, and a warm hat to prevent catching a cold.

Precautions

• Respect Local Customs: Multiple ethnic minorities reside along the Duku Highway. Fully respect local customs and religious beliefs. For example, when dining at halal restaurants, do not bring outside food inside.
• Prevent Motion Sickness: Some sections feature dense curves that may induce motion sickness. Prepare motion sickness medication in advance. Additionally, in high-altitude areas, guard against altitude sickness by avoiding strenuous exercise and ensuring adequate rest.

Transportation:

This is a must-visit destination for your train journey; for more train travel options, please read the following article:

• 16 Days Xinjiang Luxury Panda Train Tour Late Aug. to Sept. 2026
• 6 Days Kashgar Folklore Tour
• The Gentle Water Town In The Heart Of The Tianshan Mountains: Bayanbulak Grassland
• The Highway to Xinjiang's Oasis: Yizhao Highway
• Xinjiang's Most Winding Highway: The Panlong Road
• China Luxury Sleeper Train: Panda Train Starts Pre-Sale In 2025
• New China Xinjiang Silkroad Luxury PandaTrain is available to book now!
• Silk Road 9 Days Essence Tour
• China G219 Highway: The Ultimate Scenic Road Trip from Xinjiang to Guangxi

Conclusion: 

The Duku Highway is not merely a vital north-south transportation artery but also a Tianshan Mountain road that encapsulates Xinjiang's magnificent landscapes and profound history. From snow-capped mountain gorges to grassland flower seas, then to Gobi oases, each segment unfolds like a moving landscape painting. Whether you choose to drive, cycle, or join us on a guided tour, the Duku Highway will be the most unforgettable journey in your travel history.

If you're seeking a trip to Xinjiang, China, the Duku Highway is an excellent choice. Contact us now to learn more about traveling in China and create a customized journey just for you.