Keketuohai National Geopark, which is also known as Keketuohai Scenic Area, is a national 5A-level tourist attraction.
Keketuohai National Geopark is located in the northeastern part of Fuyun County and the western part of Qinghe County in Altay Prefecture, northern Xinjiang. It is situated in Altay Prefecture, Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang, China. The park began construction in 2000, held the opening ceremony in 2008, was rated as a national 5A-level scenic area in 2012, and was officially approved to join the World Geopark Network in 2017.
The total area of the park is approximately 619.0 square kilometers, divided into two major areas: the main Keketuohai Scenic Area and the Karaxanger Scenic Area. Among them, the main Keketuohai Scenic Area covers an area of 562.50 square kilometers, and the Karaxanger Scenic Area covers an area of 56.50 square kilometers. The elevation of the scenic area ranges from 1,072 to 3,234 meters. It enjoys the reputation of the "Hometown of Gems" and the "Geological and Mineral Museum" and is praised as "China's Yosemite" by UNESCO.
The scenic area is renowned worldwide for its granite pegmatite-type rare metal deposits and mine sites, Altay-style granite landforms, the remains of the magnitude 8 Fuyun earthquake and its seismic fault zone, and the desert scenery of the Irtysh River. It integrates scientific research, science popularization, geological field practice, and sightseeing. The natural scenery and cultural landscapes complement each other, making it a comprehensive tourist destination.
History and Culture
Mining Development History
In the 1930s, Soviet geologists discovered abnormal contents of rare metal elements in the river silt of the middle and lower reaches of the Irtysh River. Subsequently, they found 8 beryl producing areas, including the "No. 3 Ore Vein," in Keketuohai, uncovering the world-class rare metal deposit. The rare metal minerals in Keketuohai have made significant contributions to China's nuclear industry and aerospace industry. A considerable portion of the materials for China's independently developed first atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb came from the No. 3 Ore Vein.
Historical Relics of Earthquakes
Early in the morning on August 11, 1931, a magnitude 8.0 "Fuyun earthquake" occurred in the area of Karaxanger south of Keketuohai. The severely affected area stretched from the Altay Mountains in Qinghe County in the south to the Keketuohai Basin in the north, causing a fault rupture zone as long as 176 kilometers. It is one of the rarest and most intact fault zones in the world, providing precious physical materials for the study of earthquake geology.
Humanistic History
Keketuohai Town has preserved many old buildings, old factories, and old wooden bridges from the 1950s and 1960s, witnessing the prosperity of mining development at that time. In the Keketuohai Geological Exhibition Hall, a series of old photos and objects tell the stories of the arduous entrepreneurship and selfless dedication of the people of Keketuohai in those years, showing the unique humanistic and historical connotations of Keketuohai.
Main Attractions
Irtysh Grand Canyon
It is the source area of the Irtysh River, with a total length of more than 70 kilometers. Along the Irtysh River, granite peaks stand in confrontation in a continuous line. The peak walls are round and the shapes are diverse, including Hongtaiji Peak, Inverted Boot Peak, Camel Peak, Elephant Peak, Flying Peak, etc. Each mountain presents a unique scenery, which is breathtaking. The Shenzhong Mountain in the canyon is like a giant stepping into the green shade of clear water. With a relative height of 351 meters, it stands alone and is the highest peak in the Altay Mountains.
No. 3 Ore Vein
It is praised as the "Mecca" by geologists and is one of the largest mine pits in the world, with a depth of 143 meters, a length of 250 meters, and a width of 240 meters. There are 86 kinds of mineral products in the pit, mainly including various rare metals such as lithium, beryllium, tantalum, niobium, rubidium, cesium, and cobalt. The richness of the ore vein's reserves, its large scale, the variety of ore types, its high grade, and its clear composition are unique in China and rare abroad. In the 1960s, it once helped the country repay one-third of its debt to the former Soviet Union.
Kekesuli
Also known as the Wild Duck Lake, it has a lake surface area of 2,677 mu and an average water depth of 2 meters. There are more than 20 large and small floating islands in the lake, and the aquatic plants are abundant. Every summer and autumn, thousands of wild ducks, water chickens, and red geese gather here to breed. It has both the delicate beauty of the West Lake and the reed labyrinth of Baiyangdian, presenting a beautiful scenery of a water town.
Yirem Lake
It is located at the junction of the Irtysh River and its tributary, the Kaiyierte River, 7 kilometers southwest of Keketuohai Town. It is a reservoir-type lake formed by damming. It is 5-6 kilometers long from north to south and 1-2 kilometers wide from east to west. The lake surface elevation is 1,120 meters, with a water storage capacity of 113 million cubic meters. The maximum depth of the lake water is 100 meters. The clear and blue lake water is praised as the "Blue River Bend."
Karaxanger Earthquake Fault Zone
It is located 30 kilometers southeast of the county seat and is the remains left by the magnitude 8 earthquake on August 11, 1931. The total length is 176 kilometers, with a general width of 10 meters and a maximum width of up to 4 kilometers. Viewed from the air, it is like a giant dragon wandering in the middle of the canyon. It is one of the most spectacular, astonishing, and best-preserved earthquake remains in the world and is known as the "Geological Museum."
Birch Forest
The wild birch forest grows on the convex bank of the Irtysh River, covering an area of 15,000 square meters and consisting of three small islands cut by the river. In summer, the dense birch forest is covered with flowers and plants, bees and butterflies linger among the flowers, and birds sing on the branches. In autumn, the birch leaves are golden yellow, orange yellow, and fiery red, with diverse colors alternating, and the forest layers are dyed like oil paintings.
Karazhuole Waterfall
About 100 meters upstream of the Jiland Hot Spring, there is a waterfall cascading down from a huge rock, forming a three-dimensional picture with the surging Irtysh River. The elevation at the bottom of the waterfall is 1,459 meters. It is a perennial flowing waterfall, and the main body of the waterfall is divided into two levels, with the upper level being 8 meters high and the lower level being 12 meters high.
Delicacies
Xinjiang Roasted Mutton Skewers
Select fresh local mutton, cut it into small pieces, skewer them with red willow branches or iron skewers, and slowly roast them over charcoal fire. During the roasting process, sprinkle with seasonings such as cumin and chili powder until the outer skin is golden and crispy and the inside is tender and juicy. The aroma of the mutton and the flavor of the seasonings blend perfectly, making it one of the must-try delicacies in Keketuohai.
Hand-Pulled Rice
Using rice, mutton, carrots, onions, etc. as the main ingredients, first fry the mutton until it changes color, add onions, carrots, etc. and stir-fry evenly. Then add rice and an appropriate amount of water and simmer over low heat. The cooked hand-pulled rice has shiny grains, tender mutton, sweet carrots, rich taste, and is nutritious and delicious.
Roasted Naan
It is a traditional pasta in Xinjiang. Knead flour, yeast, salt, water, and other raw materials into a dough and make it into various shapes, such as round or oval. Then sprinkle sesame seeds, onion crumbs, etc. on the surface and bake it in a naan pit. The roasted naan has a crispy outer skin and a soft inside, with a rich wheat aroma. It can be eaten with mutton soup, milk tea, etc.
Yogurt Curd
Also known as milk curd, it is a traditional dairy product loved by ethnic minorities such as the Kazakhs. It is made by draining the water from yogurt and then through processes such as fermentation and drying. It has an original flavor that is sweet and sour, and there are also sweet varieties with added white sugar, dried fruits, etc. It has a unique taste and is rich in nutrients such as protein and calcium.
Milk Tea
Boil brick tea and mix it with fresh milk or goat milk, and then add butter, fried rice, etc. to make it. The milk tea has a rich flavor and can not only quench thirst but also satisfy hunger. In the cold weather of Keketuohai, drinking a cup of hot milk tea can make people feel warm and satisfied.
Ticket Prices
Keketuohai (ticket + shuttle bus ticket): 94 yuan
Kekesuli (ticket): 28 yuan
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "可可托海景区", to obtain the latest information or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Usually from 10:00 to 18:00
You can obtain the latest information on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
One-Day Tour Route
Tourist Center → Irtysh Grand Canyon (Longmen Square → Birch Forest → Shuimogou → Shenzhong Mountain → Karazhuole Waterfall) → No. 3 Ore Vein. This route allows tourists to appreciate the main natural and cultural landscapes of Keketuohai within a day and experience the canyon scenery and mining history.
Two-Day Tour Route
Day 1: Tourist Center → Irtysh Grand Canyon (Longmen Square → Birch Forest → Shuimogou → Shenzhong Mountain → Karazhuole Waterfall), stay in the scenic area and enjoy the night view and morning scenery of the canyon. Day 2: Kekesuli → Yirem Lake → Karaxanger Earthquake Fault Zone → No. 3 Ore Vein. This way, you can visit each attraction in the scenic area more deeply and fully experience the charm of Keketuohai.
Transportation
- By Plane: You can first take a flight to Altay Airport, then take a bus or chartered car from Altay Airport to Fuyun County. After arriving in Fuyun County, transfer to a bus or taxi to Keketuohai Town to reach the scenic area.
- By Train: You can take a train to Fuyun County Railway Station, and then take a bus from Fuyun County Bus Station to Keketuohai Town, or choose a chartered car to the scenic area.
- By Bus: There are direct long-distance buses from Urumqi to Keketuohai Town. You can also first go to Altay City and then transfer to a bus to Keketuohai Town from Altay City.
- By Self-driving: Start from Urumqi and drive along the Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway and National Highway 216. The whole journey is about 485 kilometers. You can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery of Xinjiang during the self-driving trip, but pay attention to traffic safety and abide by traffic rules.
Must-visit Attractions
- Irtysh Grand Canyon: It has a unique granite landform. The peaks have different shapes, complementing the Irtysh River and forming a picturesque scenery, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
- No. 3 Ore Vein: As a world-famous rare metal mine pit, it has witnessed the development history of China's mining industry, with important historical significance and educational value. Here, you can feel the hardships and dedication of the miners in those years.
- Kekesuli: With its beautiful lake scenery, swaying reeds, and flocks of water birds, it is full of vitality and is an excellent place for leisure vacations and enjoying natural scenery.
Tour Tips
- The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is relatively large. No matter what season you go, prepare warm clothes such as thick coats, sweaters, and scarves.
- The ultraviolet rays are strong in summer. Take sun protection measures and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, etc.
- If you want to hike in the Irtysh Grand Canyon, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes for easy walking.
- You can learn some geological knowledge and historical culture about Keketuohai in advance so that you can better appreciate and understand the connotations of the attractions during the tour.
- There are some wild animals in the scenic area. If you encounter wild animals, do not disturb them and observe them at a safe distance.
Notes
- Comply with the regulations of the scenic area and do not randomly damage the natural environment and public facilities of the scenic area.
- When taking the sightseeing bus or participating in other amusement projects, follow the instructions of the staff and pay attention to safety.
- When hiking in areas such as the Wild Grape Valley, pay attention to preventing wild animals. Do not enter undeveloped areas alone to avoid danger.
- When going to the scenic area in winter, pay attention to the road icing and snow accumulation conditions. Drive or walk carefully. In case of bad weather, find a safe place to take shelter in time.
- Respect the local customs and religious beliefs and get along friendly with the local residents.