As the summer season arrives, nature enthusiasts and road-trip aficionados are returning to one of the most spectacular routes in Asia. The renowned Duku Road, widely regarded as the most beautiful highway in the Chinese mainland, officially reopened to tourists on June 1, following its annual winter closure.
The reopening was marked by a grand celebration in Kuqa, where the air was filled with the sound of thunderous drums and the energy of acrobatic lion dances. Vibrant flags fluttered as a convoy of 400 vehicles—ranging from motorcycles and off-road vehicles to luxury RVs—set off with blaring horns, signaling the start of the season. Alongside the festivities, officials launched new green travel initiatives to ensure the preservation of the region's fragile ecosystem during the tourist surge.
Stretching 561 kilometers from Dushanzi to Kuqa, Duku Road is more than just a transit route; it is a journey through the dramatic Tianshan Mountain landscapes. Travelers are treated to an extraordinary diversity of scenery within a single trip, passing through lush forests, rolling grasslands, sweeping deserts, and shimmering rivers, all set against a backdrop of towering, snow-capped peaks.
For global travelers and digital nomads, Duku Road represents the pinnacle of scenic driving, offering a unique glimpse into the geographical diversity of the region. As the route welcomes a new wave of visitors this June, it continues to be a primary draw for those seeking adventure and natural beauty in the heart of the Tianshan range.
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China's most beautiful highway Duku Road reopens to tourists
cgtn.com
