Ultimate Duku Highway Self-Drive Road Trip Itinerary 2026年
Embark on a legendary 7-day self-drive journey along China's most scenic mountain highway, the Duku Road. This itinerary is crafted for photographers, traversing from the deserts near Ürümqi to the stunning grasslands and canyons of southern Xinjiang, covering dramatic altitude changes and diverse landscapes.
Highlights
Route Map
Explore all attractions along this 7-day itinerary
Why This Route?
This route is perfect for photography enthusiasts seeking dramatic landscapes—from snow-capped passes and alpine lakes to vast grasslands and red-rock canyons. The Duku Highway is a feat of engineering that offers unparalleled access to Xinjiang's most iconic and visually stunning natural scenery in a relatively compact route.
Driving Information
Route
Urumqi → [G312, 253km] → Dushanzi → [G217, 131km] → Qiaerma → [G217, 64km] → Nalati → [G217, 89km] → Bayanbulak → [G217, 177km] → Kuqa → [G314, 290km] → Korla
Road Conditions
The Duku Highway is a well-paved but mountainous road with countless bends, steep ascents/descents, and potential for weather-related closures (snow, landslides). It is only open seasonally, typically from June to October. Driving requires moderate skill due to high altitudes (up to 3400m at passes) and winding sections. Check official openings before travel.
7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Ürümqi → Dushanzi (250km)
Depart from Ürümqi and drive west to Dushanzi, the northern starting point of the Duku Highway. Visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon in the afternoon, where the dramatic, layered cliffs offer fantastic photography opportunities, especially during the golden hour. Acclimatize to the journey and prepare for the mountain drive ahead.
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Day 2: Dushanzi → Qiao'er Ma → Nalati (200km)
Enter the most iconic section of the Duku Highway. Drive through steep, winding mountain roads, crossing the Hashilegen Daban pass—often with snow visible even in summer. Stop at the Qiao'er Ma Martyrs' Cemetery to pay respects to the builders of the highway. Continue through lush valleys to the Nalati area.
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Day 3: Nalati Exploration (0km drive day)
A dedicated day to explore and photograph the world-renowned Nalati Grassland. Focus on the Valley Grassland section, known for its rolling green hills, scattered herds, winding streams, and Kazakh yurts. Spend the day capturing the pastoral beauty, with optimal light in the early morning and late afternoon.
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Day 4: Nalati → Bayanbulak (80km)
A shorter driving day through stunning landscapes. Arrive at the vast, high-altitude Bayanbulak Grassland. In the afternoon, visit the core scenic area and take the shuttle to the famous viewing platform for the 'Nine Bends' of the Kaidu River. This is one of the trip's photographic pinnacles—aim to be there for sunset when the river reflects the sky.
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Day 5: Bayanbulak → Kuqa Grand Canyon → Kuqa (260km)
Continue south on the Duku Highway, descending from the grasslands. Pass by the picturesque Big and Small Dragon Pools, two alpine lakes surrounded by forest. Later, arrive at the spectacular Kuqa Grand Canyon (also called Tianshan Grand Canyon). Hike into the narrow, red sandstone canyon for dramatic photography. Drive to Kuqa city for the night.
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Day 6: Kuqa Exploration (0km drive day)
A cultural and historical photography day. Take a day trip to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, one of the earliest major Buddhist cave complexes in China. The murals and cave architecture offer unique photographic subjects. Spend the rest of the day exploring Kuqa's old town or relaxing after the long drive.
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Day 7: Kuqa → Korla → Ürümqi (Long return drive)
The final day involves a long return drive to Ürümqi. Drive east to Korla, then take the expressway north across the desert and the Tianshan foothills back to the starting point. This is primarily a transit day with highway scenery.
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Car Repair & Rescue Services
Continental Tire (Tianshan East Road) Auto Service
Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, China
13999628627Local Cuisine
Kebab (Chuanr)
Xinjiang's famous skewers of grilled lamb, seasoned with cumin and chili.
Polo (Xinjiang Lamb Pilaf)
Flavorful rice dish cooked with carrots, onions, raisins, and tender lamb.
Nang (Xinjiang Flatbread)
A staple bread, perfect for travel. Comes in many varieties, often stamped with patterns.
Big Plate Chicken (Dapanji)
A hearty stew of chicken, potatoes, bell peppers, and wide noodles in a spicy sauce.
Yogurt (Suannai)
Thick, tart, and often served with honey or sugar. A refreshing local dairy product.
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