Trip Moments Recommendations
#Duku Highway Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
I stayed in Xinjiang for a month to tell you some things not to do
Don't ask how much the ticket is, ask how many years of youth are left. I decided to embark on a journey to Xinjiang in the northwest of my motherland, using a month to find my lost soul. After coming back, I am full of motivation, often staring at the photos in a daze.
To help friends who want to go to Xinjiang, I have compiled this travel guide, hoping to help everyone!
Where should I go first when I go to Xinjiang for the first time?
Urumqi, as the transportation hub of Xinjiang, is very convenient whether it is South Xinjiang or North Xinjiang. It is recommended to choose Urumqi as the first stop, because whether it is a group tour or self-driving, almost all vehicles start from here.
Precautions:
Time difference: There is a 2-hour time difference between Xinjiang and the mainland
Many ethnic minorities are used to saying Xinjiang time
Security check: Xinjiang's security check is very strict, train stations and airports require multiple security checks, it is recommended to go to the train station/airport in advance
Accommodation recommendation:
Urumqi: Recommend Friendly Business Circle or Zhongshan Road Business Circle
Kanas: Recommend Beitun City, secondly, Jadunyu and Burqin can be recommended
Hemu: Recommend staying in the scenic area log cabin, watching the stars all over the sky at night, increasing the play time during the day, and the experience is better
Sailimu Lake: Accommodation is recommended to stay in Qingshuihe Town or Huocheng County
Our self-driving route:
Starting from Urumqi, go to Sailimu Lake—Huocheng—Zhaosu—Tekes—Qiongkushitai—Nalati—Duku Highway, and finally return to Urumqi from Dushanzi.
The route is just a circle, which is a classic Yili ring line.
ps: The above self-driving journey is 12 days in total, a total of 2300 kilometers, without rushing to the road and rushing to the scenic spots, often 5-6 hours of self-driving time every day. I feel that rest and maintaining a good state are necessary.
Must-visit attractions:
Qiongkushitai: The grassland covering the sky, the fairy tale forest like a mist, the small wooden house with grass on the head, every eye is super healing
Huocheng Lavender: The purple sea of flowers tumbling with the wind is really romantic
Tangbula Fairy Lake: A small popular secret that needs to ride a horse up the mountain, accompanied by flowers all the way, it seems to be Alice in Wonderland
Nalati Grassland: The aerial photography and self-driving of the grassland and valley in the sky are absolutely amazing!
Sailimu Lake: "The last tear of the Atlantic"
If you have plenty of time, you must go for a self-driving tour around the lake
Duku Highway: Duku Highway that must be self-driving once in a lifetime! It will open around mid-June every year, and you will feel the four seasons along the way.
Xinjiang cuisine:
The big plate chicken, lamb skewers, roasted lamb chops, and roasted buns in Xinjiang are really amazing, and those who like heavy tastes can close their eyes.
ps: There are also old yogurt, cold water fish, hand-grabbed rice, wrapped meat, pulled strips and other delicacies waiting for you to taste!
Duku Highway: A magnificent journey across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you long for a spontaneous trip to experience the grandeur of nature and the charm of Xinjiang? Then, Duku Highway is your best choice!
Duku Highway, connecting the north and south of Xinjiang, crossing grasslands, canyons, snow mountains, Gobi and other places, is a must-visit place for tourists. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons and feel the magic of nature.
Tourist Route
The entire Duku Highway is divided into the north, middle and south sections.
North section: From Dushanzi to Qia'erma
Starting from Dushanzi and heading south, you will pass through large canyons, snow mountains, grasslands, etc., to feel the grandeur of nature. In the north section, you can see the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, which is a shocking place, with towering cliffs, like a knife and axe, which is amazing. In addition, you can also try extreme projects such as step-by-step surprises, and feel the excitement of accelerating heartbeat.
Middle section: From Qia'erma via Narati to Bayinbuluke
Starting from the middle section, you will enter the Narati grassland, which is a vast green ocean, which is refreshing. Here, you can ride horses, slide grass, watch folk performances, etc., to experience the local customs of Xinjiang. Then, you will go to Bayinbuluke grassland, where there are beautiful lakes and winding rivers, and the scenery is pleasant.
South section: From Bayinbuluke to Kuche
In the south section, you will see the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, which is a place full of mystery. The reddish-brown mountains shine under the sun, making people feel the mysterious charm of nature. Here, you can hike and explore, and feel the magic of nature. Finally, you will arrive in Kuche, a city full of historical heritage, with many scenic spots worth visiting.
Ticket Price
There are many scenic spots along the Duku Highway, and the ticket prices of each scenic spot are different. Generally speaking, the ticket price ranges from tens to hundreds of yuan. When buying tickets, you need to prepare in advance, you can check and buy tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line at the scene.
Precautions
During the trip, there are some precautions you need to keep in mind. First, protect the environment, do not litter, do not destroy vegetation. Second, respect local customs and cultural traditions. Finally, pay attention to safety issues, especially when doing some extreme projects, ensure your own safety.
In general, Duku Highway is a tourist route full of surprises and challenges. Here, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of nature and feel the local customs of Xinjiang. Whether you like adventure or natural scenery, it can meet your needs. Come on a spontaneous trip!
Northern Xinjiang's Duku Highway 10-Day Tour of Double Lakes + Double Grasslands
Duku Highway: It is the southern section of National Highway 217 that connects the north and south of Xinjiang, also known as the Tianshan Highway.
Sayram Lake: It is the last place in Xinjiang where the warm and humid air currents of the Atlantic Ocean linger, known as 'the last teardrop of the Atlantic'.
Naraty: It integrates grasslands, valleys, and forests, with a high vegetation coverage and rich wildlife resources.
10-Day Itinerary in Northern Xinjiang along the Duku Highway:
D1 Home - Urumqi
D2 Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - S21 Gurbantunggut Desert - Pass by Wulungu Lake - Burqin Night Market
D3 Burqin - Kanas - Wolong Bay - Moon Bay - Fairy Bay - Jiadengyu
D4 Jiadengyu - Hemu Tuwa Village - Hemu Viewing Platform - Hemu
D5 Hemu - Wuerhe Devil City - Karamay
D6 Karamay - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Lavender Farm - Yining City
D7 Yining City - Kazanqi Six-Star Street - Qaxi National Forest Park - Naraty Town
D8 Naraty - Naraty Sky Grassland - Xinyuan
D9 Xinyuan - Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery - Jor Madan Pass - Duku Highway - Urumqi
D10 Urumqi - Home
Summer trip to Ili, master the anti-pit strategy!→If you like, please leave a comment
Xinjiang is really too big😱, it's easy to fall into traps without a strategy! This guide will at least let you know how to enjoy the Ili grassland in summer!🤩
📆Day1: Arrive in Urumqi, personal airport pick-up and hotel check-in🏨.
📆Day2: S101 Provincial Road➡Anjihai Grand Canyon, admire the Danxia landform along the way🧐, taste the delicious Xinjiang big plate chicken and wide noodles🍜.
📆Day3: Private car tour around Sayram Lake🚗, sail to feel the romance of riding the wind and waves, pass by Guozigou Bridge🎢.
📆Day4: Qiongkushitai Village, experience the beauty of time standing still🤔, grasslands, forests, and streams form a beautiful painting🖼.
📆Day5: Qiaxi Grassland, known as the 'Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall', everything here can heal you😌.
📆Day6: Narati Sky Grassland, with snow-capped mountains, flowers, and meadows, there's no reason to refuse😍!
📆Day7: Duku Highway, high mountain canyons and the hundred-mile gallery Tangbula, experience the change of four seasons in one day🌨.
📆Day8: Urumqi airport drop-off✈.
10-Day Panoramic Tour Guide of the Northern Xinjiang Duku Highway
Explore the Northern Xinjiang grasslands, Gobi, snow mountains, and lakes for 10 days
Pure travel guide to Baihaba
Quality small group tour to Kanas and Hemu
Colorful Beach and Keketuohai
Burqin
Fuyun
Wuerhe Devil City
Karamay
Guozigou Bridge and Sayram Lake
Huocheng Lavender Manor and Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains
Kalajun
Duku Highway
Zhaosu to Urumqi
Tekes
Nalati
Shata Ancient Trail
D1 Urumqi ---------- Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains --------- - Fuyun County
D2 Fuyun County ------ Keketuohai ------- Colorful Beach ------------ - Burqin
D3 Burqin ------------- Kanas ------------- Baihaba
D4 Baihaba ---------- Kanas ---------- Hemu
D5 Hemu -------- Devil City -------- Karamay
D6 Karamay ----- Sayram Lake ----- Guozigou Bridge ----- Qingshui River Town
D7 Qingshui River ----- Lavender Manor ----- Kalajun Prairie ----- Zhaosu
D8 Zhaosu -------- Shata -------- Tekes
D9 Tekes --------- Nalati Sky Grassland --------- Nalati Town
D10 Nalati ----- Duku Highway ----- Qiaojima ----- End of the tour in Urumqi
North Xinjiang 7 Days, enjoy the full panorama without retracing your steps
North Xinjiang Panoramic 7-Day Tour
Sayram Lake Kuitun
S101 Urumqi
Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Yining
Tangbula Grassland
Tekes
Nalati
Kalajun Grassland
Bayinbuluke
D1: Urumqi-S101 National Defense Highway-Kuitun 300 kilometers
D2: Kuitun-Sayram Lake Circuit-Stay at Sayram or Yining 320 kilometers
D3: Sayram Lake Sunrise-Yining 180 kilometers
D4: Yining-Kalajun Grassland-Tekes 280 kilometers
D5: Tekes-Nalati-Bayinbuluke+most beautiful sunset 380 kilometers
D6: Tangbula Grassland+Fairy Lake Horse Riding 200 kilometers
D7: Tangbula Grassland-Duku Highway-Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Urumqi 400 kilometers
Duku Highway
Not Switzerland, this is the beautiful Xinjiang
This year, the grasslands in Xinjiang turned green earlier, so there's no need to worry too much anymore. Those who want to visit Xinjiang can start packing and set off. The Labor Day holiday is also very beautiful
❣️Nalati:
"The place that sees the sun's face first." Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, April to June is the flower viewing season, so those who love seas of flowers can get ready to depart. The climate is also quite comfortable, a good place to escape the heat haha.
If you go in the morning, you can enter the scenic area and take a bus to the aerial grassland, get off at the nomadic homes, and head to the popular bridge to snap lots of photos, as the morning is very photogenic.
If you go in the afternoon, wait until around 15:30 to enter the scenic area. Most people will be leaving, so there's no need to queue. Choose the direction of the 'coiling dragon', and in the valley grassland, you can see herders driving cattle and sheep, which is also quite pleasant.
❣️Sayram Lake:
Half mountains and rivers, half lakes and seas. Visiting the south shore in summer offers a better experience. The collision of yellow flowers and the blue lake, plus the swans playing in the water, creates such a beautiful scene, which is why so many people love it here.
❣️Hemux:
Romantic Kazakh style. Although Hemu is more moving in autumn, it gives a tranquil and soul-cleansing feeling in summer.
Here I suggest you enjoy a stay in a log cabin. At night you can watch the moon and twinkling stars, and wake up to see the sunrise.
❣️Shatā:
Every summer, it's unbelievably beautiful here. The ice and snow slowly melt, flowers bloom, and the meadows are lush green. It has long staircases, a beloved place for hiking enthusiasts. Hiking here will reward you with a lot, as you'll encounter squirrels, marmots, and various small animals, as if you're on a treasure hunt.
🛣️Duku Highway:
Open only 4️⃣ months a year, so it's quite crowded during that time. Those who like self-driving can take a trip, it's worth it. More people travel the northern section, but the scenery in the southern section is also very good, leading to the 'Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns' of Bayinbuluke.
15-Day Tour of North and South Xinjiang
Located at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, the beautiful land of Ili becomes like a painting unfolding before our eyes every summer, attracting many tourists to come and check in! The route I'm going to recommend to you today not only allows you to appreciate the stunning scenery of Ili, but also lets you stay in Kanas Hemu, experiencing the unique beauty of the scenic area!
Itinerary
Day 1 Pick up - Urumqi
Stay: Urumqi
Day 3 Urumqi---Fuyun
Attraction: Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
Accommodation: Fuyun
Day 3 Fuyun----Burqin
Attraction: Keketuohai - Return to the Multicolored Beach.
Accommodation: Burqin
Day 4: Burqin--Jiadengyu
Attraction: Kanas
Stay: Jiadengyu
Day 5: Jiadengyu-Hemu
Attraction: Kanas Scenic Area
Stay: Hemu characteristic log cabin
Day 6: Hemu---Wuerhe
Attraction: Hemu Scenic Area
Accommodation: Wuerhe
Day 7: Wuerhe--Jinghe
Attraction: Devil's City
Accommodation: Jinghe
Day 8: Jinghe--Yining
Attraction: Sayram Lake
Accommodation: Yining
Day 9 Yining----Qiongkushitai-
Attraction: Qiongkushitai
Accommodation: Qiongkushitai
Day 10: Qiongkushitai----Gongliu
Attraction: Tekes Bagua City return to Aktas Grassland
Accommodation: Gongliu.
Day 11: Gongliu---Bayanbulak
Attraction: Bayanbulak Nine Curves Eighteen Bends
Accommodation: Bayanbulak
Day 12 Bayanbuluk---Nalati
Attraction: Nalati Sky Prairie
Accommodation: Nalati
Day 13: Nalati--Tangbula
Attraction: Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery.
Accommodation: Tangbula Prairie
Day 14: Tangbu----Urumqi
Attraction: Return to Duku Highway Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Stay: Urumqi
Day 15 Urumqi drop off at the airport
A 12-day leisure vacation in Northern Xinjiang, featuring grasslands, deserts, and lakes
In Northern Xinjiang, there are heavenly sights such as Kanas Lake, the idyllic Hemu Village, Sayram Lake on the grassland, the colorful Beach of Five Colors, and the forbidden land of Wuerhe.
DAY1: Urumqi~Desert Highway~Ulungur Lake~Burqin
DAY2: Burqin~Hemu~Hemu Village
DAY3: Hemu Village~Kanas Three Bays~Kanas Lake~Jiadengyu
DAY4: Jiadengyu~Beach of Five Colors~Burqin DAY5: Burqin~Devil City~Kuitun DAY6: Kuitun~Sayram Lake~Qingshui River
DAY7: Qingshui River~Qiongkushitai~Tekes Bagua City DAY8: Tekes~Hundred-Mile Gallery~Fairy Lake~Qiaojia Manalati Town
DAY9: Narat~Narat Scenic Area~Duku Highway~Bayanbulak Nine Curves Eighteen Bends
DAY10: Bayanbulak~Duku Highway~Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon~Korla
DAY11: Korla~Flaming Mountains~Kumtag Desert~Bishan
DAY12: Shanshan~Karez Wells~Turpan Grape Valley~Urumqi
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Northern Xinjiang in a 12-day tour
Northern Xinjiang Grand Loop 12 Days
This is not Switzerland, it's Xinjiang.
Day 1 From various places to Urumqi
Day 2 Urumqi - Heavenly Lake of Tianshan - Fuyun
Day 3 Fuyun - Keketuohai - Multicolored Beach - Burqin
Day 4 Burqin - Kanas Day 5 Kanas - Hemu
Day 6 Hemu - Urho Ghost City - Karamay
Day 7 Karamay - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Yining
Day 8 Yining - Kalajun - Tekes Bagua City
Day 9 Tekes - Qiongkushitai - Tekes
Day 10 Tekes - Nalati Grassland in the Sky - Bayanbulak
Day 11 Bayanbulak - Duku Highway - Urumqi
Day 12 Urumqi - Various places
I've found the real-life version of the Emerald City in Xinjiang
Those who have been to Xinjiang in the summer know that
"Xinjiang's summer is just like the real-life Emerald City" is no exaggeration at all.
Especially from May to August, it's the most beautiful season in Yili.
If you want to go to Xinjiang, come and listen to some of my candid truths.
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🔥Highlights of Xinjiang:
✔Take a week-long tour around Sayram Lake and encounter swans playing in the water
✔Light trekking in Nalati with your besties, wearing dresses and taking beautiful photos
✔Enter the forests of Xata and experience the real-life "Emerald City"
✔Roam on horseback on the ancient road of Wusun, enjoying the leisure and comfort of the moment
✔Visit Kazakh herders to experience the original ecological life and customs
✔The bonfire party in Qiongkushitai, a different experience
✔Immersively experience the Uyghur exotic customs in Kanas
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📝Here is my itinerary to share with you
D1 Departure place→Yining
D2 Yining→Sayram Lake→Kuitun
D3 Kuitun→Dushanzi Canyon→Duku Highway→Bayinbuluke
D4 Bayinbuluke→Nalati Sky Prairie→Xinyuan
D5 Xinyuan→Qiaxi→Tekes
D6 Tekes→Kalajun→Kuokesu→Zhaosu
D7 Zhaosu→Xata→Yining
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🛍Weather and attire from April to June:
▪Average temperature from April to June: 13°C-24°C
▪Attire: short sleeves, long-sleeve T-shirts, long skirts and pants, sweatshirts, sports shoes, and remember to bring a thick coat, as the temperature difference is significant here in the morning and evening
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Xinjiang Cuisine:
💯Meat: Nang pit meat, red willow lamb skewers, spicy lamb trotters, roasted lamb ribs, roasted beef, Altai cold water fish, smoked horse meat, horse intestines, jar meat, big plate🐔, roasted whole lamb, hand-grabbed meat..
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💯Flour-based food: Nang, pulled noodles, rice intestines, noodle lungs, noodle flags, flour soup, pulled pieces, bean noodles, diced fried noodles, dry stir-fried noodles, oil tower...
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💯Yili Cuisine: Smoked horse intestines, Kazakh Naren, air-dried beef, milk curds
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✔Precautions:
🔸The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is significant, so bring a thick coat just in case
🔸Xinjiang is vast, and some places require walking, so wear comfortable sports shoes
🔸The ultraviolet radiation in Xinjiang is intense, so be sure to protect against sunburn
Traveling to Ili | I think I suddenly understood the meaning of travel
Summer in Xinjiang's Ili is unparalleled in my heart.
I have the opportunity to go there again this year
To experience the surprises it brings me along the way
To listen to the wonderful melodies of nature
Everyone should take the time to visit Ili once
Ili will not disappoint you in summer.
For me, going to Xinjiang is truly a pleasure.
To feel the wild scenery
To experience the local customs
To enjoy the vast green grasslands
To admire the romance brought by the stars at night
Must-visit spots in Ili:
1⃣️ Sayram Lake
In summer, a vast expanse of blue lake merges with the sky. Wearing a fairy dress and walking along the lakeside road to take photos is especially nice.
2⃣️ Nalati Grassland
Here, there are valley grasslands and 'sky grasslands' with a fairy-tale-like forest stream. From April to May, the mountains are full of wildflowers, and a few horses are scattered in the dense forest. This kind of scenery seems to be seen only in animations.
3️⃣ Bayanbulak Grassland
An endless flat grassland, passing through the winding roads, you can also see distant️ snow mountains, the setting sun is about to fall, and the golden light sprinkles on the grassland and lakeside, you must experience the indescribable beauty.
4️⃣ Northern Section of the Duku Highway
There are no specific attractions here, but the scenery along the way is enough to touch my heart, with grasslands, snow mountains, and lakes along the way, which are super suitable for shooting highway blockbusters.
5⃣️ Yizhao Highway
I like the road from Zhaosu to Yining, feeling the shock and beauty brought by nature.
6⃣️ Shata Ancient Trail
This is a romantic paradise for hikers. Mountains, rivers, forests, glaciers, and grasslands form a natural ecological wonderland.
7⃣️ Qiaxi Forest Park
As a niche attraction covered by the traffic of Nalati and Kanas, it is actually an overlooked beautiful grassland, low-key, quiet, beautiful, and cost-effective. If you go to the grassland in summer, it must be due west.
8⃣️ Kuerdening
This is a place where the forest is particularly lush, and also where painters and photographers find inspiration.
9⃣️ Kalajun Grassland
I really marvel that Xinjiang is a magical place. It seems to have burst into 'Howl's Moving Castle'. At first glance, the mountains are full of wildflowers, which is so beautiful.
1⃣️0⃣️ Qiongkushitai
I like to take photos and stay here. The magnificent grasslands and lush spruce forests form a distinct watercolor painting.
Soon to welcome the lush meadows
A divine-like pastoral sea of flowers, blue sky and white clouds️ sky
Horses and cattle all over the mountains, the starry sky and the cabins at night
My love for this place has never stopped
It's not an exaggeration to call it a 'divine-like wilderness'
🧡【Warm Tips】【Warm Tips】:
1. Remember to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent on the grassland
2. There is a big temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang, remember to bring a coat oh
What would it feel like to experience all four seasons in one day?
The Xinjiang Duku Highway, a magical road in a day. It is the southern section of National Highway 217, the Dushanzi to Kuqa section, connecting the north and south of Xinjiang. Because it crosses the Tianshan Mountains, it is also known as the Tianshan Highway. From the starting point of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, to the Narat and Bayinbuluk grasslands along the way, to the mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains at the end point in Kuqa, it is a road that truly lives up to its reputation as a scenic route.
⛰【Travel Tips】
📍Detailed address: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
🚗Transportation tips: Self-driving or renting a car
From Beijing: Beijing-Tibet Expressway — Jingxin Expressway — Wuluo Expressway — Lianhuo Expressway — Tuhe Expressway — Duku Highway (Kuqa City)
From Guangzhou: Airport Expressway — Leguang Expressway — Guanglian Expressway — Xuguang Expressway — Jianjiang Expressway — Shagong Expressway — Erguang Expressway — Neideng Expressway — Hushan Expressway — Lianhuo Expressway — Yinkun Expressway — Jinghua Expressway — Fuyin Expressway — Dingwu Expressway — Lianhuo Expressway — Tuhe Expressway — Duku Highway (Kuqa City)
🕙Opening hours: Open only about 5 months a year. Normally, the road is open from June 1 to September 30 each year, with the specific dates adjusted according to the weather conditions of the year.
💰Ticket price: Free
🌟Highlights:
1. If you drive on the Duku Highway for a day, you will see the scenery of spring blossoms, lush greenery, clear autumn skies, and pure white snow, which is quite magical.
2. There are many scenic spots along the way: Along the Duku Highway, you can pass through the Yilianhabierga Mountain, Borokonu Mountain, Awulale Mountain, Narat Mountain, Aierbin Mountain, Halk Mountain, and the basins of Yining and Kuqa.
📌Small Tips:
1. Due to natural factors such as snowfall, icing, and heavy snow closures in the Tianshan mountain area during winter, traffic control prohibiting vehicles is implemented from October to April-May of the following year. The road is open only about 5 months a year. Normally, the road is open from June 1 to September 30 each year, with the specific dates adjusted according to the weather conditions of the year. In case of bad weather, the road may also be temporarily closed.
2. No need for post-processing for photography, the pictures come out great as they are.
May Day Xinjiang Travel | Yili Loop 7-Day Attractions + Itinerary Guide
Some say🌈 when nature is biased enough, it forgets balance and puts all the 'stunning beauty' into the same painting~ This is the true portrayal of the beauty of Yili!!
Highly recommend to friends who don't know where to go for May Day~
Snow mountains, lakes, Gobi, canyons, sea of flowers, grasslands, forests, everything you want is here, plus a 7-day travel itinerary oh~~
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🎯Itinerary Highlights
✔️7-day in-depth experience of Yili's popular + niche attractions
✔️Self-drive around Sayram Lake with ample playtime
✔️Free and comfortable itinerary, reasonable planning with stops at will
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🎨Essential Attractions
Guozigou Bridge: The towering bridge spans between the blue sky and white clouds, heading north to Sayram Lake, south to the Ili River Valley, with canyons filled with characteristic fruit trees such as apples, walnuts, and apricots
Tips: Open all day for free💰, note that parking on the bridge is not allowed, it is recommended to bring a drone for shooting📸
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Sayram Lake: The blue of the plateau lake sets off the colorful prairie flower sea, with the distant snow mountains winding and long, the clear lake water reflecting the playful swans, making this place full of infinite vitality
Tips: Enter the scenic area from the east gate and play counterclockwise, there are accommodations near the south gate closer to the popular S Bay
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Xia Ta: Snow mountains and glaciers blend with forests and grass seas, the landscape is rich in layers, it is the grassland landscape closest to the snow mountains in the Yili area, and also a holy land for hiking enthusiasts
Tips: Plan to ride horses, it is recommended to book early or queue; the last interval car down the mountain departs at 8 pm🚋
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Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery: 'Natural long scroll, hundred-mile gallery', Fairy Lake set against the green sea of grass, wildflowers blooming everywhere🌸 surrounded by lush forests, a little-known fairyland
Tips: No🎫 but not many accommodations around, walking is tiring, it is recommended to ride horses or bicycles
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Kuerdening: Hike through dense spruce forests and vast grasslands, check in at the real-life movie scene in the log cabin🏠, comparable to the dreamy grasslands of Switzerland
Tips: No need to buy tickets in advance, you can buy tickets on-site📱, the price for horse riding in the scenic area is about 80/h
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Qiongkushitai: Comic-like blue sky and white clouds☁️, green grasslands dotted with fresh flowers, cattle and sheep freely wandering on the slopes, fully enjoy the pure beauty of nature
Tips: The road conditions behind the mountain are not very good, you can prepare motion sickness pills💊 just in case
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🚘Itinerary
D1⃣️Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Yining
D2⃣️Yining - Xiatage Ancient Trail - Zhaosu
D3⃣️Zhaosu - Qiongkushitai - Tekes
D4⃣️Tekes - Qiaxi Grassland - Kuerdening - Xinyuan
D5⃣️Xinyuan - Narat Grassland - Narat
D6⃣️Narat - Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery - Mengketi Scenic Area - Northern Section of Duku Highway - Kuitun
D7⃣️Kuitun - Anjihai Grand Canyon - s101 Highway Selection - Urumqi
After spending a month in Xinjiang, I have some advice on what not to do
Don't ask how much the train ticket costs💰, ask how many years of youth are left. I set off to the northwest of our motherland🇨🇳, wandering around Xinjiang for a month trying to find my lost soul. After coming back, the aftereffect was strong; I often found myself staring blankly at photos.
I've put together this Xinjiang travel guide for you, and if you're thinking of going to Xinjiang, this is all you need❤️
✈️First time to Xinjiang, where to start?
Urumqi, as the transportation hub of Xinjiang, is very convenient👍. Whether you're heading to southern or northern Xinjiang, it's recommended to start from Urumqi because almost all tours and self-drive trips depart from here.
⚠️Things to note
1⃣Time difference: Xinjiang is 2 hours behind the mainland❗️Many ethnic minorities are accustomed to using Xinjiang time
2⃣Security checks: Security checks in Xinjiang are very strict, with multiple checks required at train stations and airports, so it's advised to go to the station/airport early.
🏠Accommodation recommendations:
1⃣Urumqi: Recommended to stay in the Youhao or Zhongshan Road shopping districts
Kanas: Recommend staying in the city district of Beitun, followed by Jiadengyu or Burqin
2⃣Hemu: Recommend staying in the scenic area's log cabins, where you can watch the starry sky at night and increase your playtime during the day for a better experience❤️
3⃣Sailimu Lake: It's recommended to stay in Qingshuihe Town or Huocheng County
🚙Our self-drive route
Departing from Urumqi, we drove through Sailimu Lake—Huocheng—Zhaosu—Tekes—Qiongkushitai—Nalati—Duku Highway, and finally returned to Urumqi from Dushanzi
The route is a circle⭕️ and is considered a classic Ili loop
ps: The entire self-drive journey took 12 days, covering a total of 2300 kilometers, without rushing to destinations. We often drove for 5-6 hours a day⏰ I think it's necessary to rest and maintain a good state⭐️
🗻Must-visit attractions
📍Qiongkushitai
Meadows that stretch as far as the eye can see, fairy-tale-like foggy forests, log cabins with grass roofs, every sight is super healing
📍Huocheng Lavender
Fields of purple flowers that ripple with the wind, truly romantic🔥
📍Tangbula Fairy Lake
A little-known secret place that requires horseback riding up the mountain, accompanied by fresh flowers all the way, as if in Alice's Wonderland👍
📍Nalati Grassland
Aerial grasslands and valley grasslands are absolutely stunning for aerial photography and self-driving!
📍Sailimu Lake
'The last tear of the Atlantic'💧If you have enough time, you must go for a self-drive around the lake
📍Duku Highway
A road you must drive on once in your life! It usually opens around mid-June each year, experiencing all four seasons along the way.
🥙Xinjiang Cuisine
Xinjiang's big plate chicken👍, lamb skewers, roasted lamb ribs, rack of lamb, roasted buns are really amazing, perfect for those who like strong flavors❗️
ps: There's also old yogurt, cold-water fish, hand-pulled rice, bao meat, and laghman noodles
The journey is exhausting, but the scenery is breathtaking, and photos can hardly capture the true beauty!
To the unforgettable 2019
After taking the Lanxin High-Speed Train to Urumqi in July 2019, my yearning for the beautiful landscapes of my motherland was completely unleashed. Over the course of more than three months, I visited Ulanqab in Inner Mongolia; drove the Duku Highway alone, covering a total of 1500 kilometers; set out on the first day of the 317 highway opening to complete the Sichuan West Great Loop self-driving tour. I traveled from Highway 318 to 217 to Daocheng, and then from Seda back to Chengdu via Highway 317, covering nearly 2500 kilometers; joined a group tour around the Qinghai-Gansu Great Loop, covering nearly 3000 kilometers; and rushed to Jiuzhaigou at the beginning of November just after it reopened to witness its regal return. The journey was challenging, the scenery was stunning, and the true beauty is something that photos can hardly convey in full.
If life is without love | Drive straight to the 'Road of Heroes'
A monument in the history of Chinese roads, where the beauty of all four seasons can be seen at a glance.
You must take a trip to Xinjiang, and you must visit the Duku Highway, a road where you can see the scenery of the four seasons!
Tour around the grasslands and lakes, with herds of cattle, sheep, and horses by your side. Walk along the Duku Highway where 'the sky changes every ten miles' 🛣️. The eyes are the best camera, capturing the beauty of this road!
Feel the charm of nature, it's so healing!
It's no exaggeration to say that Xinjiang's summer is simply unbeatable in China
😜It's no exaggeration to say that Xinjiang's summer is simply unbeatable in China! 🤩Anyone who has experienced a summer in Xinjiang will deeply agree with this!
From June to August, Yili is stunningly beautiful! 😍Friends who want to visit Xinjiang can start planning now~ Keep in mind, during the peak season, the prices for flights and hotels can skyrocket! 📈
🌅The summer in Xinjiang, with its snow-capped mountains, lakes, forest cabins, meadows with flocks of sheep, and hillsides covered with wildflowers... is simply a legendary existence in my heart! ✨
📸Must-visit scenic spots:
🛣Duku Highway: The entire route is filled with beautiful scenery, a snapshot is all it takes to capture a masterpiece! However, it might get congested during the peak season~😭
🗻Kanas: The home of the lake monster, the Switzerland of the East, it's like a fairyland on earth! 😜
🎄Hemu: It's like a fairy tale world here, a must-visit in summer! Surrounded by a sea of flowers, it's like stepping into a dream! 🤩
🌊Sayram Lake: Truly the last tear of the Atlantic, when the weather is good, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful! 😍
🎡Chaxi Forest Park: Entering here is like stepping into a Miyazaki anime world, and there are cute marmots too! 🐹
🖼Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery: Every step is a scene, as beautiful as a painting! 🤩
🌸Lavender Base: Sisters who love to take photos are in for a treat! This is the Provence that's more suitable for the physique of Chinese babies! 🌷
⚠️Things to note:
1. Weather: The weather in Xinjiang is like a child's face, it changes when it says it will, allowing you to experience the four seasons in a day! 😄So remember to 'wear cotton in the morning and gauze in the afternoon'~
2. Clothing: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang, even during the hot months of July and August, it can get quite cold at night, so make sure to prepare warm clothes! 🧥
3. Sun protection: Some areas are at high altitudes with very strong ultraviolet rays, remember to bring sun protection items, otherwise, be careful not to get sunburned into a little black charcoal! 🕶
4. Transportation: The roads are straight which can cause visual fatigue, so be careful not to speed! 🚗
5. Medication: Stomach medicine, cold medicine, motion sickness medicine... these common medicines should all be brought along, and don't forget mosquito repellent! 🎯
6. Shoes: Sitting in a car for a long time can be uncomfortable, having a pair of plastic slippers or disposable slippers can make your journey more comfortable! 👟
🚌8 Days 7 Nights Itinerary:
Day1: Departure place - Urumqi🚩
Day2: Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Lavender Farm - Huocheng/Yining🌻
Day3: Huocheng/Yining - Xiat'a - Tianma River - Tekes🦄
Day4: Tekes - Qiongkushitai - Tekes🎪
Day5: Tekes - Kalajun Grassland - Xinyuan🐎
Day6: Xinyuan - Narat - Bayanbulak🎉
Day7: Bayanbulak - Northern Duku Highway - Urumqi🎈
Day8: Urumqi - Time to go home🤗
Xinjiang doesn't need much promotion, because everyone who has been here will regret not coming sooner! 😜If possible, you must visit Yili in the summer, every frame here is like a computer wallpaper! 🖼What are you waiting for? Come and experience this beautiful feast! 😎
A 5-day tour of Northern Xinjiang
For those planning to go to Xinjiang in 2024, it's recommended to directly copy this itinerary, as this is a place where budget travel is hardly feasible—only with a sufficient budget can you truly experience its quality.
How can one not like Xinjiang in the summer? With its log cabins and herds of livestock, the bursting vitality is everywhere, there's Sayram Lake surrounded by mountains, and the white yurts scattered on the grasslands with distant peaks and waters.
:
D1: Urumqi→→Yining
D2: Yining→→Tekes
D3: Tekes→→Bayanbulak Town
D4: Bayanbulak Town→→Narat
D5: Narat→→Urumqi
Xinjiang Ili Panorama + 10-Day Tour Guide through Duku Highway
This 10-day grand loop of Northern Xinjiang Ili will take you through the Duku Highway, offering a chance to experience the grassland flower seas, 🌳 forests, and lakes. In 10 days, you'll see various landscapes and enjoy a comprehensive tour of the panoramic scenery of Northern Xinjiang, the same views but different experiences.
Why we recommend this route:
5-7 July is the scenic season of the entire Northern Xinjiang Ili region, where the grasslands around the Ili River Valley are lush and green. 🌤 The climate is suitable for travel during this time.
The Duku Highway is expected to open in mid-June. One must travel the Duku at least once in a lifetime to appreciate the stunning grasslands along the way.
Itinerary:
DAY1: Urumqi - S101 Highway - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Kuitun
DAY2: Kuitun - Sayram Lake - Lavender - Yining
DAY3: Yining - Yizhao Highway - Xata Tourist Area - Zhaosu
DAY4: Zhaosu - Qiongkushitai - Qiongkushitai
DAY5: Qiongkushitai - Kalajun Scenic Area - Tekes
DAY6: Tekes - Kuerdening Scenic Area - Xinyuan
DAY7: Xinyuan - Narat Tourist Scenic Area - Narat
DAY8: Narat - Southern Section of Duku Highway - Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon - Kuqa
DAY9: Kuqa - Bayanbulak Grassland - Bayanbulak
DAY10: Bayanbulak - Northern Section of Duku Highway - Qiaojima - Urumqi
Precautions:
1: Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference; make sure to adjust your daily routine after entering the region.
2: Xinjiang is an area with many ethnic minorities; please respect the religious customs of ethnic comrades.
3: The UV radiation in scenic areas is strong; it is recommended to wear a hat or sunscreen before going out. The temperature difference between day and night in the mountainous areas of Xinjiang is significant, so it is advisable to carry warm clothing.
4: The scenic areas are generally quite large, with shuttle buses available, and you can also ride horses, but walking is also necessary. It is recommended to wear comfortable and convenient shoes.
Traveling to Yili, searching for the meaning of life
In this vast world, as time flows, life is fleeting. Perhaps we are often trapped in the cage of life, or perhaps we are often troubled by the trivialities of reality.
We are all searching, searching for a place filled with freedom and joy. When I think of freedom and vitality, the first thing that comes to my mind is the forests and grasslands of Yili, where there is the wind of the wilderness, the drooping grass, the vast grasslands, and the expansive snow-capped mountains.
In the embrace of Yili, countless vivid stories grow in my heart, with brilliant gatherings, thrilling adventures, and even moments facing the grasslands with spring warmth and blooming flowers, far from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Thus, dreams begin to sprout in my heart. I long to set foot on that distant land of Yili, to spend the summer of my dreams.
Finally, I embarked on the journey. The rolling meadows and beautiful scenery that once invaded my dreams are now under my feet, within my sight.
In the grasslands of Yili, I discovered that what once troubled me, made me anxious, and even drove me crazy, was actually just a seed in this vast grassland.
When I merge the sea of bitterness in my heart into Sayram Lake, it becomes a soft blue, and I can no longer see the sorrows of the past.
I start to look forward to traveling through Tekes without traffic lights, holding up a piece of perennial ice and snow on the mountains, searching for a white cloud in the forest sea, carrying the childhood dreams in my heart, lighting a bonfire in the desert, illuminating the starry Milky Way in the sky.
Perhaps this is the meaning of travel. It gives us the opportunity to see with our own eyes the beauty of the world that cannot be expressed in words, and after many twists and turns, to find the land that can soothe our souls.
My journey to Yili is like an open diary, recording every bit of my time there. From the pick-up in Urumqi, to the tranquility of Sayram Lake, to the romance of the lavender manor, the simplicity of Qiongkushitai, the mystery of Tekes, the beauty of Narati, the ruggedness of the Duku Highway, the grandeur of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, to the winding of the S101 National Defense Highway, and finally back to the warmth of Urumqi.
I hope that we can all find our own spiritual home in the wilderness of Yili, and find the true meaning of travel.
Xinjiang Panoramic North Xinjiang Pure Play 15-Day Tour Guide
Spring is in the air, and beautiful Xinjiang is also welcoming the splendid apricot blossoms. The endless grasslands are sprouting new buds, turning into a lush green. The little wildflowers on the prairies are also slowly blooming, and nature's gifts are always the most beautiful.
North Xinjiang 15-day itinerary
🔻D1: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake of Tianshan - Stay in Fuyun
🔻D2: Fuyun - Keketuohai - Colorful Beach (Sunset) - Stay in Burqin
🔻D3: Burqin - Kanas Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Crouching Dragon Bay) - Stay in Kanas Scenic Area Log Cabin
🔻D4: Kanas Lake - Guanyu Pavilion - Baihaba - Stay in Baihaba Scenic Area Log Cabin
🔻D5: Kanas - Hemu River - Hemu Bridge - Hemu Starry Sky - Stay in Hemu Scenic Area Log Cabin
🔻D6: Hemu Morning Mist Sunrise - Beautiful Peak - Hemu Birch Forest - Stay in Burqin
🔻D7: Burqin - World Devil City (Yadan Landform) - Stay in Kuitun City
🔻D8: Kuitun City - Sayram Lake Scenic Area - Stay at Sayram Lake - Yining
🔻D9: Yining - Qiongkushitai - Tekes
🔻D10: Tekes - Nalati Air Valley Grassland - Stay in Nalati
🔻D11: Nalati - Midsection of Duku Highway - Bayanbulak - Nine Curves Eighteen Bends - Swan Lake - Stay in Bayan
🔻D12: Nalati - Northern Section of Duku Highway - Qiaojia - Tangbula Fairy Lake - Dushanzi
🔻D13: Dushanzi - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - S101 National Defense Highway - Urumqi
🔻D14: Urumqi - Jiaohe Ancient City - Karez Wells - Flaming Mountains - Kumtag Desert - Dushanzi
🔻D15: Dushanzi - Tuyugou Valley Mazha Village - Stay in Urumqi
Dushanzi-Kuqa Road: A Magnificent Journey Through the Tianshan Mountains
It was an early morning, the sunlight streamed through the car window, casting its warmth on my expectant face. I set off alone in my car, embarking on a journey to Xinjiang's Dushanzi-Kuqa Road. Known as the 'Spine of the Tianshan Mountains,' this road had long been a mysterious and coveted presence in my heart.
Before setting out, I had researched extensively, gaining a preliminary understanding of the beauty and peril of the Dushanzi-Kuqa Road. However, when I actually set foot on this road, I was still stunned by its magnificent scenery. The winding road cuts through the Tianshan mountain range, with sheer cliffs on one side and bottomless gorges on the other. The picturesque scenery unfolded like a scroll along the way, overwhelming my senses.
My first stop was the Qiaolma Martyrs' Cemetery, where 168 martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the construction of the Dushanzi-Kuqa Road rest in peace. Standing in front of the martyrs' graves, I felt a deep sense of respect and emotion. It was these brave martyrs who, with their lives and sweat, paved this road to beauty for us.
Continuing on, I arrived at the Bayinbuluke Grassland. The sky was a clear azure, and flocks of sheep wandered leisurely on the grassland. I was deeply attracted to this vast and tranquil grassland, as if I were in a natural ink painting.
Next, I came to the Nalati Grassland. Compared to the Bayinbuluke Grassland, the Nalati Grassland was even more exquisite. The mountains undulated, the grass was lush, and flowers bloomed in abundance. I strolled along the road, pausing now and then to admire the poetic and picturesque scenery.
By the time I reached the Mysterious Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains, it was evening. The setting sun's afterglow cast golden shadows on the canyon's cliffs. I walked along the canyon trail, accompanied by the sound of flowing water and the distant songs of herdsmen. At this moment, I felt the mystery and tranquility of nature.
As night fell, I chose to stay in a homestay in Kuqa County. The host was warm and hospitable, preparing a sumptuous dinner for me. In the cozy room, I reminisced about the day's journey, my heart filled with contentment and joy.
The next morning, I set out on the Dushanzi-Kuqa Road again, heading to my next destination—Kanas Lake. The scenery along the way was still captivating, but my heart was filled with anticipation. I knew that every journey is a purification and growth of the soul. And the Dushanzi-Kuqa Road, this magnificent path through the Tianshan Mountains, will forever remain in my memory.
This trip on the Dushanzi-Kuqa Road has made me profoundly appreciate the grandeur of nature and the resilience of humanity. Here, I not only enjoyed the beautiful scenery but also felt the value and meaning of life. I believe that in the days to come, I will set foot on this road again, continuing to explore unknown beauty and stories.
Yili Luxury 5-Day Tour
Xinjiang is the right way to cool off in summer. Summer is not just about air conditioning and watermelon,
Come out and see the blue sky, white clouds, green pastures, and snow-white mountains
Winding rivers, purple sea of flowers
Come to Xinjiang to start a summer of 20°C
.Get up and take a look at the stunning itinerary starting from Yining
Day1: Yining City - Guozigou Bridge - Sayram Lake - Jinghe
Day2: Jinghe - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Duku Highway - Narat
Day3: Narat Grassland - Qiaxi - Tekes
Day4: Tekes - Qiongkushitai - Zhaosu
Day5: Zhaosu - Xiat - Yining
7-Day Essence Tour of Northern Xinjiang
One does not know the vastness of the country until they reach Xinjiang.
Xinjiang is divided into Southern Xinjiang and Northern Xinjiang. If you want to understand ethnic cultures and exotic customs, you can go to Southern Xinjiang,
7-Day Essence Tour of Northern Xinjiang
D1: Urumqi - Colorful Beach - Burqin
D2: Burqin - Kanas
D3: Jiadengyu - Hemu
D4: Hemu - Urho Ghost City - Urho
D5: Urho - Sayram Lake - Yining/Qingshui River
D6: Yining/Qingshui River - Nalati - Bayanbulak
D7: Bayanbulak - Duku Highway - Urumqi
Xinjiang Duku Highway
Experience the temperature of four seasons in one day, witness the geomorphological changes from river valley grassland - alpine snow peak - plateau grassland - wilderness - Yardang - Gobi, and complete the transition from northern Xinjiang to southern Xinjiang.
The 0 kilometer mark - Narat Grassland and Gongnaisi River
This is a typical scenery of the Ili region. Tall snow ridge spruces on the hillside pastures, rapid clear streams in the gravel river valleys, and beautiful golden-brown steeds... It's very reminiscent of the Alps.
The 30th kilometer - Lalu Daban
This section is a mountain road and also the most scenic part of the journey.
As the altitude increases, you gradually approach the snow-capped mountains and may even surpass the snow line.
In this season, in addition to the deep green snow ridge spruces, there are also red-brown and yellow trees, rich in layers and intense in color.
There are several viewing platforms along the road where you can stop to enjoy the scenery and play in the snow.
The 60th kilometer - Bayanbulak Grassland
In this section, you have already crossed mountains and ridges to reach the plateau grassland.
Bayanbulak is China's second-largest grassland, and at an altitude of 2500 meters, such a vast flat grassland is surrounded by distant snow mountains, with horses, cattle, and sheep seen everywhere on the grassland. It's hard to describe the shock of what the eyes see.
This section has almost 100 kilometers of flat straight road, which is very pleasant to drive on.
You can eat in Bayanbulak town, or stop by the roadside to eat self-heating hot pot.
The 150th kilometer - Tielimaiti Daban
You have to take the mountain road down again. The scenery here transitions from northern Xinjiang to southern Xinjiang, with many wilderness and strange rock landscapes, vast and desolate, somewhat reminiscent of Norway's Trollstigen.
There is a section where the road condition is not very good at the moment, belonging to an avalanche section, with one lane under construction, currently alternating one-way traffic.
The 170th kilometer - Dahuochi
On the way down the mountain, you pass by the Dahuochi scenic area. The green lake water is still beautiful, but after the previous extreme scenery, the heart is relatively calm here.
The 240th kilometer - Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (Hongshan Stone Forest)
By the time you reach this point, the roadside is already completely in the style of southern Xinjiang. Yardang landform, huge red mountain bodies, eroded by the wind into rugged shapes.
Be sure to go on a sunny day to experience the natural wonders.
Another 70 kilometers, and you will reach the end of the Duku Highway, Kuqa.
This is the ancient kingdom of Kucha, where you can stay for a night and experience this historically rich small city of southern Xinjiang 🏠
Life is meant to be wasted in such places!
Following the road to see Xinjiang, a collection of self-driving roads in southern Xinjiang Sisters, today I'm sharing a Xinjiang self-driving guide, all the suitable strategies for self-driving have been organized for you, you can directly copy the Panlong Ancient Path
It's said that you can experience all the twists and turns of life within one day, and after that, life is a smooth journey. The road is 34 kilometers long, with 608 S-bends, many of which are 180 degrees, very thrilling, even for experienced drivers it can be dizzying. It will be completely closed on October 25th.
Counties and cities along the way: Depart from Kashgar City - Tashkurgan County - (via Karakoram Highway) - Waqia Township 2 Duku Highway
The Duku Highway is the road from Dushanzi to Kuqa, connecting southern and northern Xinjiang, it is part of the G271 national road, known as the miraculous road over mountains and ridges, but the Duku Highway is not accessible whenever you want, it has a closure period of 7 months a year, so if you want to see its beauty, you need to plan ahead.
Counties and cities along the way: Depart from Kuqa - Hejing - Xinyuan - Nileke - Wusu, etc. 3 Taklamakan Desert Highway
This highway is known as the Sea of Death, with a total of four routes, Ruoqiang County - Minfeng County, Aral City - Hotan City, Aral City Qiemo County Tazhong Town, Yuli County - Qiemo County
Best time: Autumn, when you can enjoy the beautiful Populus euphratica as well as delicious fruits
4 Tasha Ancient Path
It is a road from Tashkurgan County to Shache County, a small branch of the Silk Road, with both fairyland-like scenery and desolate landscapes
Counties and cities along the way: Tashkurgan - Tashkurgan Tajik Township - Kashgar Township - Shache County
5 Karakoram Highway
This highway is the China-Pakistan Friendship Road on the Pamir Plateau, starting from Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, to the northern city of Taxkorgan in Pakistan. This road witnessed the establishment of China-Pakistan friendship, and there are many landmarks to check in Duku Highway
"Freedom? In nature, I'm quite wild!"
—— From 'In the Forests of Siberia'
Imagine standing by Lake Baikal, the vast blue in front of you makes you want to shout: "Wow, isn't this just an enlarged version of Sayram Lake?" At the moment the movie ended, I seemed to have traveled through time and space, returning to Sayram Lake in February. Especially that sunrise on the ice surface, it's so beautiful that it makes you want to give nature an Oscar!
Speaking of Teddy, this guy really knows how to have fun. He actually ran into the forests of Siberia, saying he wanted to explore the spiritual world. And the result? He lived a "lonely, cold" life by Lake Baikal. But on the other hand, such a life might help him find inner peace!
Finally, I'll leave you with a golden line from the movie: "Escaping reality? Don't be silly, that's just a temporary shelter, the real home is in your heart!" Haha, it sounds like a chicken soup for the soul, but who says you can't have something warm in winter? Go watch this movie, it will definitely make you laugh and cry at the same time!
Duku Highway | A stunningly beautiful road through the Tianshan Mountains
| A stunningly beautiful road through the Tianshan Mountains.
The scenery along the way is absolutely amazing, passing through meadows, forest valleys, snow-capped grasslands, lakes, and Gobi deserts. It really lives up to the saying 'four seasons in one day, different weather every ten miles'. There's even a stop where you can go sledding (the kind where you slide down on a rubber tire). Although there might be some traffic, the experience of driving is still fantastic❗️There's a lot of information about the scenic spots, but not many people talk about the challenges encountered on the road. Here's a simple analysis of my experience.
📝Tips:
1. Border pass, you can get it in Kashgar, any police station will do, and all you need is your ID.
2. Refueling your car, always fill up when the tank is half full, as gas stations are far apart; also, don't drive at night, as the gas stations on the highway are locked at night. I almost ran out of gas late at night and had to find one off the highway.
3. Duku Highway. A national road from Dushanzi to Kuche, the scenery is incredibly stunning. It opens at 8 am, so it's recommended to get there around 6 am to queue. Don't go after 8 pm, or you'll freeze in your car all night.
The scenery of Duku is breathtakingly beautiful
📍Location: Duku Highway, Xinjiang
Transportation: It is recommended to choose self-driving or chartered cars to better appreciate the scenery along the way
💃Features: Enjoy the four seasons along the way, different weather every ten miles🌄
📸Check-in spots:
🚩Starting point of Duku Highway
👮"Guarding Tianshan Road" stone tablet
🎇Sky waterfall
🕯Joerma Martyrs Cemetery
🌾Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery
🐎Nalati Grassland
🐄Bayinbuluke Grassland
🐉Large and small dragon pools
🌈Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon
🚗Traffic strategy:
It is recommended to drive or charter a bus🚌, enjoy the beautiful scenery at will~
📢Small tips:
🚧The whole journey is long, pay attention to check the vehicle status🚙.
☀️The weather is changeable, remember to sun protection and keep warm🕶🧥.
🛣The road conditions are complex, drive carefully, safety first🚗!
🎫There are many scenic spots along the way, understand the opening hours and tickets in advance🎟.
🍔There are few gas stations and service areas, prepare food and water🍎🥤.
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