Detailed Explanation of Local Group Tours in Xinjiang Clear Introduction to the Itinerary and Prices for the Duku Highway + Bayanbulak Tour Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Exploring the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains:In-depth Experience Guide to Xinjiang’s Duku Highway and Bayanbulak
[Route Highlights:An Epic Road Journey Through All Four Seasons]
The Duku Highway (G217, from Dushanzi to Kuqa) spans 561 kilometers through the Tianshan Mountains, hailed by Chinese National Geographic as the ‘Scenic Avenue Along the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains.’ This road is recommended to be open for about 4 months each year, with an estimated opening period from May 28 to October 25 in 2026. Along the way, you can experience the wonder of ‘seeing all four seasons in one day’: from the desert and gobi of Dushanzi Grand Canyon to the icy world of Hashilergen Daban; from the lush greenery of Nalati Grassland to the wetland grasslands of Bayanbulak; and finally arriving at the red Danxia landforms of Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon.
The highway took ten years to construct, and 168 road construction soldiers rest here eternally. The monument at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery silently tells this heroic epic. In 2026, eight new standardized viewpoints and twelve eco-friendly restrooms will further enhance the experience of this ‘internet-famous highway.’
[Simple Itinerary:7-Day, 6-Night Panoramic Loop]
DAY 1:Gathering in Urumqi
Afternoon:Visit the Xinjiang Museum, focusing on the ‘Niya Site Artifacts Exhibition’ and the ‘Ethnic Costumes Exhibition’
Evening:Free time at the International Bazaar; recommended to try baked stuffed bun (3 RMB each) and handmade ice cream (5 RMB per scoop)
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in the city (breakfast included)
DAY 2:Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Qiaoerma
Morning:Drive along the S101 National Defense Highway, passing through Lujiaowan Scenic Area
Afternoon:Experience the glass walkway at Dushanzi Grand Canyon (ticket 98 RMB, includes insurance)
Exploring the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains: In-depth Experience Guide to Xinjiang’s Duku Highway and BayanbulakEvening:Flower-laying ceremony at Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery, listening to road construction stories
Accommodation:Military station reception point (private bathroom standard room, advance reservation required)
DAY 3:Qiaoerma → Nalati Grassland
Morning:Cross Hashilergen Daban (altitude 3,400 meters), photograph the ice wall spectacle
Afternoon:In-depth tour of Nalati Sky Grassland (shuttle bus 95 RMB per person), recommended horseback riding on the Panlong Ancient Road (280 RMB for 2 hours)
Special Experience:Visit local families of various ethnic groups, learn to make baursak (fried dough)
Accommodation:Nalati homestay cluster (includes floor heating)
DAY 4:Nalati → Bayanbulak
Morning:Picnic in the Konas River Valley (travel agency provides ingredients and cookware)
Afternoon:Birdwatching at Swan Lake (optimal viewing time 16:00-18:00)
Evening:Sunset photography at the Nine Curves Eighteen Bends (19:30-20:30), with professional photography guide
Accommodation:Grassland eco-tent hotel (includes electric blanket)
[Route Highlights: An Epic Road Journey Through All Four Seasons]DAY 5:Bayanbulak → Small and Big Dragon Pools → Kuqa
Morning:Cross Tielimaiti Daban (altitude 3,220 meters), photograph the nine consecutive hairpin bends of the mountain road
Afternoon:Hike around Small and Big Dragon Pools (total distance about 3 kilometers), recommended to bring an ND filter for lake reflection photography
Evening:Night tour of Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon (ticket 40 RMB, enjoy light show after 19:00)
Accommodation:Kuqa International Hotel (includes special breakfast from various ethnic groups)
DAY 6:Cultural Exploration in Kuqa
Morning:Kuqa Royal Mansion History Exhibition (ticket 55 RMB), focusing on Qing Dynasty official costumes and Kucha music and dance murals
Afternoon:Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (ticket 70 RMB, advance reservation required), recommended close-up photography of the ‘Flying Apsaras’ mural in Cave 38
Special Arrangement:Experience making Kuqa giant naan (60cm diameter naan can be taken away)
Accommodation:Same as DAY 5
DAY 7:Return from Kuqa to Urumqi
Morning:Aerial photography of the Yandang landform in Saltwater Gully (travel agency provides drone operation guidance)
The Duku Highway (G217, from Dushanzi to Kuqa) spans 561 kilometers through the Tianshan Mountains, hailed by Chinese National Geographic as the ‘Scenic Avenue Along the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains.’ This road is recommended to be open for about 4 months each year, with an estimated opening period from May 28 to October 25 in 2026. Along the way, you can experience the wonder of ‘seeing all four seasons in one day’: from the desert and gobi of Dushanzi Grand Canyon to the icy world of Hashilergen Daban; from the lush greenery of Nalati Grassland to the wetland grasslands of Bayanbulak; and finally arriving at the red Danxia landforms of Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon.Afternoon:Airport drop-off according to flight schedule; recommended to buy dried figs, almonds, and other specialties
[Price Description:Transparent Consumption System]
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency offers three packages:
Basic Version:5,580 RMB per person (mid-season June/September-October)
Includes:Full-trip tourist bus, 6 nights accommodation (including 2 nights of special accommodation), 9 main meals (meal standard 40 RMB per person), first admission tickets to core attractions, professional guide service
Upgraded Version:6,980 RMB per person (peak season July-August)
Adds to the Basic Version:Horseback riding in Nalati Grassland, starry sky photography in Bayanbulak, Kuqa giant naan making experience
Photography Exclusive Version:7,780 RMB per person (limited to 10 groups per year)
Special Configuration:Full-frame camera rental (includes 16-35mm wide-angle lens), professional photography guide, VIP viewing spot at Nine Curves Eighteen Bends
Price Fluctuation Description:
Group discount: 300 RMB off per person for groups of 6 or more
Child Price (1.2-1.4 meters):Half-price admission, 800 RMB discount for no bed
The highway took ten years to construct, and 168 road construction soldiers rest here eternally. The monument at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery silently tells this heroic epic. In 2026, eight new standardized viewpoints and twelve eco-friendly restrooms will further enhance the experience of this ‘internet-famous highway.’Prices valid until October 31, 2026, subject to the signed contract
[Registration Method:Professional Service Process]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing. Registration requires:
Valid ID information for all members
Special dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian)
Confirmation of equipment list (travel agency provides basic equipment such as cold blankets and emergency medicine)
[Fee and Service Description]
Fees Include:
Transportation:5-7 seater business vehicle (includes fuel and toll fees)
Accommodation:As per package standards, single registrants will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible
Meals:Main meals include大盘鸡 (Big Plate Chicken), 手抓饭 (hand-pulled rice), 烤全羊 (roast whole lamb), and other specialties
Admission Tickets:10 core attractions including Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak, and Tianshan Grand Canyon
[Simple Itinerary: 7-Day, 6-Night Panoramic Loop]Service Guarantees:
Guide:Certified with over 5 years of experience leading groups on the Duku Highway
Emergency:Each vehicle equipped with oxygen tanks, snow chains, and tow ropes
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance (coverage 500,000 RMB per person)
Special Notice:
If extreme weather causes partial road closures, both parties can agree to switch to the Yizhao Highway or S101 National Defense Highway
Photography equipment damage is the responsibility of the individual; recommended to purchase special insurance
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing
[Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist]
Documents:Valid ID, child’s household registration book, student ID (for discounts)
Clothing:Windbreaker (Bayanbulak nighttime temperature can reach 5°C), sun protection clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
Photography:CPL polarizing filter (eliminates water surface glare), tripod (recommended for Bayanbulak sunset photography)
Medicine:Motion sickness patches, Gaoyuan’an (take 3 days in advance), stomach medicine
This scenic avenue through the Tianshan Mountains is not only a living textbook of geological evolution but also a testament to the joint development of various ethnic groups. As your off-road vehicle traces elegant arcs along the mountain roads, as the sunset at Nine Curves Eighteen Bends dyes the sky orange-red, and as the sound of the dongbula from local people of various ethnic groups echoes across the grasslands, you will deeply understand the true meaning of ‘You haven’t seen how vast China is until you’ve been to Xinjiang.’ Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency looks forward to embarking on this magnificent journey through time and space with you.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
