Crossing the Tianshan Mountains - China's Xinjiang Duku Highway [Southern Section] - 4K

Driving Overview: Starting Point: Bayinbuluke Town, Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang End Point: Ager Township, Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Distance: 203.7 km The southern section of the Duku Highway is a key component of National Highway 217, which connects the north and south of Xinjiang. The following is a detailed introduction to it: Geographic Location and Length: The southern section of the Duku Highway begins in Bayinbuluke Town, Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, in the north and ends in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, in the south, covering a total length of approximately 250 kilometers. Major Scenic Spots: Nalati Grassland: One of the four largest grasslands in the world, lush green grass and herds of cattle and sheep in summer. Bayinbuluke Grassland: China's second-largest grassland, famous for its winding sunsets. The Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon: The interplay of reddish-brown mountains and canyon light and shadow creates a scene reminiscent of the surface of Mars. Big and Small Dragon Pond: Alpine lakes with azure blue waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The southern end of the section is dominated by Yardang landforms and Gobi deserts, with reddish-brown or reddish mountains. Below the mountains lie rivers or seasonal, water-washed rivers, and a canyon is nearby, creating a breathtaking scenery. Opening Hours: Roughly from June to October annually; traffic controls are in effect the rest of the year. History: Construction began in 1974, with the entire road opening to traffic in 1979. Reconstruction work took place from 2008 to 2012, upgrading the entire line to a Class II highway. Speed Limit and Traffic Control: The speed limit is 40-60 km/h throughout the route. Some sections are dangerous, such as K590 with sharp corners and gravel, K602 with potholes, and K609, a high-risk area for landslides. Please pay attention to road conditions and follow speed limit signs. Traffic controls are in effect from November to May. Amenities: Parking areas, observation decks, six gas stations, and five charging stations are available along the route. A toll booth is located approximately 10 kilometers from Kuqa City, charging approximately 20 yuan. Driving Tips: The Duku Highway is only accessible to vehicles with seven seats or less. Due to the significant temperature fluctuations, please bring warm clothing and plan refueling locations in advance to avoid running out of gas along the way. The Duku Highway, traversing the deep valleys of the Tianshan Mountains and connecting numerous ethnic minority settlements, was recognized by National Geographic China as a "Scenic Avenue that Runs Across the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains." It is a vital component of Xinjiang's tourism industry. For more information, please visit the official website of the Xinjiang Culture and Tourism Bureau or consult a local travel agency. #ChinaStreetView #DrivingTourChina #ImmersiveDriving #4KDriving #DukuHighwaySouth #TianshanCrossing #TianshanCanyon #GrasslandView