Duku Highway

The Duku Highway is a famous seasonal highway in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, known as one of the "most beautiful highways in China". It connects Dushanzi in northern Xinjiang and Kuche in southern Xinjiang, with a total length of about 561 kilometers, spanning the Tianshan Mountains. It is a highway that integrates natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and engineering wonders.

The Duku Highway is famous for its climate characteristics of "four seasons in a day, different days within ten miles" and magnificent natural scenery. The highway winds through the Tianshan Mountains, with diverse landscapes along the way, ranging from deserts and Gobi to alpine meadows, from snow capped mountains and glaciers to canyons and rivers, with rich changes in scenery.

North section: Dushanzi Giorma
Characteristics: The northern section of the road is steep and rugged, with numerous canyons running through it, making it the most thrilling and exciting section of the Duku Highway.
Main attractions:
Dushanzi Grand Canyon: located south of Dushanzi District, with steep cliffs on both sides and unique landforms, it is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Tiger Mouth: One of the most dangerous sections of the highway, with steep mountains and numerous bends.
Haxiligenda Ban: With an altitude of about 3400 meters, it is the highest point in the northern section and is covered in snow all year round. You can experience the fun of skiing in summer.

Middle section: Jorma Narati
Features: The middle section is relatively flat, with beautiful grassland scenery, which is the essence of Duku Highway.
Main attractions:
Giorma Martyrs Cemetery: Built to commemorate the 168 officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Duku Highway, it is an important place to pay tribute to the martyrs.
Tangbula Baili Gallery: located west of Joelma, the grassland, forest, and snow capped mountains complement each other, creating a picturesque scenery.
Nalati Grassland: One of the four major grasslands in the world, with abundant water and grass, herds of cattle and sheep, it is an ideal place to experience Kazakh folk culture.

Southern section: Nalati Kuche
Characteristics: The terrain in the southern section gradually descends, transitioning from alpine meadows to desert Gobi, and the landscape changes significantly.
Main attractions:
Bayinbuluke Grassland: the second largest grassland in China, located in the hinterland of Tianshan Mountains. The winding Kaidu River is a favorite of photography enthusiasts.
Tie Li Mai Ti Da Ban: With an altitude of about 3220 meters, it is the highest point in the southern section, overlooking the magnificent valley scenery.
Xiaolongchi: Two high mountain lakes with clear water and surrounded by mountains, the scenery is peaceful and primitive.
Kuche Grand Canyon: Located north of Kuche County, the canyon features a variety of reddish brown mountain shapes, making it an excellent location for hiking and photography.
Kizil Thousand Buddha Cave: located in Kuche County, it is an important Buddhist cultural site on the Silk Road.