Bayinbuluke–Duku Highway–Urumqi (about 550KM, about 9 hours' drive)
08:00-13:00 Today, travel along the northern section of the [Duku Highway], running through the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, and experience the charm of this scenic highway. It can be called a monument in the history of Chinese highways and is known as the "Road of Heroes"; along the way are vast grasslands with charming scenery, towering cloud-shrouded snowy ridges, and a 100-meter avalanche shelter. There are endless beautiful views and countless photos to take
13:00-14:00 At noon, arrive at Qiao'erma Service Area for lunch. The [Martyrs' Cemetery] here houses the souls of 168 soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the construction of the Duku Highway, and there is also the story of "People Who Moved China" Chen Jungui, who guarded the tombs of his comrades for more than 30 years. You may choose to pay respects according to your own feelings
14:00-19:00 Afterward, continue along the highway with high mountains and deep valleys. After leaving the mountain road, pass through Dushanzi urban area
19:00-22:00 Return to the highway and head back to Urumqi on a smooth road, then disband the group, ending the pleasant Northern Xinjiang journey.
[Special Notes on the Duku Highway]
The Duku Highway is affected by seasonal weather and is only open from June to the end of September each year. Even during the open period, it may be temporarily closed due to rain, snow, or landslides. During closure control periods, the only option is to detour back; the additional vehicle costs, fuel costs, and driver service fees are all borne by the travel agency, with no further charges to tourists and no refunds. Expenses for tourist accommodation and meals, train tickets, or plane tickets increased due to force majeure road closures must be borne by tourists themselves.
[Warm Tips]
1. The Duku Highway is a mountainous road with relatively good conditions, but it has many curves and narrow sections, making carsickness easy. Please prepare motion sickness medicine in advance
2. Stopping at will is not allowed on mountain roads. The driver will make appropriate stops at safe viewpoints for photos
3. The Duku Highway reaches an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. Temperatures drop, so please prepare thick clothing in advance
4. Because the Duku Highway is affected by weather, by convention it is only passable from June to mid-September each year. In case of special weather, local traffic control authorities will close the road to ensure safety. If the road is closed, the Duku Highway cannot be passed, and the only option is to detour back to Urumqi, increasing both driving distance and time. Option 1: Return along National Highway G218 from Hejing County. Option 2: If National Highway G218 is also closed, the only choice is to return in the direction of Nalati and Yining City. Urumqi cannot be reached that day. You may take a flight from Nalati Airport, or leave the group by plane or train in Yining City. As road closure is a force majeure factor, the resulting train or plane ticket costs must be borne by tourists themselves; if you need to return by vehicle the next day, accommodation and meal expenses for that day are at the tourist's own expense.
🍽️ Breakfast included, lunch not included, dinner not included
🏨 Urumqi