Duku Highway Comprehensive Travel Guide: Best Stops, Food, Photos & Tips

If you dream of an epic road trip through snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, vast grasslands, lush forests, and sparkling lakes, the Duku Highway (Dushanzi–Kuqa Highway) is the journey for you. Stretching 561 kilometers across the Tianshan Mountains, it’s one of China’s most beautiful roads, linking northern and southern Xinjiang like a scenic ribbon.

Open only about four months each summer, this route offers ever-changing landscapes, ancient geological wonders, and rich nomadic culture. This guide covers the best time to visit, must-see spots, travel routes, photo tips, lodging, food, and driving advice to help you explore safely and capture unforgettable memories.

Xinjiang Duku Highway

Best Time to Travel

Open season: Mid-to-late June to early October (subject to snow & weather conditions)

Best months: July–August

Summer brings blooming grasslands and cooler temperatures—perfect for sightseeing and photography.

Closed in winter. Driving prohibited outside the open period.

Must-See Stops Along the Duku Highway

1. Nalati Grassland

• One of the world’s four largest alpine valley meadows
• Tourist-friendly: cable cars, sightseeing shuttles, horseback riding
• In summer, wildflowers cover the hills—great for cool escapes and photos
• Tip: Spend half a day, shoot during golden hour for sunset glow

2. Bayanbulak Grassland & Swan Lake

• China’s second-largest grassland; a high-altitude wetland
• Features the breathtaking “Nine Bends of the Kaidu River”—ideal for sunset photos
• Swan Lake is a national nature reserve, home to wild swans
•  Tip: Go to the viewing platform before sunset; expect queues during peak times

3. Kuqa Grand Canyon

• ~70 km northwest of Kuqa city
• Known as “Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon”
• Features red sandstone formations, narrow passages, and otherworldly rock shapes
• Tip: Visit in the morning for ideal lighting; wear non-slip shoes

Road Conditions & Driving Tips

1. Overall good condition with paved roads, but high-altitude sections have sharp turns, lower temperatures
2. Bring warm clothing, tire repair kits, altitude sickness meds
3. Gas stations are sparse—fill up in Kuitun, Nalati, Bayanbulak, and Kuqa
4. Mobile signals are spotty—download offline maps (Gaode, Hike Map)
5. Watch for sudden weather changes

Accommodation Tips

1. Nalati Town: Well-developed with guesthouses and hotels
2. Bayanbulak Town: Local homestays and yurts—great for stargazing
3. Kuqa City: A major town in southern Xinjiang with many hotel options and easy transportation

Local Food You Must Try

1. Grassland specialties: Grilled lamb skewers, hand-pulled pilaf (Zhua Fan), Nang bread, yogurt
2. Southern Xinjiang flavors: Kuqa-style big plate chicken, spicy fried chicken, baked buns
3. Drinks: Highland milk tea or yogurt drinks—warming and refreshing

Photo Tips Along the Way

1. Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Shoot panoramic views during sunrise/sunset; use backlight portraits for scale
2. Qiao’erma Martyrs’ Cemetery: Midday photos of monument + snowcapped peaks—powerful documentary style
3. Tangbula Grassland: Capture rivers, yurts, and grazing animals at sunset; ethnic outfits add charm
4. Nalati Grassland: Morning fog + sunrise; perfect for silhouettes and galloping horses
5. Bayanbulak (Kaidu River): Sunset is best for “Nine Bends” from a high viewpoint or drone
6. Tielimaiti Mountain Pass: Midday with snow mountains + highway curves—stand on the road center for epic shots
7. Kuokesu Canyon: Midday, sunny weather best for shooting cliffside roads or caravans of vehicles

The Duku Highway is not only a vital route connecting northern and southern Xinjiang but also a stunning travel destination that blends natural wonders with rich cultural charm. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast chasing breathtaking mountain views or a cultural explorer eager to experience the melodies of the grasslands, this 561-kilometer “Silk Ribbon of the Tianshan” promises to fulfill all your expectations.

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan your trip wisely and embark safely on this dreamlike journey through snow-capped peaks and deep canyons. May your adventure along the Duku Highway be smooth, inspiring, and filled with unforgettable memories.