Complete Guide to Driving the Duku Highway by Yourself
The Duku Highway (G217 Dushanzi—Kuqa) spans 561 kilometers across the Tianshan Mountains: opening times, reservation and traffic restrictions, refueling and restroom rhythms, and nine must-stop spots along the way are all explained at once. The complete self-driving guide for the Duku Highway is part of the Xinjiang travel preparation series: it clearly addresses practical issues such as seasons and duration, documents and border permits, car rental and transportation, payment and internet access, food and accommodation, so you can check everything off before departure.
Open Windows and Reservations
The Duku Highway is only open from early-to-mid June to early-to-mid October each year due to snow. The exact opening dates are based on announcements from the traffic police at the Dushanzi and Kuqa ends; during the peak season in July and August, reservations are required, and you need to obtain a travel permit in advance through the 'Xinjiang Traffic Police' or the local official account. On holidays, there are also odd-even license plate restrictions.
Travel Pace
The entire 561 km route involves mountain roads and speed-restricted sections, normally requiring 10–12 hours of pure driving time. It is recommended to split it into two days: the northern section Dushanzi—Qiaerma—Nalati for an overnight stay, the southern section Bayinbuluke—Big and Small Dragon Pools—Kuqa. Trying to do it all in one day will result in missing almost all scenic viewpoints along the way.
Must-Stop Nine Sceneries
Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Zahou Lugen Daban Tunnel, Qiaerma Martyrs' Monument, Tangbula Branch Line, Nalati Sky Grassland, Bayinbuluke Nine Curves and Eight Bends, Big and Small Dragon Pools, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, Kuqa Old Town. Qiaerma is the only significant supply point. Gas stations exist only at both ends and in Nalati and Bayinbuluke, so refuel when you see your tank is half full.
Vehicles and Driving
Ordinary sedans can pass, but the Daban sections have sharp bends and steep slopes, so an SUV is recommended; the Zahou Lugen Daban is at an altitude of 3,400 meters, so watch out for radiator overheating and brake fade, and use engine braking on long downhill stretches in low gear. Give priority to cattle and sheep on the road, and during oncoming traffic do not occupy the opposite lane.
Weather and Equipment
Experiencing four seasons in one day is not an exaggeration: 30°C at the base, and snow may fall at the Daban peaks. Keep thin down jackets, rain gear, motion sickness medicine, and high-calorie snacks in the car; mobile signal is only available in towns and on Daban sections, so download maps offline in advance.