How many seats can a vehicle have to drive on the Duku Highway?
2 Answers
Permitted vehicle types on the Duku Highway: Sedans, RVs, and car trailers with seven seats or fewer. Below is additional information: 1. Permitted vehicles: Due to the unique terrain of the Duku Highway, which features many sharp turns and steep slopes in mountainous areas, winter traffic control is implemented from late September to May of the following year. Vehicles prohibited during this period include passenger vehicles with more than seven seats, semi-trailer towing vehicles, freight vehicles over 5 tons, and hazardous material transport vehicles. 2. Duku Highway: Located over 300 kilometers from Urumqi, the Duku Highway runs through the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains, stretching north-south. It starts from the Dushanzi G217 line in the north and ends at the Kuqa G217 line in the south, covering a total distance of 561 kilometers. Driving the entire route one way takes at least 12 hours. Along the way, it passes famous scenic spots such as the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan, Red Mountain Stone Forest, Kuqa's Big and Small Dragon Pools, Bayinbuluke Grassland, and Narati Grassland, making it a renowned tourist route.
I often drive to the Duku Highway for road trips. The road is narrow with sharp turns and steep slopes, making compact cars the most suitable. Generally, a 5 to 7-seater SUV or sedan is the safest choice. The road is mostly two lanes wide, and larger vehicles like buses have difficulty controlling turns. I've driven a 7-seater MPV, which is flexible and safe; I wouldn't dare to drive anything larger than 9 seats because it's easy to scrape when passing other vehicles. The weather changes frequently, requiring extra caution on rainy or foggy days. Smaller cars offer better handling, reducing the risk of skidding. It's advisable to check tire pressure and brakes before setting off to ensure everything is in good condition. Although the scenery is beautiful, safety comes first. After driving there often, I've gotten used to choosing smaller vehicles.
