2026 4 Day Private Car Rental for Southern Duku Road in Northern Xinjiang Recommended Itinerary and Pricing for Regular Transport Vehicles to Bayanbulak Nine Curve Wetland

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

Explore the Southern Section of the Duku Highway in Northern Xinjiang:4-Day Customized Vehicle Tour with In-Depth Exploration of Bayanbuluk Nine-Coiled Wetland: A Complete Guide
Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination
The southern section of the Duku Highway in Northern Xinjiang is known as the “Essence Corridor” of Xinjiang’s natural scenery. This 270-kilometer highway connects core attractions such as the Bayanbuluk Grassland, the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. Along the way, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons alternate, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and nature explorers.
Bayanbuluk Grassland: As the second-largest grassland in China, it is famous for the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” of the Kaidu River. At sunset, the afterglow of the setting sun洒 [should be ‘shines’] on the meandering river, creating the spectacle of “Nine Suns” (requiring the right water level, cloud cover, and angle). The grassland is also home to the Swan Lake Wetland, where a large number of naturally occurring swans inhabit and breed every spring and summer, with well-preserved ecological protection.
Large and Small Dragon Pools:Located in the middle section of the Duku Highway, these are alpine lakes formed by melted snow from the mountains. The lake water is as green as jade, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In summer, wildflowers are everywhere, and in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color, making it a scenic spot in all seasons.
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:Formed by red-brown rocks eroded by wind over hundreds of millions of years, the canyon is deep and winding, with a kaleidoscope of colors under sunlight. It is known as one of the “Most Beautiful Canyons in China.”
Traffic Tips for the Southern Section of the Duku Highway:The entire southern section was opened to traffic in early June 2026, but temporary traffic restrictions may occur due to weather conditions. Daily traffic flow management is in place, so it is advisable to plan your itinerary in advance.
Simple Itinerary (Based on on-site verification information in 2026)

Explore the Southern Section of the Duku Highway in Northern Xinjiang: 4-Day Customized Vehicle Tour with In-Depth Exploration of Bayanbuluk Nine-Coiled Wetland: A Complete GuideDay 1:Kuqa → Large and Small Dragon Pools → Bayanbuluk Town
Morning:Depart from Kuqa and drive north along the southern section of the Duku Highway, stopping to visit the Large and Small Dragon Pools (approximately 1 hour).
Noon:Have a simple lunch near the Large Dragon Pool and taste Xinjiang’s specialty noodles or grilled meat.
Afternoon:Continue to Bayanbuluk Town, check into a hotel, and take a short rest.
Evening:Transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus to enter the Bayanbuluk Grassland, focusing on visiting Swan Lake and Barun Temple, and finally arriving at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns viewing platform to wait for sunset (approximately 4 hours in total).
Overnight Stay:Hotel in Bayanbuluk Town (it is recommended to choose an oxygen-supplied room to alleviate altitude sickness).
Day 2:In-Depth Exploration of Bayanbuluk → Nalati Town
Morning:Enter the scenic area for a second time (optional), hike or ride a horse to explore the depths of the grassland, and photograph the wetland scenery amidst the morning mist.

Detailed Introduction to the Route or DestinationNoon:Return to town for lunch and try grassland simple meals (such as hand-pulled rice and milk tea).
Afternoon:Drive to Nalati Town, passing through the Gongnaisi River Valley, and enjoy the picturesque scenery of snow-capped mountains intertwined with forests.
Overnight Stay:Characteristic homestay in Nalati Town to experience the culture of various ethnic groups.
Day 3:Nalati Aerial Grassland → Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery
Morning:Visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland, take a shuttle bus to the top of the nomadic family at an altitude of 2,200 meters, and overlook the panoramic view of the grassland.
Noon:Have lunch in the scenic area, and it is recommended to try roast whole lamb or horse meat naren.
Afternoon:Cross the Yuximolegai Daban and arrive at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives building the Duku Highway.
Overnight Stay:Yurt near Qiaoerma to experience nomadic life (reservation required in advance).
Day 4:Qiaoerma → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Urumqi

The southern section of the Duku Highway in Northern Xinjiang is known as the “Essence Corridor” of Xinjiang’s natural scenery. This 270-kilometer highway connects core attractions such as the Bayanbuluk Grassland, the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. Along the way, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons alternate, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and nature explorers.Morning:Cross the Hashilergen Daban (altitude 3,390 meters) and check in at the iconic snow prevention corridor of the Duku Highway.
Noon:Have lunch in Dushanzi District, and it is recommended to try大盘鸡 [should be ‘big plate chicken’] or peppery chicken.
Afternoon:Visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon and experience the glass walkway or cliff swing (self-paid items).
Evening:Return to Urumqi and end the itinerary.
Price Description (Reference for 2026)
The customized vehicle fee is calculated based on the vehicle type and number of days, including vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, toll fee, parking fee, and driver’s labor fee. It does not include tourist tickets, meals, accommodation, or driver’s accommodation and meal subsidies. The following are reference prices (subject to the contract):
7-seater business vehicle (suitable for 4-6 people):1200-1600 yuan/day
9-12-seater medium-sized business vehicle (suitable for 7-10 people):1500-1900 yuan/day

Bayanbuluk Grassland: As the second-largest grassland in China, it is famous for the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” of the Kaidu River. At sunset, the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the meandering river, creating the spectacle of “Nine Suns” (requiring the right water level, cloud cover, and angle). The grassland is also home to the Swan Lake Wetland, where a large number of naturally occurring swans inhabit and breed every spring and summer, with well-preserved ecological protection.15-19-seater minibus (suitable for 11-14 people):1800-2300 yuan/day
Bus with more than 30 seats (suitable for groups of more than 20 people):2500-3200 yuan/day
Driver’s accommodation and meal subsidy:Industry practice is about 150-200 yuan/day, which can be negotiated and included in the total price.
Discount Tips:A 5% discount on the total price can be obtained for continuous vehicle usage of more than 7 days, subject to customer service confirmation.
Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with customer service manager Zhang Jing to obtain detailed itinerary planning and quote services.
Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Include:Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, toll fee, parking fee, driver’s labor fee, and basic insurance.

Large and Small Dragon Pools: Located in the middle section of the Duku Highway, these are alpine lakes formed by melted snow from the mountains. The lake water is as green as jade, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In summer, wildflowers are everywhere, and in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color, making it a scenic spot in all seasons.Fees Do Not Include:Scenic area tickets (approximately 65 yuan/person for Bayanbuluk, approximately 75 yuan/person for shuttle bus), meals, accommodation, driver’s accommodation and meal subsidies, and personal consumption.
Service Guarantee:All vehicles have legal operating qualifications, and drivers hold dual certificates (driver’s license + professional qualification certificate) and receive regular training.
Itinerary Changes:In case of weather, road conditions, or policy changes, both parties can reasonably optimize the itinerary through consultation.
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Practical Tips
Clothing Preparation:The Bayanbuluk Grassland is at an altitude of about 2,400 meters, with large temperature differences between day and night. It is necessary to bring a windbreaker, warm underwear, and sun protection items.
Photography Equipment:To photograph the sunset at Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns, prepare a tripod, wide-angle lens, and sufficient batteries and memory cards.
Environmental Protection Tips:The wetland ecosystem is fragile. It is strictly prohibited to step into the wetland or feed waterfowl. The shuttle bus is the means of transportation.
Altitude Sickness:Upon arriving in Bayanbuluk, you may experience slight headaches. It is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise and drink plenty of water.
The 4-day tour of the southern section of the Duku Highway in Northern Xinjiang is a deep travel experience that combines natural wonders and cultural history. Through the professional customization of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, you can enjoy a worry-free trip without concerns about transportation, accommodation, or itinerary connections. Immediately contact customer service manager Zhang Jing to start your exploration journey in Northern Xinjiang!

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.