Duku Highway, a heavenly road

Part of the G217 road (China National Highway 217), the Duku Highway is said to be one of the most beautiful roads of China crossing Tianshan Mountains from south to north.

The road seems like a dragon crossing the two main subranges of Tianshan- Narat and Borohoro. It was recently paved and crosses three mountain passes (through tunnels). Most of the road travels above 2000 m altitude and tops out at 3.460m (11,351ft) in Haxilegen Pass. High risk of mudslides.

Located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, the highway connects Dushanzi in the northern area of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and Kuqa county in the south. The highway is only open around five months (from May to October) every year due to natural factors such as snow and ice. The road can be completed in 8 hours and a half without stops. The road is is restricted for vehicles larger than 7 seats.
Road suggested by: Jorge Manuel Gómez Sánchez
Pic: 程亮