Tianshan Grand Canyon in Urumqi, Xinjiang

Tianshan Grand Canyon in Urumqi, Xinjiang

Tianshan Grand Canyon boasts lakes, canyons, grasslands and snowy mountains. In the sunlight, rufous mountains are burning flames seen from afar. What makes Tianshan Grand Canyon charming is not only its magnificence and precipitousness, but also its tranquility, mysteriousness and serene.

Type: Nature Landscape
Chinese Name: 天山大峡谷
Opening Hours: 09:00-19:00
Admission Ticket: CNY 60
Best Time to Visit: September to October
Location: 72 kilometres away from the north of Kucha County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(新疆维吾尔自治区阿克苏地区库车县以北72公里)

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Tianshan Kuqa Grand Canyon also called Keziliya valley, located in the Aksu region in northern Kuqa, the southern foot of Tianshan Mountain, from east to west in depth is about 5.5 kilometers long. Standing 1,600 metres above sea level, with its highest peak reaching 2,048 metres, is made up of ranges of rufous massifs.

Why is Tianshan Grand Canyon So Special?

Tianshan Grand Canyon boasts lakes, canyons, grasslands and snowy mountains. There is also an ancient spruce forest at the north slope of Tianshan Mountain. In the sunlight, rufous mountains are burning flames seen from afar. What makes Tianshan Grand Canyon charming is not only its magnificence and precipitousness, but also its tranquility, mysteriousness and serene.

Tianshan Grand Canyon (天山大峡谷) is located in Urumqi County (乌鲁木齐县), Urumqi City (乌鲁木齐市), in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区), approximately 48 kilometers from the city center. The scenic area covers a total area of 1,038.48 square kilometers, surrounded by mountains on three sides. With an average altitude of 2,020 meters and an annual average temperature of 4-6°C, it is home to the most complete and scenic original snow-covered spruce forests on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (天山). The area showcases nearly all of Xinjiang’s natural landscapes, except deserts, and is considered a living museum of nomadic culture before human agricultural civilization. This site holds significant tourism, scientific research, and historical cultural value. It has been designated as a national forest park, a national-level sports and leisure base, and a 5A scenic area.

Location and Geography

The Tianshan Grand Canyon is located in the southern suburbs of Urumqi City (乌鲁木齐市), in Banfanggou Township (板房沟乡). It is about 48 kilometers away from the city center. The scenic area spans Banfanggou Township (板房沟乡), Tuoli Township (托里乡), and Shuixi Township (水西沟镇), covering much of the Zhaobi Mountain National Forest Park (照壁山国家森林公园).

The area stretches from the Banfanggou Township Forestry Station (板房沟乡林管站) in the north to the border of Tuokexun County (托克逊县) in the south, from National Road 216 (乌鲁木齐县216国道) in the east to Provincial Road 103 (103省道) in the west. The longest distance of the area is about 49 kilometers north to south, and its width is about 42.5 kilometers east to west. The scenic area lies between Bogda Peak (博格达峰) and Tianger Peak (天格尔峰) on the northern slope of the central Tianshan Mountains (天山), in the Kara Wucheng Mountain Canyon (喀拉乌成山峡谷) at the mouth of Banfanggou (板房沟口), and on the southern edge of the Junggar Basin (准噶尔盆地). The terrain features towering mountains and basin valleys with diverse and undulating landscapes.

Geomorphology

The terrain of the resort area presents a general south-high, north-low slope, slanting from southwest to northeast. The planned area covers 1,038 square kilometers, and it is built upon the Zhaobi Mountain National Forest Park (照壁山国家森林公园) and Zhaobi Mountain Scenic Area (照壁山景区), forming a new scenic group of the famous Nanshan Ranch (南山牧场). The Tianshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area (天山大峡谷景区) is located on the upper part of the alluvial fan on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (天山). The layers are composed of Quaternary loose deposits, with a sandy soil layer of about 1 meter, containing some gravel. The surface vegetation type is desert grassland, suitable for growing crops. The region has abundant water resources, with several mountain stream rivers flowing between the two mountains, forming a rare forest canyon.

Main Scenic Spots

Tianshan Dam Leisure Area

This area offers a fantastic view of the Tianshan Dam (天山坝) and Zhaobi Mountain (照壁山), and is an ideal spot for visitors to relax, with options for tea, beer, and coffee. Visitors can enjoy the landscape while indulging in these refreshments.

Zhaobi Mountain Resort and Amusement Area

Zhaobi Mountain (照壁山) is the first core of the scenic area, located between two mountains. The large cliff here resembles the vertical line in the Chinese character “mountain” (山). On the left side is Qishe Mountain (七蛇山), and on the right side is Qingtou Dasan Mountain (青头达坂山), with an elevation of about 2,600 meters.

Gasidaban Scenic Area (加斯达坂观光区)

This area is located on the eastern side of Zhaobi Mountain (照壁山), covering about 1 hectare. The centerpiece is a crescent-shaped lake, surrounded by green grass and wildflowers, making it an ideal habitat for wild animals, especially from May to August.

Swan Lake (天鹅湖)

Swan Lake (天鹅湖), known as “The Tears of Lovers,” carries a poignant romantic legend. Its beauty reflects the grandeur and vastness of the Tianshan Mountains.

Qiao Ya Grassland (乔亚草场)

Qiao Ya Grassland (乔亚草场) is the most snow-covered valley in the southern Tianshan region during winter. It is ideal for winter snow tourism. The Tianshan Ice River (天山冰河) and Ice Falls (冰瀑) look particularly beautiful in winter, providing both winter scenery and opportunities for snow activities.

Zhaobi Mountain (照壁山)

This massive cliff sits between two mountains, and it is part of the Tianshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area. It offers breathtaking views, with notable geological features and vegetation.

Boat Center

The Boat Center (游船中心) is the first water-based entertainment spot in the scenic area, located at the center of the Biling Bay (碧龙湾). The shape of the landscape here resembles a gourd or a bird’s nest, making it a unique landmark in the area.

Tianshan Dam

The Tianshan Dam (天山坝) is a critical infrastructure element in the Zhaobi Mountain Reservoir project. Built to meet the water needs of local residents and agriculture, it is one of the largest water conservancy projects in Urumqi. The reservoir has a capacity of 7.352 million cubic meters and is essential for water regulation and flood control.

Tianshui Lake (天水湖)

This park and resort area, located behind the Tianshan Dam, provides a relaxing space for visitors. It features pastoral landscapes and is designed for quiet sightseeing and rest, offering a perfect spot for visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty.

Historical Development

During the Tang Dynasty (唐朝), the area was a famous hunting ground.

In the Qing Dynasty (清代), it was a well-known pasture.

It was already being used for summer tourism during the Qing Dynasty.

Although the area was not heavily developed at the beginning of the People’s Republic of China, construction began in 2005. The scenic area officially opened in 2008, and in 2011, it was successfully recognized as a national 4A-level tourist attraction. In December 2013, the Tianshan Grand Canyon (天山大峡谷) became a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The chairman, Zhang Lanqi (张兰岐), focused on attracting tourists while simultaneously building the scenic area’s brand image.

Folk Customs and Arts

Uyghur Ethnic Handicrafts

The Uyghur people (维吾尔族) are hardworking, courageous, enthusiastic, and bold, with a love for singing and dancing. Throughout their long history, they have created a rich variety of cultural handicrafts. The vibrant clothing culture, distinctive food culture, and exquisite handicrafts are integral parts of Uyghur artistic culture.

The Charm of Kanas and the Mythical “Lake Monster”

Kanas (喀纳斯) means “beautiful, rich, and mysterious” or “a lake in a gorge.” It is renowned for its legends, such as the “sea of clouds and Buddha’s light,” “color-changing lake,” “floating logs along the shore,” and the myth of the “lake monster.”

The Mystery of Loulan Culture

The ancient Loulan Kingdom (楼兰王国), mentioned over 2,100 years ago, was a key trading station on the Silk Road between China, Persia, India, Syria, and the Roman Empire. It was one of the world’s most open and prosperous “metropolises.” However, around 500 AD, it mysteriously disappeared from Chinese historical records, along with its people.

How the Karez Wells Were Dug (坎儿井)

Many tourists visiting the Karez Wells in Turpan (吐鲁番) are curious about how they were dug and by whom. For many years, these questions have remained a mystery.

Kazakh Horseback Game: “Diao Yang” (哈萨克叼羊)

“Diao Yang” is a traditional Kazakh (哈萨克族) game held to pray for blessings. The game is highly competitive, combining strength, tenacity, and wit, and is a horseback sport. The participants, who may number from a few dozen to over a hundred, compete in two teams.

Xinjiang’s Unique Tea Culture

Though Xinjiang (新疆) is often considered remote and arid, its tea culture holds a unique position. Alongside its rich traditions of song, dance, and medicine, the region’s tea culture has gained recognition for its distinct characteristics.

The Beautiful Legend of Xinjiang’s Pilaf

Over a thousand years ago, a doctor named Abu Ali Yibixina (阿布艾里·依比西纳) created a medicinal pilaf to restore his health in his old age. This dish, made of lamb, carrots, onions, oil, and rice, is both flavorful and aromatic, and it piques people’s appetite.

Kazakh “Qia Xiu” Ceremony (“恰秀”)

In Kazakh culture, during joyous occasions, people scatter milk curds, cube sugar, fruit candies, and baursak (fried dough) as a form of blessing and welcoming. This ceremony is called “Qia Xiu,” meaning “to scatter.”

The Origin of Xinjiang’s Nowruz Festival

The Nowruz Festival (诺鲁孜节) has existed for at least 3,000 years and is similar to the Chinese Spring Festival (春节). Originally, the festival was celebrated by the Turkic tribes, including the Uyghurs (维吾尔族), as they observed the balance of day and night during late winter to early spring.

Kazakh Cuisine

Kazakh (哈萨克族) cuisine is largely based on meat, dairy, and wheat products. The most common meat is lamb, and dishes like boiled, stir-fried, or roasted lamb are popular. The most basic dish is “Zhua Rou,” which is boiled lamb.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr (开斋节) is a festival celebrated by several ethnic groups, including the Hui (回族), Uyghurs (维吾尔族), Kazakhs (哈萨克族), Uzbeks (乌孜别克族), Tajiks (塔吉克族), and others. It marks the end of Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Xinjiang’s Smoked Horse Sausage (熏马肠)

In the Han Dynasty, Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝) acquired horses from the Wusun people (乌孙) and named them “Heavenly Horses.” Later, he obtained the “blood-sweating horses” from the Western Regions. These horses are renowned for their strength and endurance.

Special Snacks

Taba Naan (塔巴馕)

Taba Naan is made using iron or aluminum molds, usually with a diameter of around 30 cm, with both the top and bottom layers being the same. It has a circular flat shape with a raised edge. A fermented wheat dough is rolled and placed in the middle, approximately 2 cm thick. The lid is placed on top, and the bread is placed over a cow dung or wood fire, with embers but no flames or smoke. The lid is also placed on top with additional embers, and both sides are baked for about half an hour until cooked. The dough must not rise too much, and no alkali is added, just salt. After the dough rises, it must be kneaded for a long time before baking to make it tastier.

Baursaq (包尔萨克)

When Kazakh (哈萨克族) herders invite guests for tea, they always serve a type of fried dough called “Baursaq.” Baursaq is made from fermented dough. After slight fermentation, it is rolled into thin sheets on a flat surface, then cut into small diamond shapes or 4-5 cm square or rectangular pieces. These pieces are fried in oil until golden brown. There is also a round type of Baursaq called “Togai Baursaq” (托盖包尔萨克), with “Togai” meaning camel. This type is larger, about the size of a ping-pong ball or slightly bigger. Some versions may contain milk, clarified butter, or sugar when preparing the dough. The dough is shaped into a ball, fried in oil, and becomes golden brown.

Mare’s Milk Wine (马奶酒)

Mare’s Milk Wine, known as “Khemuz” (合木孜) in Kazakh, is a precious drink among Kazakh herders. To prepare it, fresh mare’s milk is poured into a “Shaba” (沙巴), a fermentation bag made of animal skin, and stirred with a wooden stick to ferment, developing a mildly sour taste. It is refreshing and revitalizing when consumed, and it has beneficial effects on conditions like tuberculosis and shortness of breath.

Smoked Horse Meat (熏马肉)

Smoked horse meat, known as “Suret” (苏热特) in Kazakh, is a delicacy from the beautiful Ili (伊犁) grasslands, made from the Ili horse, also known as the “Heavenly Horse” (天马). The preparation involves selecting a fat and strong horse, slaughtering it, and cutting the meat into pieces, which are then salted. The pieces are strung together and hung on a wooden rack in a mud hut. Tianshan (天山) juniper branches are placed on the ground, and the meat is smoked with low heat until fully dried. The meat is aromatic, colorful, and flavorful, and during the preparation, no preservatives or artificial colorants are used, making it a truly natural food product.

Hand-Pulled Lamb (手抓肉)

Hand-pulled lamb is another unique Kazakh dish. The method involves slaughtering the lamb, cleaning it with water, and cutting it into large chunks. The lamb’s head, belly, heart, liver, and lungs are cooked along with the meat in a pot, with no seasoning except salt. The meat is first boiled for about 20 minutes over high heat, then simmered for 15 minutes. The meat is served with finely chopped onions. The flavor is unique, with tender meat and fresh broth. The traditional way to eat it involves placing the cooked lamb in a bowl, adding onions, and using a knife to cut the meat, which is then eaten by hand. In the Naiman tribe (乃蛮部落) of Ili, the meat is separated from the bones, cut into small pieces, and served with soup over noodles and onions, eaten by hand.

Festival Activities

On June 21, a wedding ceremony showcasing the ethnic traditions of the Hui (回族) and Kazakh (哈萨克族) people was held at the 5A-rated scenic spot, Tianshan Grand Canyon (天山大峡谷). Tourists from various regions gathered to witness these traditional minority ethnic weddings.

This was the first folk customs display event organized by Tianshan Grand Canyon, marking a pioneering effort for Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) scenic area activities. The event displayed the ethnic customs of Xinjiang (新疆), promoting a harmonious atmosphere among the various ethnic groups. It is also reported that the scenic spot plans to host wedding displays for the Uyghur (维吾尔族), Han (汉族), and Mongol (蒙古族) peoples in the future, with sign-ups currently being collected.

In 2016, the Tianshan Grand Canyon was designated as the official tourist destination for the 13th National Winter Games. On the 31st of the same year, it launched its ice and snow activities, offering over 20 entertainment options such as ice bicycles, snow tanks, snow bulldozers, and children’s excavators, allowing visitors from all ethnic groups to experience the fun of winter sports.

Tianshan Grand Canyon (天山大峡谷) in Xinjiang is a national 5A-rated scenic area located 42 kilometers from Urumqi (乌鲁木齐). Experts from the National Tourism Administration have praised it as “the most beautiful canyon on the Silk Road.” In winter, the canyon transforms into a fairy tale world: the Tianshan (天山) spruce trees stand tall and majestic, covered in snow; the Tianshan ice rivers and ice waterfalls, along with colorful winter ice and snow activities, make it a comprehensive tourist destination combining natural scenery, ice and snow culture, winter tourism, folk customs, and leisure vacation.

During the event, visitors could purchase an entrance ticket for 45 yuan, which included a free ice and snow entertainment experience card and a free lunch voucher. Additionally, using a snow experience card issued by the city’s tourism bureau, visitors could enjoy discounts on over 20 ice and snow activities, with some items priced at less than 100 yuan, thanks to government subsidies.

Scenic Features

According to local folklore, Zhaobi Mountain (照壁山) is named for its steep terrain, where sunlight and river waters compete in their brilliance. Another myth tells of the Tang Monk (唐僧) and his disciples traveling west to retrieve Buddhist scriptures, passing through this area where they were stopped by seven snake demons. The demons specifically wanted to challenge Sun Wukong (孙悟空), but he, unwilling to fight, casually plucked a magic hair and turned it into a magical fruit, which he threw at Zhaobi Mountain. The snake demons, eager to get the fruit, simultaneously attacked from three directions, but they were frozen in place by a spell from the Monkey King, resulting in the mountain becoming a towering ridge.

To the south of Zhaobi Mountain (照壁山), along the river valley on both sides, steep cliffs face each other, only allowing a narrow line of blue sky to be visible. This creates a famous water gorge that stretches for over ten kilometers. The area features the Five Valleys (五道凹) canyon with dense forests and thick grass, cliffs towering over the water, stone gates lining the landscape, and the water flowing in curves. The environment is quiet and serene, with occasional sightings of wildlife such as deer, roe deer, and wild boars. It is an ideal location for adventure and eco-tourism activities.

Transportation Routes

Self-driving route:

From Ili (伊犁州) to the Grand Canyon, the total distance is approximately 732.4 km, taking about 6 hours and 59 minutes.

Head along G3016 for 52.4 km towards Jinghe/Lianhuo Expressway/G30 direction.

Self-driving Directions:

Travel along the He Tan Expressway, pass the Yan South Interchange over the Wulapo Driving School—Tianshan Avenue Toll Station—Ganhezi Bridge—continue straight at the intersection of Shui Xigou and Banfanggou towards the Nanshan Banfanggou direction—pass Banfanggou Township to reach the scenic area entrance.

Public transport route:

From the Southern Suburb Bus Station (南郊客运站) to the Huanghe Road Middle Bridge, the round-trip bus fare is 20 yuan, and it reaches the scenic area.

Area and Vegetation

Total Area: 1,038.48 square kilometers
Vegetation: Primarily desert grassland (荒漠草原), with a variety of plant species adapted to the region’s harsh environmental conditions.

Opening Hours

May 1st – October 6th: Monday to Sunday, 09:00-19:00
October 7th – April 30th: Monday to Sunday, 10:00-18:30

Official Contact Information

Phone Number: 0991-7629111

Scenic Area Classification

Rating: 5A Scenic Area (AAAAA级)

How to get to Tianshan Grand Canyon

Travel with ChinaDragonTours (top recommended)

If you want to get out of the traffic and hassle of navigation, you can book a private tour package that includes visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local guide and driver will escort you to the Tianshan Grand Canyon and most convenient way and take care of all the details. You just have to focus on the visiting.

Independent Traveler

Bus

There are buses to Banfanggou from Zhongqiao passenger station in Urumqi, which can directly reach the scenic spot, about every 40 minutes. The departure time from downtown is about 9:00-19:00 every day, and the last bus from scenic spot to downtown is about 18:10.

Useful Travel Tips

Activities

you can observe the life of the nomads and do some sports such as boating and hiking. The main scenic spots include Tianshui Lake, Green Dragon Bay, Zhaobi Mountain, Jiasi Daban Sightseeing Area, Swan Lake and Qiaoya Meadow.