
Here are the detailed speed limits on the Duku Highway: 1. Starting from Dushanzi: Interval speed measurement begins at the 555 km road marker with a speed limit of 70 km/h. Mobile speed measurement at the 566 km road marker with a speed limit of 60 or 70 km/h. No speed measurement in the mountainous section of the Duku Highway, but drive safely. 2. National Highway 218: There are two fixed speed measurement points near the intersection with National Highway 218, with a speed limit of 40 km/h. Eastbound on National Highway 218, there is fixed speed measurement in the western section of Gongnaisi Township. There is basically no speed measurement until Huoshao Bridge. Mobile speed measurement is present at the 30 km marker when turning onto Provincial Highway 321, with a speed limit not exceeding 80 km/h. 3. Bayinbuluke Town: Mobile speed measurement is common 2 km north of Bayinbuluke Town with a speed limit of 70 km/h. Fixed speed measurement is present 1 km north of the town with a speed limit of 50 km/h. After passing Bayinbuluke, there is basically no speed measurement on the mountain roads. After crossing the Tielimaiti Daban to Dalongchi, traffic police will register and issue a speed limit slip. The time is not accurate, so follow the road marker speed limits, with a maximum of 80 km/h. Mobile speed measurement is present at the Kuqa-Baicheng intersection with a speed limit of 60 km/h.

As a long-distance driver, I just finished driving the Duku Highway. Most sections have a speed limit of 60 km/h, but it drops to 40 km/h in areas with many mountain curves. Particularly on the continuous uphill section from Qiaoerma to Nalati, the entire stretch has a speed limit of just 40 km/h. Be especially cautious at sharp turns where speed cameras are installed. Last year, my friend was fined 200 yuan for exceeding the limit by 5 km/h at the exit of the Tielimaiti Tunnel. Also, speed limit signs on permafrost sections and cliff edges are often placed after curves, so it's advisable to slow down in advance. Most importantly, the Duku Highway has significant elevation changes, and even in June, you can encounter hail at the mountain tops. I found 40 km/h too fast at times, and I’ve seen several self-driving tourists’ vehicles crash through guardrails due to excessive speed. It’s recommended to set up segmented speed limit reminders on your phone before departure. The average speed on this route is just over 40 km/h—slowing down is the best way to truly appreciate the stunning scenery along the way.

Last year when I rode my motorcycle along the Duku Highway, I specifically researched the speed limit regulations. The entire 547-kilometer route is generally limited to 60 km/h, but there are clear speed reduction requirements in special sections. For example, near the 3,400-meter-high Hashilegen Tunnel, the speed must be reduced to 40 km/h, and on continuous downhill sections like the Yuximolegai Daban, a 30 km/h limit is common. Surveillance points are densely distributed along the route, with mobile speed cameras every 15 kilometers in the Bayinbuluke Grassland section. Local riders advised me that during the spring thaw when the road is slippery, the actual safe speed should be 10 km/h lower than the posted limit. Another important point is that the Duku Highway speed limits include parking areas, so don't exceed the speed when entering or exiting scenic overlooks. I maintained a speed of 40-50 km/h throughout and completed the journey in 13 hours.

When taking my parents on a self-drive trip along the Duku Highway, I paid special attention to the speed limits. The entire highway has speed limits ranging from 40-60 km/h, depending on the specific section. For example, the straight sections across the Narat Grassland have a 60 km/h limit, while the winding mountain roads crossing the Tianshan Mountains enforce a strict 40 km/h limit. The most tricky section is the Gongnaisi Gully area – it looks like a straight road but actually requires a 50 km/h speed limit. Mobile navigation apps provide speed limit change alerts 500 meters in advance, and I set up an overspeed warning function. There are over 70 electronic police monitoring points along the route, and I even saw traffic police conducting on-site enforcement near the Kuqa Grand Canyon. For those traveling with elderly or children, I recommend maintaining an average speed below 45 km/h – it's not only safer but also allows for better enjoyment of the snow-capped mountains and grasslands.


