Duku Highway

The Duku Highway in Xinjiang, China, is set to reopen on May 31, 2025, after completion of snow removal and repairs. This scenic 561km route, celebrated for its diverse landscapes and the experience of “four seasons in a single day,” will allow passenger vehicles with under seven seats. Anticipation is high, with tourists and the local tourism industry eagerly awaiting the reopening, evidenced by early arrivals and preparations for a reopening ceremony including fireworks. The highway typically operates from June to October due to heavy snowfall.

The Tianshan Grand Canyon Road (Duku Highway) will reopen to travelers from June to October 2025, following completion of snow removal and infrastructure maintenance. Spanning 561 kilometers between the Tianshan Mountains’ northern foothills and Kuqa Oasis, the engineering marvel traverses dramatic landscapes featuring snow peaks, forests, lakes, and deserts. Maintenance crews overcome extreme challenges, including 2-meter snow piles, spring snowstorms, and elevation-driven geological risks. With 95% of critical southern corridor work finished, authorities aim to balance tourist access with infrastructure resilience against the region’s volatile climate.