A Duku Highway Xinjiang tour is one of the most spectacular road trips in China. Stretching 561 kilometers across the Tianshan Mountains, the Duku Highway connects Dushanzi in northern Xinjiang with Kuqa in southern Xinjiang, allowing travelers to experience snow-capped mountains, alpine grasslands, deep canyons, forests, lakes, and desert landscapes in a single journey.
Because the highway is only open for about four months each year, many travelers consider it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are planning a Duku Highway Xinjiang tour in 2026, this complete guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
Duku Highway Opening Season and Traffic Rules
The Duku Highway usually opens from June to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. In 2026, the entire route is expected to be open from June 1 to October 15.
Important travel information:
- Daily opening hours: 08:00 – 19:00
- Night driving is not permitted
- Vehicles with 7 seats or fewer are allowed
- Large buses, commercial vehicles, and towing caravans are prohibited
- Electric vehicles may need to register in advance depending on local regulations
- Temporary traffic controls may be implemented during the peak summer season
Before starting your Duku Highway Xinjiang tour, always check the latest road conditions and weather forecasts.
Northern Section: Dushanzi to Nalati
Distance: Approximately 230 km
Driving Time: 5–6 hours
The northern section is considered the most dramatic part of the entire highway. Travelers will cross high mountain passes, steep cliffs, and deep valleys.
Major attractions include:
- Dushanzi Grand Canyon
- Hashilegen Pass (3,400 m above sea level)
- Qiaerma Martyrs Cemetery
- Tangbula Scenic Area
Snow-covered mountains can often be seen even during summer, creating incredible photo opportunities.
Central Section: Nalati to Bayinbuluke
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Driving Time: 1.5–2 hours
This section showcases the classic grassland scenery that Xinjiang is famous for.
Highlights include:
- Nalati Grassland
- Bayinbuluke Grassland
- Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns
The landscape changes from forests to meadows and winding rivers. During sunset, visitors may witness the famous “nine suns” reflection phenomenon at Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.
For many travelers, this is the most beautiful section of a Duku Highway Xinjiang tour.
Southern Section: Bayinbuluke to Kuqa
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Driving Time: 6–7 hours
The southern section offers a completely different landscape. Green grasslands gradually disappear and are replaced by red mountains, rocky valleys, and desert scenery.
Top attractions include:
- Tielimaiti Pass
- Big Dragon Pool
- Small Dragon Pool
- Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
The dramatic contrast between northern and southern Xinjiang is one of the reasons why the Duku Highway is so famous.
Recommended 2-Day Duku Highway Xinjiang Tour
Day 1
Dushanzi → Qiaerma → Nalati
Overnight in Nalati Town
Day 2
Nalati → Bayinbuluke → Kuqa
This itinerary is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to complete the entire route.
Recommended 3-Day Duku Highway Xinjiang Tour
Day 1
Dushanzi → Qiaerma → Nalati
Overnight in Nalati
Day 2
Explore Nalati Grassland
Drive to Bayinbuluke
Overnight in Bayinbuluke
Day 3
Bayinbuluke → Dragon Pools → Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon → Kuqa
This is the most popular itinerary because it provides enough time to enjoy the scenery without rushing.
Recommended 4-Day Xinjiang Road Trip
Travelers with additional time can combine the Duku Highway with other famous destinations in northern Xinjiang.
Suggested extensions:
- Sayram Lake
- Kalajun Grassland
- Yining
- Nalati Scenic Area
This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Xinjiang.
Fuel Stations and Charging Facilities
There are five main fuel stations along the route:
- Dushanzi
- Qiaerma
- Nalati
- Bayinbuluke
- Kuqa
A useful rule is to refuel whenever your fuel tank reaches half capacity.
For electric vehicles, charging stations are available in:
- Wusuyi Service Area
- Maoliugou Service Area
- Nalati
- Bayinbuluke
Careful charging planning is highly recommended.
Accommodation Along the Duku Highway
Nalati Town
Nalati offers the best selection of hotels, restaurants, and tourist services. It is the most convenient overnight stop after completing the northern section.
Bayinbuluke Town
Bayinbuluke is the best place to stay if you want to watch the sunset at Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.
Because accommodation is limited during summer, advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Kuqa City
Kuqa is the southern gateway of the Duku Highway and offers a wide variety of hotels at reasonable prices.
Visitors can also explore:
- Kuqa Old Town
- Local markets
- Traditional Uyghur cuisine
- Famous Kuqa Nang bread
What to Wear on a Duku Highway Xinjiang Tour
Weather conditions can change rapidly due to altitude differences.
Recommended clothing:
- T-shirt
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Windproof jacket
- Lightweight down jacket
Temperature differences of more than 25°C are common during a single day.
Essential Travel Items
Make sure to bring:
- Passport or ID card
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle documents
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Power bank
- Personal medications
- Portable oxygen canister
- Insect repellent
It is also recommended to download offline maps because mobile signals can be weak in remote mountain areas.
Best Time for a Duku Highway Xinjiang Tour
June
June is considered the best month for many travelers.
Advantages:
- Fewer tourists
- Lower hotel prices
- Snow-capped mountains
- Green grasslands
- Pleasant temperatures
July and August
This is the peak travel season.
Advantages:
- Lush grasslands
- Warm weather
- Full access to all attractions
Disadvantages:
- Heavy traffic
- Higher accommodation prices
- Longer waiting times
September to Early October
Autumn brings golden forests and colorful mountain scenery.
Many experienced travelers prefer driving from Kuqa toward Dushanzi during this period to avoid the majority of traffic.
Important Travel Tips
- Do not attempt to complete the entire route in one day.
- Only stop at designated parking areas.
- Avoid stopping on mountain curves and cliffside roads.
- Carry enough drinking water and snacks.
- Check weather forecasts before departure.
- Start driving early each morning to avoid traffic congestion.
The Heroic Road of Xinjiang
The Duku Highway is more than just a scenic road. It is also known as the “Heroic Highway” because many workers sacrificed their lives during its construction.
When passing through Qiaerma, travelers often stop at the Martyrs Cemetery to pay tribute to the 168 heroes who helped build this incredible road through the Tianshan Mountains.
A Duku Highway Xinjiang tour is not only a journey through some of China’s most beautiful landscapes but also a chance to appreciate one of the country’s greatest engineering achievements.
Whether you choose a 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day itinerary, the Duku Highway promises unforgettable scenery, rich cultural experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.