Dushanzi District Travel

Xinjiang Karamay Dushanzi District — Gate of the Tianshan Mountains, Starting Point of the Duku Highway. Explore the billion-year geological wonder of Dushanzi Grand Canyon, experience world-class road trips, witness the natural miracle of Mud Volcano, and enjoy the magnificent scenery at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains.

1936
Mining History
562km
Total Length of Duku Highway
2000+
Geological Faults
100+
Road Culture Sites
Deep ravines and terrace textures of Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Geological Wonder
Canyon wonder formed by billions of years of erosion from Tianshan snowmelt

Dushanzi District Three-Day Two-Night Geological Adventure Tour

Cross geological wonders, experience road culture, feel the magnificence of the Tianshan Mountains

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Main Destinations
Grand Canyon, Highway Start, Mud Volcano
Suitable For
Self-driving enthusiasts, geology explorers
Budget per Person
¥1200-¥1800
01
Canyon Wonder
Dushanzi Grand Canyon · Glass Walkway
Highlights

Arrive in Dushanzi District, check into hotel, then head to Dushanzi Grand Canyon to admire the canyon wonder formed by billions of years of Tianshan snowmelt erosion. Challenge the canyon glass walkway and visit the cliffside cafe. Capture the golden light of the canyon sunset in the evening.

Attractions
Dushanzi Grand Canyon
A canyon wonder formed by billions of years of Tianshan snowmelt erosion, 200 meters deep with colorful terrace textures stretching 20 kilometers, known as the "Geological Textbook".
Dawaz Glass Walkway
A suspended transparent viewing platform, 160 meters long and 200 meters above the canyon floor, offering a thrilling 360-degree panoramic view of the canyon.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Dushanzi Mayitake Hotel
  • Duku International Self-Driving Camp
  • Dushanzi Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Roasted Whole Lamb
  • Big Plate Chicken
  • Hand-Grabbed Meat
Travel Tips
  • Strong winds at the canyon, keep warm and windproof
  • Shoe covers required for the glass walkway
  • Best photography 2 hours before sunset
02
Road Legend
Duku Highway Starting Point · Museum · Ski Resort
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Duku Highway starting monument and museum to learn about the construction history of "China's Most Beautiful Highway". In the afternoon, experience the Tianshan Gate Ski Resort (winter) or hike Qiaoerma Grassland (summer). Enjoy the Dushanzi city night view in the evening.

Attractions
Duku Highway Starting Point
The zero kilometer point of G219 Highway, marked by a starting monument, a must-visit for self-driving enthusiasts and the legendary gateway to the Tianshan Mountains.
Duku Highway Museum
China's first highway-themed museum, showcasing the construction history of the Duku Highway through artifacts, models, and video recreations of the road-building miracle.
Tianshan Gate Ski Resort
A winter ski destination with beginner and intermediate slopes, offering grass sledding in summer and a panoramic view of Dushanzi.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • 10-20 minute drive from city center to attractions
  • Self-driving or chartered car recommended
  • Shuttle bus available at ski resort in winter
Ticket Info
  • Grand Canyon: 30 yuan
  • Museum: Free
  • Ski Resort: 120 yuan/day
Travel Tips
  • Museum closed on Mondays
  • Duku Highway open June-October
  • Ski equipment available for rent
03
Geological Exploration
Mud Volcano · First Oil Well · Shazi Grassland
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Mud Volcano group to observe the rare geological eruption phenomenon. Tour the Dushanzi First Oil Well site. In the afternoon, head to Shazi Grassland to experience Kazakh nomadic culture (summer) or participate in ice peak exploration (winter). Buy specialty souvenirs before ending the trip.

Attractions
Mud Volcano
A rare geological landscape worldwide, with vents less than 1 meter in diameter continuously erupting mud and natural gas — a living specimen for studying geological activity.
Dushanzi First Oil Well
The oil well site drilled in 1936, the birthplace of Xinjiang's petroleum industry, preserving Russian drilling equipment and historical photographs.
Shazi Grassland
A high-quality summer pasture at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, green grass and herds of cattle and sheep in summer, offering Kazakh yurt and traditional equestrian experiences.
Practical Info
Tour Route
  • Mud Volcano → First Oil Well
  • Kazakh Folk Experience → Grassland Horseback Riding
  • Return shopping
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Tianshan Snow Lotus
  • Kazakh Hand Embroidery
  • Black Honey
  • Grassland Dairy Products
Important Notes
  • Do not step on the Mud Volcano vents
  • Large temperature difference on the grassland, bring warm clothes
  • Respect minority customs

Must-Try Foods in Dushanzi District

Kazakh Hand-Grabbed Meat

Grassland free-range lamb simply boiled in water, tender meat without gamey flavor, served with onion, embodying the nomadic people's original culinary tradition.

Big Plate Chicken with Belt Noodles

Local improved version of big plate chicken, using Tianshan free-range chicken with hand-pulled wide noodles, rich sauce and chewy noodles that absorb the flavor.

Tandoor Roasted Lamb Rack

Fresh lamb rack marinated with secret spices, slow-roasted in a tandoor for 2 hours until crispy outside and tender inside, served with naan bread.

Tianshan Wild Mushroom Soup

Made with wild mushrooms collected from the Tianshan Mountains, simmered with grassland lamb — delicious and nutritious, suitable for the highland climate.

Dushanzi District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Full section of Duku Highway open, grassland at its best
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Rich canyon colors, prime photography season
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Ski resort, experience ice and snow wonderland
Must-Try Experiences
  • Grand Canyon Glass Walkway Challenge
  • Duku Highway Starting Point Check-in
  • Mud Volcano Geological Observation
  • Grassland Horseback Riding
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 200 yuan
  • Accommodation: 300-500 yuan/night
  • Meals: 100-150 yuan/day
  • Transport: 200 yuan (chartered car)
  • Total: 1200-1800 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • When does the Duku Highway open? → Usually early June to early October
  • Is the Mud Volcano worth seeing? → A rare geological wonder worldwide
  • Essential gear? → Sunscreen, sunglasses, windproof jacket
  • Suitable for family trips? → Museum and grassland experience suitable for children

Explore Districts of Karamay City