Dushanzi District
Dushanzi is a district under the jurisdiction of Karamay City, but it is not connected to the urban area of Karamay. It is an 'enclave' isolated 150 kilometers away. Self-driving tourists can start directly from Urumqi, reach Dushanzi via Shihezi and Kuytun, taking about 3 hours and 20 minutes on the Lianhuo Expressway; or take the high-speed train to Kuytun Railway Station, which is only ten kilometers away from Dushanzi urban area, and then rent a car to start the journey.
Dushanzi Mud Volcano
Although it is a volcano, it erupts with mud, making it a rare and unique geological landscape in the country. From the summit, you can overlook the Dushanzi urban area, with the scenery being particularly beautiful at dusk. Dushanzi is one of the three earliest developed oil fields in China, with a rich industrial landscape within the city. Near the mud volcano, you can find the site of Xinjiang's first oil well and the first distillation still. Descending the northern slope by car, you will pass by these two historical sites.
Tianshan Highway Snow Protection Corridor - Hashilegen Tunnel
In the Hashilegen section, you will also pass through the 'world's only artificial snow protection corridor'. Snow avalanches from the mountains can directly fall into the ravine without affecting the roadway, making it a unique sight.
Hashilegen Tunnel
The route continues forward to the next scenic spot 'Tianpu'. Meltwater from the mountaintop glacier cascades down the rocks beside the road, appearing as if it comes from the sky, hence the name. At this point, the altitude has climbed to 3000 meters. Soon, you will pass through the Hashilegen Daban Tunnel, the highest point of this journey.
The Qiaolma Monument and Martyrs Cemetery are located in the town. Here lie the soldiers who sacrificed their lives while constructing the Duku Highway in the last century. After a meal, you might want to visit the memorial hall to pay your respects.
Tangbula Grassland
Starting from Qiaolma, temporarily leave the Duku Highway and head west into Provincial Road S315. This section heads west all the way to Tangbula Grassland, spanning over a hundred miles, and is known as the 'Hundred Mile Gallery'. The entire route traverses the narrow Kash River Valley, with picturesque scenery along the way. The lush grasslands, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, are dotted with clusters of spruce trees, and scattered with yurts of cattle and sheep. This section of the road is in good condition with few people, offering many sightseeing spots along the way where you can stop and enjoy the scenery at your leisure.
