8-Day Tour of Duku Highway and Ili Loop

【Introduction】: From May to August, the grasslands of Ili in Xinjiang are at their most beautiful. Coupled with the heroic Duku Highway, where you can experience four seasons in one day and witness ever-changing weather, this journey to Xinjiang Ili will leave you enchanted: 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Urumqi - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Jinghe Day 2: Jinghe - Sailimu Lake Loop - Guozigou - Qingshuihe Day 3: Qingshuihe - Lavender Fields - Yizhao Highway - Zhaosu Day 4: Zhaosu - Kalajun Grassland - Tekes Bagua City - Nalati Day 5: Nalati - Nalati Air Grassland - Korla Day 6: Korla - Tarim Poplar Forest - Kuqa Day 7: Kuqa - Bayinbuluk - Dushanzi Day 8: Dushanzi - S101 National Defense Highway - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Urumqi - Nalati Grassland: One of the world's four major grasslands, located in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains and at the eastern end of the Ili River Valley. In summer, it is lush and dotted with wildflowers, while in winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland. It is a perfect destination for leisure and vacation, featuring snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, valleys, and meadows. - Kalajun Grassland: Recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, it is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscapes. The grassland is interspersed with snow-capped mountains and canyons, offering a rich sense of layering. The distant snow-capped peaks stand tall and majestic, creating breathtaking scenery. - Lake Scenery: - Sailimu Lake: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," its crystal-clear blue waters are surrounded by grasslands and snow-capped mountains, forming a stunning natural painting. It is the highest-altitude and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, offering diverse views as you circle the lake. Duku Highway: - Overview: The Duku Highway, also known as National Highway 217, connects Dushanzi in northern Xinjiang to Kuqa in southern Xinjiang. Spanning 561 kilometers, it crosses the Tianshan Mountains and is often referred to as the Tianshan Highway. Half of the route is at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, with the highest point, Tielimaiti Pass, reaching 3,400 meters. - Scenic Highlights: - Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Located near the starting point of the Duku Highway, this 20-kilometer-long canyon was formed by river erosion after the waters emerged from the Tianshan Mountains. The canyon features steep cliffs, meandering streams, and unique yardang landforms. - Bayinbuluk Grassland: Situated in the northwest of Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, this scenic area is characterized by high-altitude grasslands and alpine wetland ecosystems. It is home to the upper reaches of the Kaidu River, marshes, and China's largest swan reserve. 🍩【Must-Try Cuisine】: Roasted buns + roasted whole lamb + lamb skewers + big plate chicken + hand-grabbed rice 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: Four-star hotels on Ctrip + classic homestays 🚌【Transportation Tips】: Seven-seater business vehicles or luxury seven-seater business vehicles 🧡【Tips】: 1. Xinjiang is vast, and travel between attractions involves long drives. Most of your time will be spent on the road, so ensure you rest well to maintain energy for activities. Accommodation in the northwest is not as developed as in southern cities; even a three-star hotel in Urumqi may be equivalent to a two-star hotel in Shanghai. Be mentally prepared. 2. Xinjiang has a dry climate and a preference for strong flavors, especially spicy food. Meals are primarily meat and flour-based, with lamb being the main meat. Eat more vegetables to balance your diet. Most ethnic minorities in Xinjiang follow Islam, so meals are predominantly halal. If you have special dietary needs, inform your guide in advance or prepare accordingly. First-time visitors may experience mild acclimatization issues. While the northwest is known for its fruits, avoid overeating and carry some common medications. When shopping in Xinjiang, locals price items by the kilogram. Calculate prices beforehand. When bargaining at bazaars, especially with Uyghur vendors, be polite and avoid disputes. If you don't intend to buy, it's better to ask prices without bargaining. 3. Prepare for Xinjiang travel in two aspects: material needs, which travel agencies will try to meet, and psychological and physical readiness. Most of Xinjiang is at high altitudes, ranging from 800 to 3,000 meters. Newcomers may experience mild altitude sickness, so drink plenty of water and rest. 4. Xinjiang's vast territory features a temperate continental climate with strong sunlight and significant temperature differences between day and night. Bring adequate warm clothing and sun protection gear based on your needs. Sailimu Lake Dushanzi Grand Canyon Guozigou Bridge Yizhao Highway Zhaosu·Ili Nalati Scenic Area·Xinyuan Kalajun Scenic Area Bayinbuluk Scenic Area Duku Highway