Tianshan Grand Canyon is located in Urumqi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 48 kilometers away from the urban area. The total planned area of the scenic area is 1038.48 square kilometers. It is the most complete and valuable original spruce forest on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. The scenic area is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with an average altitude of 2020 meters and an average annual temperature of 4-6°C. It encompasses all the natural landscapes of Xinjiang except deserts. It is a living museum of nomadic culture before human farming civilization and has extremely high tourism appreciation, scientific research, and historical and cultural values. Tianshan Grand Canyon is a national 5A-level scenic area, a national forest park, and a national sports and leisure base. There is a well-equipped tourist service center in the scenic area, as well as an ecological parking lot that can accommodate thousands of vehicles, 4 three-A-level toilets, and 8 environmentally friendly toilets.
Historical Culture
The area where Tianshan Grand Canyon is located is the grassland where the Kazakh people have been nomadic for generations. They still retain a relatively authentic production and living style and traditional ethnic customs and cultures. Folk activities such as Aken chanting, Karakoyunlu (Black Steed Dance), Kyz Kuumai (Girl Chase), and Kokpar (Goat Grazing) and folk festivals such as Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and Nowruz form a unique cultural landscape. In addition, in many ancient costume TV dramas and martial arts novels, the Tianshan Mountains are endowed with a mysterious martial arts color. Works like Liang Yusheng's "Seven Swords Descend the Tianshan Mountains" and "The Legend of the White-Haired Witch", and Jin Yong's "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" all give detailed descriptions of the Tianshan School or the martial artists living in seclusion in the Tianshan Mountains, making the martial arts culture of the Tianshan Mountains deeply rooted in people's hearts.
Main Scenic Spots
Swan Lake
Swan Lake is a beautiful lake located on the alpine meadow at an altitude of 2449 meters. The water quality is deep and clear, and it is also known as "Lovers' Tears". Every summer and autumn, beautiful swans will stop by the Swan Lake, forming a beautiful contrast with the blue sky, white clouds, green pine trees, and green grass.
Zhaobi Mountain
Zhaobi Mountain is the main mountain body at the entrance of the scenic area, densely covered with pure spruce forests of the Tianshan Mountains. The mountain body runs in a northeast-southwest direction, surrounded by water on three sides, and forms a pyramid shape with a height of 400 meters on the side. Due to its unique terrain, strange natural landscapes such as a single line of peaks and the appearance of the sun three days after rain can occur.
Qiaoya Grassland
Qiaoya Grassland is located on the east side of Swan Lake, at an altitude of more than 2500 meters, and it is an alpine grassland. There are flocks of cattle and sheep in the grassland, and white yurts are scattered in the mountain depressions and by the lake. It is the home of Kazakh herders.
Twelve Connected Lakes
The Twelve Connected Lakes are twelve connected artificial lakes, mainly for flood discharge and at the same time regulating the local small environment. There are shady green trees by the lake, the grass is like a carpet, the gravel paths wind and turn, and the pavilions, terraces, and corridors are simple and unsophisticated. It is a good place for enjoying the cool, avoiding the heat, and taking a leisurely walk. Here, you can also overlook the entire Swan Lake and Qiaoya Grassland, which is the viewing spot with the widest view in the scenic area.
Gasdaban Sightseeing Area
The Gasdaban Sightseeing Area is covered with green grass and dotted with wildflowers everywhere. It is a paradise for wild animals and is suitable for hiking and cycling.
Ha Xiong Gou
Ha Xiong Gou is located on the first loop line of Tianshan Grand Canyon and is named after a stone called "Ha Xiong Wang Yue" (The Brown Bear Looking at the Moon) on the side of the gully. The forest along the gully is lush, the vegetation is good, and the air quality is high.
Delicacies
Hand-Pulled Mutton
Fresh mutton is selected and stewed in clear water, paired with onions, carrots, etc. When eating, the meat is removed and dipped in seasonings such as salt. The meat is tender and delicious.
Roasted Meat
It is mainly mutton, and there are also beef and chicken. The meat is strung with special iron skewers and roasted over charcoal fire, and then sprinkled with seasonings such as cumin and chili powder. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the aroma is overwhelming.
Pilaf
The main ingredients are rice, mutton, carrots, onions, etc. First, the mutton is stir-fried, then the carrots and onions are added and stir-fried. Finally, the rice is added and stewed together. The rice is distinct, the mutton is fragrant and soft, and the carrots are sweet.
Big Plate of Native Chicken
Local native chickens are selected and cut into large pieces, stir-fried together with potatoes, green peppers, etc., and then stewed with seasonings and an appropriate amount of water. The chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft, the soup is rich, and it can be eaten with noodles.
Ticket Prices
During the winter (from November 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025), the ticket price is 30 yuan per person, and the inter-area bus ticket price is 44 yuan per person (from the tourist center to Swan Lake).
In summer, the ticket price is 60 yuan per person, and the inter-area bus ticket price is 50 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "新疆丝路南山旅游文化有限公司", in WeChat to obtain the latest information or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
From May 1 to October 6, it is from 09:00 to 18:30.
From October 7 to April 30, it is from 10:00 to 18:30.
In summer, the opening hours are from 09:00 to 19:00. Ticket sales stop at 18:00, and entry stops at 18:00.
You can obtain the latest information through the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Classic One-Day Tour Route: Enter after ticket checking at the tourist center → Take an inter-area bus to Zhaobi Mountain Waterfall → Swan Lake → Hiking or horseback riding (Starting from Swan Lake, take a one-way hiking route to Tianmen or go to Qiaoya Grassland) → Return to the tourist center. Winter Special Route: Tourist service center → Visit scenic spots such as the Twelve Connected Lakes, Zhaobi Mountain, and Swan Lake → Zhaobi Mountain → Swan Lake → Self-driving experience (You can pay the corresponding fee according to the number of seats in the vehicle and drive to the Swan Lake or Zhaobi Mountain area of the scenic area).
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Urumqi City, you can reach the scenic area along National Highway 216 or Provincial Highway 103. It is about 48 kilometers away from the urban area, and the driving time is about 1 hour.
- Bus: You can take a bus to Banfanggou Township in Urumqi City, and then transfer to a local inter-area bus or take a taxi to the scenic area.
- Tour Bus: Many travel agencies provide tour bus services to Tianshan Grand Canyon. You can book relevant itineraries at the travel agency.
Must-Visit Scenic Spots
- Swan Lake: An alpine lake at an altitude of 2449 meters with clear water and beautiful scenery. It is an excellent place for photography and bird watching, and it is also blessed with beautiful legends.
- Zhaobi Mountain: The landmark mountain body at the entrance of the scenic area, with dense spruce forests. There are strange natural landscapes such as a single line of peaks and the appearance of the sun three days after rain, and it is also a good place to escape the heat.
- Twelve Connected Lakes: A unique artificial lake landscape, with both flood discharge and viewing functions. It is the viewing spot with the widest view in the scenic area, from which you can overlook Swan Lake and Qiaoya Grassland.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to spend one day visiting the scenic area. You can choose different scenic spots and visiting methods according to your own interests and time.
- When going in summer, pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention, and bring light and breathable clothes. When going in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and wear thick cotton clothes, hats, gloves, etc.
- If you choose to hike, wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes, and arrange your itinerary reasonably according to your physical strength.
- You can try to experience the local Kazakh ethnic culture, such as participating in folk activities and tasting special delicacies.
Precautions
- Carrying fire sources is strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Smoking and camping are prohibited to avoid forest fires.
- Comply with the regulations of the scenic area and the instructions of the staff, and do not randomly damage the environment and facilities of the scenic area.
- Pay attention to safety when visiting in the mountainous area. Do not leave the designated tour route to avoid accidents.
- If you encounter bad weather such as heavy rain and strong winds, go to a safe place to take shelter in time.