What scenic spots are there along the Duku Highway for self-driving trips?

The Duku Highway in Xinjiang is part of National Highway G217, a vital route connecting the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. The highway starts in Dushanzi, Xinjiang, and ends in Kuqa. Along the way, there are many beautiful sights worth seeing. So, what are the scenic spots along the Duku Highway for self-driving trips?

Checkpoint 1: Dushanzi Grand Canyon

Located 28 kilometers south of Dushanzi District. The snowmelt water from the Tianshan Mountains rushes down the Kuitu River, forming a canyon landscape where the banks of the river have been eroded over time. The canyon walls are steep and layered, with deep ravines crisscrossing, a testament to the wonders of nature!

Checkpoint 2: “Guarding the Tianshan Road” Stele

Located 41 kilometers from Dushanzi. This is a small scenic spot on the Duku Highway. There is a tall “Guarding the Tianshan Road” commemorative monument, next to which is a large stone. The front side is inscribed with “Guarding the Tianshan Mountains,” and the back side is inscribed with “Achieving Merit on the Frontier.” This section of the road is a mountain road, mostly downhill.

Checkpoint 3: Tiger’s Mouth

Located 56 kilometers from Dushanzi. One-third of the Duku Highway is made up of cliffs and sheer precipices. In many places, it feels like the car is driving right next to the cliff wall. The protruding rocks could fall at any time, and although there are protective nets, it still makes people nervous. “Tiger’s Mouth” is the most dangerous section of the road, and drivers should pass through it as quickly as possible and not linger.

Checkpoint 4: Heavenly Waterfall

Located 95 kilometers from Dushanzi. The two large red characters “Heavenly Waterfall” on the cliff face are particularly eye-catching. The waterfall is naturally formed by the melting of glacial snow. In the mountainous area with an altitude of several thousand meters, this waterfall looks quite “mini” from afar, but when you get closer to it, the grandeur of its scale is awe-inspiring. The waterfall’s water flows rapidly, and the surrounding rock walls are steep, posing a certain risk, so it is best to avoid climbing.

Checkpoint 5: Hashilgen Pass

Located 107 kilometers from Dushanzi. Hashilgen Pass is at an altitude of 3400 meters, with perennial snow and ice. It is the section with the most serious geological hazards along the entire line. In terms of geographical characteristics, Hashilgen Pass is the watershed saddle between the Kuitu River and the Kashgar River, and the dividing point between Ili and Tacheng Prefectures on National Highway 217. Here, you can enjoy the snow mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine grasslands, and valley landscapes up close. Hashilgen Tunnel, the 100-meter snow-prevention corridor, and the dammed lake are unique attractions.

Checkpoint 6: Qorma Martyrs Cemetery

Located 134 kilometers from Dushanzi. The cemetery is located in Qorma, Nileke County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, and was built to commemorate the 168 officers and soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army who heroically sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Tianshan Duku Highway. The Qorma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery has become a famous red tourist spot on the Duku Highway.

Here, visitors can visit the memorial hall, pay homage to the monument and the martyrs’ tombs, explore the red memory up close, and commemorate the achievements of the martyrs. Qorma is one of the few places on the northern section of the Duku Highway that provides food and lodging, and visitors can rest here.

Checkpoint 7: Tangbula Forest Park

From the Qorma fork in the road, westward on S315 Provincial Highway, provides travelers with another option to reach Ili. Along the way, there is the breathtaking Tangbula “Hundred-Mile Gallery”: lush green forests, strangely shaped rocks, and colorful flowers and plants. The beautiful scenery all along the way is dazzling.

Checkpoint 8: Yuximolege Pass

Located 169 kilometers from Dushanzi. The pass is about 3300 meters above sea level and is the highest section of the Abuzhele Mountains and the highest point of the Pass Road. The Yuximolege Tunnel, which is open during the annual opening of the Duku Highway, may also be temporarily closed for various reasons. In this case, you will need to take the old gravel road to cross the pass.

Checkpoint 9: Nalati

Located 219 kilometers from Dushanzi. The Nalati Grassland is a valley mountain grassland with a vast area and many gullies. Every summer is the golden season of the Nalati Grassland, where the unique charm of grassland life is everywhere.

Checkpoint 10: Bayinbuluke (Swan Lake Scenic Area)

Located 280 kilometers from Dushanzi. Bayinbuluke Grassland is located in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains, surrounded by high mountains like stars around the moon, forming the largest subalpine alpine meadow grassland in the country. The Kaidu River flows quietly across the grassland, nourishing the green beauty and tranquility known as “Dreamland Grassland, Paradise for Horses, Swan Homeland, Eastward Return Homeland.”