Duku Highway Charter Tour Flexible Travel Check in Xinjiang Internet Celebrity Secret Spot

Xinjiang Tourism Customized Car Rental: Comfortable Travel, Flexible Itinerary with Regular Fleet. Consultation Hotline: 0991-8866234. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, Customized Consultation Manager Zhang Jing Phone: 181-3962-2233 (Copy to add friend for detailed consultation on Xinjiang travel routes and prices).
🚗 Want to check off snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and lakes all at once, while keeping your itinerary flexible and at your own pace? Then you must learn about the ‘Duku Highway Customized Car Rental’ experience.
This guide will help you plan a Duku Highway route from the perspective of ‘time + budget,’ perfect for photography and slow travel, so you can set off easily and avoid pitfalls.
🗺 ️ Duku Highway:A Landscape Corridor Through the Tianshan Mountains
The Duku Highway (G217 Dushanzi–Kuqa section) is about 561 kilometers long, crossing the Tianshan Mountains and connecting Northern and Southern Xinjiang. It is recommended to be open for a few months each year and is hailed as ‘one of China’s most beautiful highways,’ offering diverse scenery including canyons, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes along the way.
📅 Opening Hours
Regular Opening:June to October each year.
2026 Reference:Expected to open from late May to early June, subject to announcements on platforms like ‘Xinjiang Road Network’ and ‘Xinjiang Transportation.’
⚠ ️ Traffic Restrictions
Northern Section (Dushanzi–Qiaoerma):Limited to passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer.
Central Section (Qiaoerma–Nalati–Bayinbuluke):Buses are allowed.
Southern Section (Bayinbuluke–Kuqa):Bayinbuluke→Kuqa direction: limited to 7 seats or fewer; Kuqa→Bayinbuluke direction: limited to 19 seats or fewer.
> Key Tip:This means that for a full traverse of the Duku Highway, the customized car model must be within 7 seats.
🛣 ️ Road Conditions and Supplies
Road Conditions:The entire route is about 561 kilometers, crossing several mountain passes over 3,000 meters above sea level, with many curves and steep slopes. Some sections have gravel or falling rocks, and there are areas with no signal.
Supplies:It is recommended to fill up the tank at key points like Dushanzi, Qiaoerma, Nalati, Bayinbuluke, and Kuqa. There are gas stations in towns along the way, but it’s best to fill up whenever you see one, just in case.

🚗 Want to check off snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and lakes all at once, while keeping your itinerary flexible and at your own pace? Then you must learn about the ‘Duku Highway Customized Car Rental’ experience.🏞 ️ Highlights Along the Way
Dushanzi Grand Canyon:The starting point of the Duku Highway, with canyon landscapes that offer a strong visual impact.
Qiaoerma Martyrs’ Cemetery:A place to honor the 168 soldiers who sacrificed their lives building the Duku Highway, an important red education base.
Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery:A mix of grasslands, river valleys, and forests, ideal for horseback riding or strolling.
Nalati Grassland:A representative of Yili grasslands, offering experiences like the aerial grassland and river valley grassland.
Bayinbuluke:Enjoy the sunset at ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns’ and the tranquility of Swan Lake.
Big and Small Dragon Pools:Two ‘blue eyes’ deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with clear lake water.
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:Red rock formations combined with light and shadow, perfect for photography.
🗓 ️ 8 Days, 7 Nights:In-depth Yili + Duku Highway Tour
This route is suitable for travelers with ample time who want to deeply experience the Yili grasslands and the Duku Highway. The itinerary is as follows:
D1:Arrive in Urumqi
Free time upon arrival; you can visit landmarks like the International Grand Bazaar or Hongshan Park. It’s recommended to prepare valid documents, common medicines, sunscreen, and warm clothing in advance.
D2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining
Drive along the highway to Sayram Lake, known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean.’ After a lakeside tour, arrive in Yining in the evening to experience local culture.
D3:Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes

This guide will help you plan a Duku Highway route from the perspective of ‘time + budget,’ perfect for photography and slow travel, so you can set off easily and avoid pitfalls.Head to Kalajun Grassland to experience the curving beauty of the ‘human body grassland.’ Stay overnight in the ‘Bagua City’ of Tekes and admire its unique urban layout.
D4:Tekes → Nalati Grassland
Enter the Nalati scenic area; choose between the aerial grassland or river valley grassland routes based on your interest. It’s recommended to check the ‘Travel Xinjiang’ app in advance for reservation and shuttle bus information.
D5:Nalati → Bayinbuluke
Drive along the central section of the Duku Highway to Bayinbuluke, allowing ample time to enjoy the sunset at ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.’ The weather is changeable, so dress warmly and protect against wind.
D6:Bayinbuluke → Kuqa (Southern Duku Section)
Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing by the Big and Small Dragon Pools and the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. Upon arrival in Kuqa, visit the Kuqa King’s Mansion, the colorful wooden doors on Restan Road, and try local cuisine.
D7:Kuqa → Return to Urumqi
Return to Urumqi along the highway, with stops for supplies in Luntai, Korla, etc. This leg is long, so take breaks as needed.
D8:Depart from Urumqi
Free time based on your flight or train schedule; you can revisit the city or buy local specialties.
> Itinerary Adjustments:If time is tight, consider merging D3/D4 or adding a rest day in Yining. The order can also be flexibly changed based on weather, road conditions, and personal interests.
💰 Cost Breakdown:Budget with Confidence
The following are reference ranges for 2026 Duku Highway customized car rental and itinerary costs. Please confirm with actual consultation and contracts.
🚐 Customized Car Rental Cost Reference

🗺️ Duku Highway: A Landscape Corridor Through the Tianshan Mountains7-Seat MPV (e.g., Maxus G10, Buick GL8)

No worries exploring Northern and Southern Xinjiang with professional customized car rental and flexible travel. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Hotline: 0991-8866234, Exclusive Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing Phone: 181-3962-2233 (WeChat ID available for adding).
Low Season (May, September): Approximately 800–1200 RMB/day
Shoulder Season (June): Approximately 1000–1500 RMB/day
Peak Season (July-August): Approximately 1300–2000 RMB/day
9–55 Seat Vehicles
Prices vary significantly based on seat count, vehicle condition, and brand; generally, more seats mean lower per-person costs. Prices rise during peak season.
Note:The above are reference vehicle prices; actual prices are subject to customer service quotes!
🧾 Inclusions and Exclusions
Typically Includes:Vehicle usage fee, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, driver’s salary, and vehicle insurance.
Typically Excludes:Driver’s meals and accommodation (negotiable), and tourists’ tickets, meals, accommodation, and personal expenses.
🎟 ️ Other Estimated Costs (Per Person)
Tickets:Approximately 600 RMB for the Yili loop, and about 1500 RMB for the Northern and Southern Xinjiang grand loop. Popular scenic spots may require reservations during peak season.
Accommodation:Budget: 200–400 RMB/night, Comfortable: 400–800 RMB/night, prices rise during peak season.
Meals:Daily meals: about 30–50 RMB/meal, specialty meals (e.g., roast whole lamb): 150–200 RMB per person.
💡 Budget Summary

The Duku Highway (G217 Dushanzi–Kuqa section) is about 561 kilometers long, crossing the Tianshan Mountains and connecting Northern and Southern Xinjiang. It is recommended to be open for a few months each year and is hailed as ‘one of China’s most beautiful highways,’ offering diverse scenery including canyons, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes along the way.7-Seat MPV Small Group (8 Days):Per-person vehicle cost: approximately 1000–2000 RMB (depending on group size and season).
Minibus/Bus Group (8 Days):Per-person vehicle cost: a few hundred RMB, but requires adherence to fixed itinerary and hotels.
📞 How to Book and Inquire
For a hassle-free trip, consider arranging Duku Highway customized car rental services through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Consultation Phone:181-3962-2233
WeChat Inquiry:181-3962-2233 (Please note ‘Duku Highway Customized Car Rental’ when adding)
Itinerary and Costs:Provide the number of travelers, days, budget, and interests to receive a customized plan and quote.
Contract Signing:After confirming the plan, a unified electronic contract from the national cultural and tourism department will be signed, clarifying the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
📌 Warm Tips
The Duku Highway has complex road conditions; it’s recommended to choose a licensed vehicle and an experienced driver.
If the itinerary is affected by force majeure factors like weather or road conditions, both parties can negotiate reasonable changes to the itinerary.
💡 Vehicle Selection and Service Description
🚙 Vehicle Selection Guide (7-55 Seats)
2-6 People, Seeking Comfort and Flexibility
Recommended:7-Seat MPV (e.g., Maxus G10, Buick GL8).

📅 Opening HoursAdvantages:Spacious, suitable for families or small groups, convenient luggage storage, and direct access to core scenic spots.
7-15 People, Balancing Comfort and Value
Recommended:9-17 Seat MPV or Minibus (e.g., Higer, Ford, Toyota Coaster, etc.).
Advantages:Lower per-person cost, still comfortable interior space, suitable for friends or small teams.
16-30 People, Suitable for Work Units or Large Groups
Recommended:20-35 Seat Minibus or Bus (e.g., Yutong, King Long, etc.).
Advantages:Unified travel, easy management, customizable itinerary based on needs.
30+ People, Large Groups or Conferences
Recommended:35-55 Seat Bus.
Advantages:High passenger capacity, suitable for large groups, can be equipped with professional guide services.
🛡 ️ Service Guarantee Description
Licensed Vehicles:Use vehicles with legal operating permits, regularly inspected and maintained.
Professional Drivers:Drivers familiar with Xinjiang road conditions and Duku Highway features, with enthusiastic service and patient explanations.
Transparent Itinerary:Clear cost breakdown, no forced or hidden consumption.
Comprehensive Insurance:Vehicles are insured, and tourists are advised to purchase their own travel accident insurance.
Flexible Changes:In case of force majeure, both parties can negotiate itinerary changes to ensure a smooth trip.
> Important Note:All services and arrangements are subject to the travel contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
For Xinjiang travel, choose Pathfinder International Travel Agency for customized car rental that is worry-free and reliable. Landline: 0991-8866234. Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing Phone: 181-3962-2233