Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: May 13, 2022 | 
| 中文
A Group of Locals and Herds along the Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway (photo credits to Xinhua_Hu Huhu)
The Dushanzi-Kuqa highway, affectionately named Duku Highway, is one of China’s most scenic and breathtaking routes. Recently, Duku Highway has reopened for travel after the winter hibernation for road trip enthusiasts, through grasslands, forests, and glaciers. The highway has been in operation since 1983, shortening the once one-thousand-kilometer distance between the North and South of Xinjiang.
Xinjiang is a multifaceted, historically abundant region located in the West of China along the ancient Silk Route, which connected the country to the Middle East. Within the region lies the Tianshan Mountains, one of the largest mountain ranges in the world with a direct connection to Central Asia, as the mountain range descends into the Taklimakan Desert.
The Tianshan Mountains naturally slice the region into two parts, with the Junggar Basin in the north and the Tarim Basin in the south. The Duku Highway covers the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains, covering 560km of land, which connects the city of Dushanzi in the north of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to Kuqa county in the South.
Emerald Green Lakes Next to The Highway (photo credit to Kevinxu on Trip.com)
Much like the scenic Babusar Pass, which connects the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the Northern Areas of Pakistan, the Duku Highway is closed from October to mid-June, due to snowy weather and icy roads. But come summer, the roads reopen for travel and tourism. The journey takes an average of four days, and is only recommended for the most experienced of travelers who must take in mind the weather conditions before traveling. Travelers are often left shocked by the beauty and strangeness of this winding road which, in its appearance, is not unlike a dragon in slumber.
Anjihai Grand Canyon (photo credits to VCG Photos)
Snowcapped peaks roll into fresh grasslands, and once more into valleys and mountaintops. Clouds form mist around the mountain peaks, while the lakes are pure green. Just when one appears to get used to the scenery, the path descends into a canyon, overlooking reddish-brown cliffs on all sides. Some of the highlights of the trip include the painting-like Anjihai Grand Canyon, Qiaoerma DuKu Hero Monument which honors the workers and soldiers who built the highway, and the lush and beautiful Nalati Grassland on the foot of the Tianshan Mountains.
Qiaoerma DuKu Hero Monument (photo credits to Silk Route Travel)
There are a few rest stops where one can park, and take pictures of the scenery or go exploring. These little scenic stops are easily accessible, and not too far from the main road. Expect to also find wild animals and local communities, herding in the green pastures next to the road.
Nalati, in particular, has a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural tradition. Nicknamed, the “Sky Grassland”, Nalati is home to the Kazak community, which traces its roots to Genghis Khan, who was taken aback by the beauty of the grasslands during one of his invasions. Now the area is a tourist destination, and locals boast a rich local tradition of singing, cooking with smoke, and yurt riding.
Kazaks Playing Tradional Sport in Nalati (photo credits to XinjiangChinaTravel)
According to statistics from the regional tourist department, there were over 596,000 vehicles and 1.79 million tourists on the Duku Highway last year. Since this number is expected to grow, the government of Xinjiang is making modifications to the road, which includes updates on the roads, tunnels, and the construction of more emergency facilities for travelers.
Milk Cakes and Rest Stops along the Highway (photo credits to Xinhua_Li Peng)
While the recent lockdown situation with regards to COVID-19 prevents tourists from traveling, the road will remain open for tourists when the pandemic dies. The Xinjiang Autonomous Region is still on its way to being fully accessible to international tourists, but no doubt it holds a lot of potential to satisfy the traveler’s desire for scenery, culture, and history. The Duku highway is great for adventure, and for road trip enthusiasts who wish to experience the diversity and tranquility of China’s natural landscapes.
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