Can You Drive the Duku Highway with a Rental Car? (2026)
The Duku Highway (Dushanzi to Kuqa) is one of China's most spectacular drives, crossing the Tianshan mountains, four seasons in one day. Foreign visitors ask: can I rent a car in Urumqi and drive it? Is a sedan OK? Is the Tank 300 right? How many days? Does the 300 km/day limit work? I have driven the Duku three times, most recently autumn 2024. This is what I learned.
What is the Duku Highway
The Duku Highway runs 561 km from Dushanzi (Karamay) in the north to Kuqa (Aksu) in the south, cutting through the Tianshan range. It was built by Chinese army engineers over ten years, with over 160 soldiers dying during construction. Along the route: canyons, alpine meadows, spruce forests, snow peaks, the Nalati sky grassland, Bayanbulak nine-bend river, the Tianshan Mystery Canyon near Kuqa. The density of scenery is unmatched.
When is it open
The Duku is closed in winter due to snow. Typically open early June to early October. I drove it in mid-September 2024 — fresh snow had just been cleared. July-August is peak season with crowds; September is quieter but watch the weather. Do not come before late May or after mid-October.
Can a rental car do it? Sedan or SUV?
The road itself is paved, so a sedan technically can. But we recommend an SUV (Tank 300):
1. Some sections are under construction with temporary gravel detours — low sedan ground clearance scrapes.
2. You will want to pull off onto grassland shoulders for photos — dirt tracks, sedan gets stuck.
3. Mountain rain or snow makes shoulders slippery, SUV has better clearance and grip.
A Lavida 260 RMB/day can physically do it, but you will regret it on the rough bits. The Tank 300 at 400 RMB/day is the right tool.
8-day loop itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Urumqi, pick up car, visit Grand Bazaar, stay Urumqi.
Day 2: Urumqi-Dushanzi-Qiao'erma, start the north section, stay near Qiao'erma.
Day 3: Qiao'erma-Nalati Sky Grassland, stay Nalati town.
Day 4: Nalati-Bayanbulak grassland, watch the nine-bend sunset, stay Bayanbulak.
Day 5: Bayanbulak-Longchi (Big/Small Dragon Lakes)-Kuqa Tianshan Mystery Canyon, stay Kuqa.
Day 6: Kuqa-back north along the south section, return toward Nalati.
Day 7: Nalati-Yining Kazanqi ethnic village.
Day 8: Return car in Yining, fly out.
Minimum 5 days if you only do the Dushanzi-Kuqa one-way, but the loop via Nalati and Bayanbulak is the point.
Does the 300 km/day limit work?
Daily distances: Urumqi-Dushanzi 250 km, Dushanzi-Qiao'erma 150 km, Qiao'erma-Nalati 120 km, Nalati-Bayanbulak 60 km, Bayanbulak-Kuqa 260 km. Most days fit in 300 km. The days that exceed (like Bayanbulak back to Nalati) are 100 km over — we charge the extra km at a small rate. Tell us your planned loop and we calculate in advance.
Fuel, food, lodging
Fuel: fill up every morning. Gas stations in Dushanzi, Qiao'erma, Nalati, Bayanbulak, Kuqa. Do not wait for the low fuel light — gaps can be 200+ km. Lodging: Nalati and Bayanbulak are the two big towns, book ahead in July-August. Food: Xinjiang dishes — big plate chicken, pilaf, samsa (baked buns), lamb skewers. A bit pricier in the scenic area.
What to watch out for
Highest point: Haxilegen Daban at 3390m, can snow any month — bring a jacket even in summer. Weather changes fast; if police close the road due to snow, wait in town, do not push through. Do not drive off the main road onto grassland — that is pasture, herders will charge you. Border permits needed if you go to Khorgos or border counties — tell us your route. Speed limit 40-60 on the whole route, many cameras.
Can foreigners drive the Duku?
Yes — with a Chinese temporary driving permit arranged by us, the whole Duku is open. One thing to note: the Xinjiang-Tibet route (G219) via Dahongliutan and the Yecheng-Rutog (Pangong Lake) section is closed to foreigners. If you want to continue from Xinjiang into Tibet, you must detour via Golmud on the G109 Qinghai-Tibet highway. We plan that for you in advance.
Who we are
We are Yunnan Province International Travel Agency (Group) Co., Ltd. We arrange Urumqi pickup, local partner car delivery, and the temporary driving permit. WeChat qxzj7557 (WhatsApp +86 13759155671), email [email protected]. Peak season Tank 300 books two weeks ahead.