Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery Guide | Duku Highway Memorial Xinjiang

Perched at 2,317 meters (7,600 feet) in the green valley where the Kash River meets the Qiaoerma Grassland, the Qiaoerma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery (乔尔玛烈士陵园) stands as a solemn tribute to the 168 soldiers who died carving the Duku Highway through the Tianshan Mountains. For travelers driving one of China’s most scenic roads, this site offers a necessary pause – not just for photographs of dramatic mountain contrasts, but for understanding the human cost behind the asphalt and tunnels.

Unlike the purely scenic stops that dot the Duku Highway, Qiaoerma asks visitors to shift from sightseer to pilgrim. The white monument, the quiet rows of headstones, and the small museum filled with rusted tools and yellowed photographs transform a road trip into an act of remembrance. This guide covers what to expect at the cemetery, the history embedded in its grounds, and practical considerations for including this emotional stop in your Xinjiang journey.

History of the Duku Highway and the 168 Martyrs

The Impossible Road Through the Tianshan

The Duku Highway (G217) stretches 561 kilometers (348 miles) from Dushanzi in the north to Kuqa in the south, crossing the Tianshan Mountain range at elevations over 3,000 meters. Construction began in 1974 under orders from the People's Liberation Army, with the goal of linking northern and southern Xinjiang by a direct route through treacherous mountain terrain. Over 13,000 soldiers worked in conditions that challenged survival itself: avalanches buried camps, mudslides swallowed equipment, and snowstorms lasted weeks.

The official death toll stands at 168 soldiers, though some local accounts suggest the number may be higher. The oldest victim was 31; the youngest had just turned 16.

Why Qiaoerma Was Chosen

Qiaoerma (乔尔玛) sits at the northern junction of the Duku Highway and the Yiqiao Highway (which leads to Yining and the Ili Valley). The location was strategic – it was near the construction camps where many soldiers were stationed, and the flat river terrace provided space for a proper memorial. The site was originally a simple burial ground for those who died in the adjacent sections of the road.

In 1984, following the highway’s completion, the cemetery was formally established, and in 2006 the monument was rebuilt to its current grand scale. The words engraved on the monument read: “The immortal spirit of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the Duku Highway lasts forever.”

What to See at Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery

The Monument to the 168 Soldiers

The central monument towers over the valley, a white obelisk with a red star at its peak. At its base lie wreaths and fresh flowers left by visitors – military units, school groups, and solo travelers alike. The names of the fallen are carved on stone tablets surrounding the monument.

Allow at least 15 minutes here simply to read the names and absorb the scale of sacrifice. The site’s orientation faces the mountains the soldiers worked to conquer, creating a direct visual link between the memorial and the landscape of their labor.

Duku Highway Memorial Museum

Adjacent to the monument is a small museum (confirmed by multiple sources to exist, though official opening hours are not consistently published). The museum displays black-and-white photographs of construction scenes, personal belongings of soldiers (letters, uniforms, tools), and a time line of the road’s construction. One evocative display shows a length of rope and a pickaxe – the same tools used to chip through rock faces before machinery could be brought up.

The museum is modest but moving; most visitors spend 20–30 minutes inside. If the museum is closed (which can happen off-season or during staff breaks), the descriptions outside the building still offer context.

The Guardian and the Stories They Keep

For many years, Chen Junui (陈俊贵), a survivor of an avalanche that killed several squad members, served as the cemetery’s guardian. His story – of a promise to his dying squad leader to look after the fallen – became known across China after a TV report. Although Mr.

Chen no longer lives permanently at the site, his family or other caretakers often are present, and visitors can hear first-hand accounts of the road’s construction. If you see an elderly man in a PLA-style cap sitting near the monument, do not hesitate to greet him respectfully. These oral histories add a personal layer that no plaque can convey.

Scenic Contrast: Memorial Amid Grasslands

The visual impact of the cemetery comes from its setting: the stark white monument against the vibrant green of the Qiaoerma Grassland, with the snow-capped peaks of the Hashilegen Pass visible in the distance. This juxtaposition carries a symbolic weight – the serenity of the resting place set against the harsh mountains the soldiers struggled against. Photographers will find strong compositions from the eastern edge of the site, where the Kash River curves below the cemetery.

Practical Travel Guide for Qiaoerma

Best Time to Visit

The Duku Highway typically opens from mid-June to early October, though exact dates depend on snow melt and weather conditions each year. Qiaoerma is only accessible during this window.

Within that period, July and August offer the lushest grassland colors, while late September brings golden tones to the landscape and thinner crowds. Avoid visiting during Chinese national holidays (first week of October) if you want space for quiet reflection.

Getting There: Route Logic

All routes to Qiaoerma require driving a section of the Duku Highway. Two main approaches exist:

• From the north (Dushanzi): 2–3 hours driving southeast through the Tianshan valleys. This is the most common approach for travelers based in northern Xinjiang (Urumqi or Karamay).
• From the south (Kuqa): 4–5 hours driving north through the mountains, passing through the dramatic Iron Buy Daban and Dragon Pool sections. This approach offers the most spectacular scenery but is more demanding.

Both routes involve winding mountain roads, potential for sudden weather changes (rain or hail even in summer), and occasional livestock on the pavement. Plan for a full day if you are making a dedicated trip from either endpoint.

Altitude and Safety

At 2,317 meters, Qiaoerma does not pose a risk of acute altitude sickness for most visitors. The altitude becomes relevant only if you proceed south to the highest passes (Lapin Tunnel at 3,200 meters or Hashilegen Pass at 3,400 meters). If you or your travel companions have heart or respiratory conditions, be aware that short walks up the gentle slope from the parking area might still cause breathlessness.

Carry water and the usual road-trip supplies: extra layers (temperatures can drop below 10°C / 50°F even in July), sun protection, and snacks. No official medical station exists at Qiaoerma; the nearest clinics are in Nileke County town (about 40 km east).

Ticket and Duration

The site is free – no ticket booth or admission fee was confirmed at the time of writing. Donations are sometimes accepted for upkeep. Most independent travelers spend 30–60 minutes, depending on interest in the museum and willingness to walk across the cemetery grounds.

If you are a history enthusiast or plan to listen to the guardian’s stories, budget 1.5 hours. Parking is available on a flattended area near the monument; it can become congested during July and August weekends.

Facilities

Basic – expect a small parking area, an information board, and possibly a simple restroom (unverified condition). No permanent restaurant or shop exists on site, though during peak season a few mobile vendors may sell water and snacks. Bring your own food and water for the journey, especially if you are continuing south toward Kuqa where services are sparse.

Who Should Visit Qiaoerma (and Who Should Skip)

Visit if: You are passionate about modern Chinese infrastructure history, road engineering, or military sacrifice. The cemetery is also deeply meaningful for travelers with a personal connection to the PLA or to the region. Photographers who appreciate the interplay between memorial architecture and wild landscapes will find strong compositions.

Skip if: You are short on time and your primary interest is scenic landscape only – other Duku Highway stops like Lapin Tunnel or the Tangbula Grassland might better match your priorities. Also, if you are traveling with very young children who cannot maintain quiet behavior in a memorial setting, consider a very brief stop or rearranging schedules.

Consider length of stop: If you plan a rushed road trip, Qiaoerma still merits at least a 20-minute visit for the monument and view. But to truly honor the site’s purpose, a longer pause is appropriate.

Nearby Attractions on the Duku Highway

Tangbula Grassland (Hundred Mile Gallery)

Qiaoerma marks the northern gateway of the Tangbula “Hundred Mile Gallery” – a 50-kilometer stretch of rolling grasslands, pine forests, and river bends along the Yiqiao Highway toward Yining. If you have time, drive 15–20 kilometers east of Qiaoerma for classic Tianshan pastoral scenery. The grassland is most photogenic in late afternoon light.

Hashilegen Pass

Immediately south of Qiaoerma, the Duku Highway climbs steeply to the Hashilegen Pass (3,400 meters). The road is narrow and has blind curves; drive cautiously. At the top, a small viewing platform overlooks the layered mountain ranges. Snow can linger even in August – bring a jacket.

Nileke County Town

About 40 kilometers east of Qiaoerma, Nileke town offers basic lodging, fuel, and a small market. It is a practical base for those who want to break the Duku Highway into two days, especially if driving southward to Kuqa.

Photography Tips

• Best light: Early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 5 PM) provides soft light on the monument and avoids harsh shadows. Midday sun washes out the white obelisk.
• Composition: Frame the monument against the Hashilegen Pass snow peaks using a telephoto lens (70-200mm). For wider shots, include the river curve below the cemetery.
• Respectful shooting: Avoid photographing individual graves in a way that feels intrusive. Group shots at the monument are common. Drone flight over the cemetery is not confirmed as permitted – assume it is restricted due to the solemn nature of the site and possible local regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Qiaoerma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery built?

The cemetery commemorates 168 soldiers of the People's Liberation Army who lost their lives between 1974 and 1983 while constructing the Duku Highway (G217) through the Tianshan Mountains. It was built at the junction of the Duku Highway and the Yiqiao Highway in Nileke County, Ili Prefecture.

Is there a museum at the cemetery?

Yes, the Duku Highway Memorial Museum is located next to the monument. It houses photographs, tools, and documents from the construction era. Opening hours are not consistently published; expect it to be open during daylight hours when the road season is active.

When is the best time to visit Qiaoerma?

The best time is June to September, when the Duku Highway is open and the surrounding grasslands are green. July and August offer the warmest weather but also the largest crowds. Late September provides fewer visitors and golden-toned autumn grass.

What other attractions are nearby?

Tangbula Grassland (Hundred Mile Gallery) starts right at Qiaoerma and extends eastward. Hashilegen Pass with its snow-capped peaks is a short drive south. Nileke County town (40 km east) has accommodation and supplies.

Is Qiaoerma affected by altitude sickness?

The cemetery sits at 2,317 meters, which is moderate and does not cause altitude illness for most. However, the site involves some walking on a gentle incline; those with heart or respiratory issues should proceed at a cautious pace. Higher passes nearby (3,200–3,400 meters) may require awareness.

Do I need a permit to visit the cemetery?

No permit is needed for the cemetery itself. However, the Duku Highway is a national road with occasional military checkpoints – foreign nationals should carry passports and register as required by local regulations (check with your tour operator or local authorities before travel).

Can I fly a drone at Qiaoerma?

Drone regulations at the site are not officially stated. Given the presence of military-associated monuments and the general ban on drones near memorial sites in China, assume drone flight is prohibited. Always check with local police or site staff.

Plan your journey along the Duku Highway with confidence. For personalized itinerary advice that includes Qiaoerma Cemetery, the Tangbula Grasslands, and the best stops across the Tianshan, contact West China Travel. We match routes to your interests – whether you want deep historical context or pure scenic wonder.