Long Routes

Trans-Tianshan・Duku Highway

A Longitudinal Line Through Four Seasons in One Day: Dushanzi—Bayingbuluke—Kuqa

Complete Guide to the Duku Highway: Opening seasons, daily seasonal sensations, shooting spots at Qiao'erma and Big and Small Dragon Pools, and three itineraries that can be checked day by day.

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Long-term detailed explanation

The Duku Highway (G217, Dushanzi–Kuqa section) spans 561 kilometers across the Tianshan Mountains, featuring northern canyon sections, central grassland wetlands, and southern red-layered stone forests. Its characteristic description is "experiencing four seasons in one day." It is open every year from June to October (closed during the snow season), with a one-way drive taking about two days.

Three Ways to Travel

3-Day Crossing: Dushanzi—Qia’ermu—Nalati—Bayanbulak—Big and Small Dragon Pools—Kuqa.
5-Day Standard: Combined with the Nalati and Kalajun grassland sections, including herding experiences.
7-Day In-Depth: Connects north to Sayram Lake and Yining, south to Kyzyl and Kuqa ruins, completing the Tianshan Corridor in one go.

Notes

Afternoons in the mountains often bring showers and fog, so plan passes for the morning; gas stations are far apart, refuel whenever you see one; Hashilege Pass is at an altitude of 3,400 meters—short stops are fine for regular travelers, but do not linger at the pass.