Driving in China’s amazing scenic highway - 4K

Driving Overview Starting Point: Ag Township, Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Destination: Wusu Inn Hotel, Wusu City, Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Mileage: 452 km Date of Photography: July 2025 The Duku Highway (the section of National Highway G217 from Dushanzi to Kuqa), also known as the "Tianshan Mountain Highway", stretches 561 kilometers. Running vertically across the Tianshan Mountains between 82°55'–84°58' E longitude and 41°42'–44°19' N latitude, half of its length sits above 2,000 meters above sea level, with the highest point at Tielimaiti Daban reaching over 3,400 meters. Construction kicked off in 1974 and was completed in 1983. Upgraded to a Class II highway through reconstruction works from 2008 to 2012 and subsequent service quality improvement projects, the highway is closed annually from early November to May or June of the following year (it reopened to traffic on May 31, 2025), with an opening period of only about 4 months each year. Linking Dushanzi District of Karamay City in northern Xinjiang and Kuqa City of Aksu Prefecture in southern Xinjiang, it passes through 6 counties, cities and districts as well as multiple mountain ranges and basins. One-fifth of the highway lies on alpine permafrost, making it prone to geological hazards such as landslides. With a speed limit of 40–60 km/h throughout the entire route, drivers are required to exercise extreme caution. Hailed as a "concentrated landscape corridor", the highway boasts diverse landforms along the way, including gobi deserts, snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, forests and canyons. The grandeur of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, the vastness of the Nalati and Bayanbulak Grasslands, the crystal clarity of the Big and Small Dragon Pools, and the scarlet wonders of the Kuqa Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon together create the unique experience of "four seasons in one day, and different scenery every ten miles". At the same time, it carries profound cultural and historical significance. Tens of thousands of soldiers spent a decade building this road, and 168 martyrs now rest in peace at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery. The rich and diverse cultures of the villages and towns along the way add extra charm to this route. Adequate preparation is essential for traveling on the Duku Highway. It is recommended to plan a two-day itinerary, which can be combined with a tour of Provincial Highway S101. Before departure, make sure to fill up the fuel tank, stock up on sufficient water and food, and pack both summer and winter clothing to cope with the drastic temperature changes. Traffic jams are common during the peak season; drivers must abide by traffic rules, avoid speeding and overtaking recklessly, and pull over to the right when parking while staying alert to the surrounding road conditions. In addition, travelers should practice responsible tourism to protect the natural environment. As a vital transportation artery connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, this highway, which blends breathtaking natural scenery with profound spiritual heritage, has become a top travel destination in the hearts of countless visitors. #ChinaStreetView #DrivingTourChina #ImmersiveDriving #4KDriving #DukuHighway #TianshanMountainRoad #XinjiangScenicRoute #AlpineHighlandDrive