Along the Duku Highway, through the top scenic Xinjiang.

Tianshan Mountain is like a natural barrier, spanning between southern and northern Xinjiang. It not only separates two lands, but also separates completely different natural scenery and folk customs. The completion of the Duku Highway has shortened the long road from north to south 1000 kilometers by nearly half. If you want to choose the only way in Xinjiang, an autonomous region with China's top scenery, it must be expressway, which is 500 kilometers long. Look at the scenery of northern Xinjiang and the customs of southern Xinjiang. The unique snow-capped mountains, meadows, forests, canyons, rivers, Ya Dan, donkey carts and Bazaar in Xinjiang can be seen at a glance on the road.

Precautions:

1.6 ~ September, in case of heavy snow, roads will be temporarily closed and reopened after the snow is cleared. It is recommended to go from the end of June to August.

There are many places to live. Dushanzi, Zhuoerma, Nalati, Bayinbuluke and Kuqa all have hotels, homestays and farmhouses of various conditions and grades.

3. Although more than half of Dooku's roads are mountain roads and there are dangerous sections like "Tiger Mouth", on the whole, the road conditions are good, and ordinary cars can drive, so there is no need to drive off-road vehicles.

4. The climate in Xinjiang is changeable, with large temperature difference between day and night and frequent climate changes in four seasons. It is recommended to bring enough warm clothes.

Part 1? Ice and Snow Corridor-Hukou-Haxile Gendaban

The only snow corridor in the world

Dushanzi-Nalati 220km

Snow Gallery, Tiger Mouth, Hasile Gendaban

Most roads in Xinjiang are flat and straight. Xinjiang Passenger Transport Company has many buses running at night, which shows that the road conditions are good. But the Dooku Highway is a completely different scene.

Duku Highway starts from Dushanzi, a major oil town in northern Xinjiang. Starting from this nondescript industrial town, the car began to climb along Panshan Highway, and the most rugged section of Dooku Highway suddenly appeared in front of us. One side of the road is a mountain with dangerous terrain, and the other side is a river that passes through the hall. From Dushanzi to Jorma, we should not only concentrate on taking the mountain road, but also pay attention to falling rocks. One of the dangerous roads called "Tiger Mouth" is the most dangerous section of Dooku Highway.

After driving carefully for more than 100 kilometers, we came to the only snow-proof corridor in the world. Because the Dooku Highway is covered with snow for most of the year, even from June to September, it may be temporarily closed due to heavy snow. Under this dangerous natural condition, the snow corridor can make the avalanche on the cliff fall into the deep ditch beside the highway, which plays an important role in the driving safety and maintenance of the highway.

Through the snow corridor, all the way to Panshan, and finally came to the first Daban on the Duku Highway: Hasile Gendaban. The gravel mountain along the way is covered with some vegetation, which is far less lush than Yili, but after crossing the mountain, there is a magnificent sight that is not dangerous. Looking from the top, we can see the eighteen bends of the mountain road we have walked, while in the distance, there are grasslands and curved rivers under the snow-capped mountains. In summer, we greet people far away with the richest green.

Hashir Gendaban

Part two? Nalati-Stereo Grassland-Picea Ling Xue

All the year round.

Nalati-Bayinbuluke 60 km

Nalati, three-dimensional grassland, Ling Xue spruce.

The previous scenery was only the preheating of the single-depot highway, and the real climax began in Nalati. After the car leaves Zhuoerma, the green grasslands and rivers gradually disappear, and what you see is the real Ili style.

Yili is known as "the south of the Great Wall". The Ili Valley is a well-deserved "green corridor" in Xinjiang, a land dominated by continental deserts and arid areas. As a frequent visitor to Yili for six times, I have always praised it as the most beautiful place in China, and the place I really want to stay after walking through Qian Shan and seeing the sea of clouds.

When it comes to Ili, the most touching thing is the "three-dimensional grassland" composed of snow spruce, grassland, Tianshan Mountain and Kazakh herders: there is snow-like Tianshan Mountain in the four seasons above the grassland, and there is straight snow spruce at the foot of the Tianshan Mountain. On the grassland with abundant water plants, smoke from cooking stoves rises in the yurts of Kazakh herders, and cattle and sheep are comfortable. It is precisely because of this unique terrain that nomadic life in Xinjiang can be passed down forever. Because each pasture has different altitudes, alpine pastures can only be used as summer pastures, and low-altitude grasslands can be used as winter pastures, which is what Kazaks call "winter nests". Cattle and sheep are the most important property of nomadic people, and Kazakhs must migrate between different grasslands to ensure that cattle and sheep can have enough food in each season. During the transitional season, Kazakhs ride horses or drive motorcycles, driving a large number of cattle and sheep, rushing around different grasslands to complete the migration of their homes.

Nalati is the most lush area of spruce in Ling Xue, Yili. It is the most famous scenic spot in Yili, with perfect accommodation and supporting facilities. But even if you just pass by Nalati town in a hurry, you can see the unparalleled three-dimensional grassland landscape from outside the scenic spot.

Starting from Nalati, all the way up the mountain, just 60 kilometers, is an unexpected beauty. Mountains, snow-covered grasslands, mountains and valleys, snow-covered spruces ... the closer to the top of the mountain, the more magnificent the scenery. Those Kazakh yurts dotted on the grassland are smoking, and the Kazakh people have lived in these beautiful scenery for generations.

In the middle and late June, the Dooku Highway was just swept by a heavy snow, which covered the verdant grassland and spruce. Xia Dong existed in both seasons, without any surprise. This is the charm of the single-depot highway. In one day, the four seasons jump, but it is a journey of hundreds of kilometers.

Narat National Forest Park

Xinjiang Nalati Forest Park is located at the northern foot of Nalati Mountain, the branch of Tianshan Mountain in the upper reaches of Gongnaisi River. Located at the intersection of Kuqa-Dushanzi National Highway 2 17 and Yili-Bazhou National Highway 2 18, the transportation is convenient. The park covers an area of 6025 hectares. There are many kinds of wild animals and plants in the park, which are rich in resources. Park is a forest tourism resort with natural and human landscape as its main feature, which integrates sightseeing, vacation, entertainment, recuperation, fitness, exploration and scientific research. Three scenic spots: Dadonggou Scenic Area, Lumingfeng Mountaineering Area and spruce nursery viewing area.

Part three? Bayinbuluke Grassland-Swan Lake-Big and Small Longchi

Put your home in a place rich in aquatic plants.

Bayinbuluke-Tielimaiban-120km Dragon Pond.

Bayinbuluke grassland, large and small dragon pools

Walking down the winding mountain road, we are about to usher in another climax on the Duku Highway-Bayinbuluke. Bayinbuluke, which means "abundant spring water", is the second largest grassland in China after Hulunbeier. From the time we set out, we basically climbed mountains and mountains all the way, but when we got to Bayinbuluke, we could finally experience a Ma Pingchuan. The road is no longer tortuous, but goes straight to the distance; The roadside is no longer a dense forest, but a vast grassland with rivers running through it. Overlooking Bayinbuluke from the air, you will be attracted by those winding rivers. The so-called "home is in a land rich in water and grass" is probably here.

Bayinbuluke's photo is the sunset of Kaidu River in the scenic spot. The sun sets, and the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the river. Standing on the top of the mountain overlooking the grassland 360 degrees, I can't think of a more suitable adjective except vastness. I looked at one end of the mountain where the sun was shining and the other end was overcast. Soon after, the dark clouds quickly ran to my position at the speed visible to the naked eye, and then, a rainstorm was on the verge.

The sheep here are also a miracle. Whenever the sheep pass by, the locals will point to them and say, "Look! Obama! " It turns out that these black-faced white-haired sheep are very similar to former US President Barack Obama in a white suit. If you are lucky, you can also meet shearing activities. The "Obamas" are like patients who have given up their struggle, waiting for the "trial of fate". Judging from their lonely expressions, they obviously don't like it very much, but the owner has to make a living by selling wool and can only give in.

Leaving the vast Bayinbuluke, the car began to climb the mountain again and headed for the highest Daban on the Duku Highway-Tieli Maiti Daban. Climbing all the way, I finally reached the highest point, that is, the last big board of Duku Highway. The winding road itself is the perfect ornament of this mountain. On the snow line along the way, you can even see the snow lotus growing on the cliff, which should also be regarded as an unexpected harvest on the Duku Highway.

Shortly after the downhill, we arrived at Dalongchi, which is the last picture of green mountains and green waters on Duku Highway. Two alpine lakes, surrounded by mountains and forests, are quietly located in the depths of Tianshan Mountain. The midsummer light year of this road will soon come to an end, and we will be greeted by another strange landform.

Bayinbuluke grassland

Bayinbuluke Mongolian means abundant spring-"abundant spring water". Grassland is a typical meadow grassland with flat terrain and abundant aquatic plants. It is one of the most important animal husbandry bases in Xinjiang. There are not only the Kaidu River with "nine twists and eighteen bends", but also the elegant and charming Swan Lake. The best time to visit Bayinbuluke grassland is from June to September every year, and the weather is cold at other times.

Swan Lake

Swan Lake Bayinbuluke is the largest swan nature reserve in Asia and the only swan nature reserve in China, which is home to the largest wild swan population in China. Located in Bayinbuluke Grassland, Hejing County, Xinjiang, with an average elevation of 2400 meters and a total area of about 1 100 square kilometers, it is composed of many winding lakes. Bayinbuluke Grassland is the second largest grassland in China after Erdos, with an area of 24,000 square kilometers and an altitude of 2,300-2,800 meters. The residents in this area are mainly Mongolians, accounting for about 78% of the population in this area. Local Mongolian herders protect swans and live in harmony with them.

Part four? Mysterious Grand Canyon of Kuqa-Kuqa Palace-Qizil Ghost Town

I will keep walking until the water blocks my way, but I see Qiuci country.

Longchi-Kuqa 137 km.

South Xinjiang Style Kuqa Mysterious Grand Canyon

After going down the mountain from the big and small Longchi, the clues of southern Xinjiang began to appear. Forest meadows no longer exist, but are replaced by fiery Ya Dan landforms. In Uyghur, it is called "Kyzilia", which means Red Cliff. Strange rocks stand on both sides of the road, as warm as flames, which is quite charming in the American antelope valley. This is the mysterious Kuqa Grand Canyon. The unique landform finally makes people realize that they have come to southern Xinjiang. The air began to change from being full of fresh steam and the fragrance of earth to being dry and hot. This unique scenery is totally worth buying tickets to visit the mysterious Grand Canyon in Kuqa.

The Grand Canyon is mainly composed of sedimentary rocks. After the action of Tianshan fault and crustal movement, after years of wind erosion and rain erosion, the rock stratum has undergone a series of wavy bends. Now, different folds and fracture lines can be clearly seen on the side wall of the canyon. Walking in it, people are insignificant compared with those boulders.

Continue driving for 70 kilometers, and you will reach Kuqa, the end of Dooku Highway. This used to be an important town on the Silk Road. Today's Kuqa New Town is no different from most cities in China, but the old town seems to have stayed in history, maintaining a leisurely and quaint temperament. Tuanjie Xinqiao is the core area of the old city. On the open space next to the river bed, several men sat in chairs for haircuts, and Uighur books were sold in small shops. Well-dressed young Uighurs read newspapers while walking. Carriages and donkey carts shuttle on the asphalt road, as if they can glimpse the once prosperous ancient country of Qiuci on the Silk Road.

Tianshan mysterious grand canyon

Tianshan Canyon is located 72km north of Kuqa County in Aksu region, north of National Highway 2 17, with an altitude of1600m, and the highest peak is 2048m above sea level.

The Grand Canyon consists of reddish-brown mountains, which are called Kizilsu by the locals (meaning "Red Cliff" in Uighur). As a whole, it runs north-south, with the end slightly bent to the east. The main valley of the canyon is 2.7 kilometers long and has four sub-valleys, with a total length of 3 kilometers.

The mysterious Grand Canyon was formed after hundreds of millions of years of wind and rain erosion and flash floods. The mysterious Grand Canyon in Tianshan Mountain is a combination of male, dangerous, quiet, secluded and spiritual, and all those who are there are amazed. Ai Ai Grottoes were found on the cliff at a distance of 0/.4 km from Gukou/Kloc-0. There are mural Chinese characters on the south, north and west walls of the grottoes, adding color to the Grand Canyon.

Kuche Wang Fu

Kuqa, known as Qiuci in ancient times, is a big country among 36 countries in the Western Region. Kuqa at that time was the center of ancient Qiuci, including Baicheng, Xinhe and Shaya, with a long history and splendid culture. Qiuci is also an important town on the "Silk Road" with prosperous business. The establishment of Khufu, the capital of the Western Regions in the Han Dynasty, and the capital of Anxi in the Tang Dynasty in Qiuci made Qiuci the political, economic and cultural center of the Western Regions. It is this glorious history that has left many precious ancient sites and exquisite cultural relics for Kuqa, which is the witness of Kuqa history. Here, visitors can not only see the elegance of Wang Ye, feel the profoundness of Qiuci culture, but also listen to Wang Ye's account of the honor and disgrace of Wang Ye family and the social and economic development history of Kuqa.