Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area is located in Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area and an important part of the Xinjiang Tianshan, a World Natural Heritage, with a total area of 752 square kilometers. The scenic area is rich in natural resources, integrating canyon landforms, aeolian landforms, fluvial landforms, structural landforms, and rock salt karst landforms. It has the world's third largest mountain glacier landscape, red bed canyon landscapes with extremely high aesthetic value on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains, rare rock salt karst landform landscapes, and typical vertical natural belt spectrum landscapes in temperate arid regions. The unique natural scenery combined with the local Kyrgyz folk customs makes it a holiday resort integrating sightseeing, scientific investigation, leisure and entertainment, and summer cooling.
History and Culture
The area where the Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area is located has a long history and is an important section of the northern route of the Ancient Silk Road. It used to be the settlement of many ancient ethnic groups, and they left rich historical and cultural relics here. The trade along the Ancient Silk Road led to the blending and collision of different cultures here, giving birth to a unique regional culture. The folk culture in the scenic area is also very rich. Ethnic minorities such as the local Kyrgyz people retain traditional lifestyles and folk customs, such as unique songs and dances, handicrafts, etc., adding a strong cultural heritage to the scenic area.
Main Attractions
Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon
This is the ninth batch of national-level scenic spots. It is the largest red bed canyon with the highest aesthetic value on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. It integrates Danxia landforms, rock salt karst landforms, Yardang landforms, salt dome diapir structural landforms, etc. It is known as the most beautiful Danxia geological wonder in western China, the largest rock salt karst geological wonder in China, the strange Yardang geological wonder in western China, and a unique giant karst erosion geological mystery in China. It can be called a "living geological evolution history museum" in Xinjiang. The flaming colors in the canyon contrast with Tomur Peak, the highest peak of the Tianshan Mountains, creating a magnificent geological landscape.
Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area - Tacun Village
It is located at No. 74, Group 3, Tagelake Village, Kekeya Town, Wensu County. The small mountain village has undergone great changes after the development and construction of the scenic area. There is access to roads and electricity, and there is full signal coverage. Here, there are natural landscapes such as beautiful snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and river valleys, as well as a harmonious and integrated humanistic atmosphere among various ethnic groups. It is a beautiful and leisure village in China and a national key rural tourism village.
Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Bozidun
It is located in Bozidun Kyrgyz Township, Wensu County, within the Xinjiang Tomur Peak National Nature Reserve, with an average altitude of 2,400 meters. It includes attractions such as Akebulake Grassland and Fengling Valley, and has the reputation of "Natural Oxygen Bar", "Kanas in Southern Xinjiang", "Shangri-La in the depression of Tomur Peak", etc. It has a temperate continental climate and unique natural scenery. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes such as grasslands, gobi deserts, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, river valleys, and red rock landforms at one time, and experience the four seasons in one day. It is the habitat of many rare animals and plants.
Delicacies
Hand-Pulled Rice
High-quality rice, mutton, carrots, onions and other ingredients are selected. The mutton is stewed until soft, and then cooked with stir-fried carrots, onions and rice. The rice grains are distinct and absorb the flavor of the mutton, with a rich taste and a fragrant smell.
Roasted Mutton Skewers
Fresh mutton is used as the raw material, cut into evenly sized pieces, strung on an iron skewer, and roasted over charcoal fire. During the roasting process, seasonings such as salt, cumin, and chili powder are sprinkled. After roasting, the outer skin is golden and crispy, and the inside is tender and juicy, with a strong aroma.
Naan
It is a traditional pasta in Xinjiang, made from ingredients such as flour, yeast, and salt, with a variety of flavors and shapes. The common one is a round thin naan, with sesame seeds sprinkled on the surface. After baking, the outer skin is crispy and the inside is soft. It can be preserved for a long time and is convenient to carry.
Ticket Prices
The ticket price for the Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon is 36 yuan per person, the price for the shuttle bus is 60 yuan per person, and the price for self-driving vehicles is 100 yuan per vehicle.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "天山托木尔景区", to obtain the latest information or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon is open throughout the year, and the scenery varies with different seasons. The general opening hours are from 09:00 to 19:00. The specific opening hours may be adjusted according to the season and weather conditions. It is recommended that tourists check the official information of the scenic area in advance.
You can obtain the latest information on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Itinerary for Visiting
One-day tour: You can choose to visit the Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon in the morning to admire the unique geological landscape, and go to Tacun Village in the afternoon to experience the rural natural scenery and folk customs.
Two-day tour: Visit the Grand Canyon on the first day to explore various landforms in the canyon in depth; go to Bozidun on the second day, take a walk on the grassland, enjoy the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, etc., and experience local folk activities.
Transportation
- Public transportation: You can buy round-trip tickets from Aksu to the Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon on the mini-program "Chuxing 365". The starting station is the Cultural Tourism Visitor Distribution Center in Aksu City. The boarding points include the Aksu starting station, the railway station, Yumei Hotel, Huaxin Hotel in Aksu City, Tacun Village, etc.
- Self-driving: Starting from Aksu City, drive along the Awen Highway and follow the navigation tips to reach the scenic area. The road conditions are good, but pay attention to driving safety.
Must-visit Attractions
- Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon: It has a variety of unique geological landforms and is a paradise for geology enthusiasts. The scenery in the canyon is spectacular and very photogenic.
- Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area - Tacun Village: You can experience the rich folk customs, enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, and feel the tranquility and harmony of the countryside.
- Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Bozidun: You can enjoy a variety of beautiful landscapes at one time, experience the four seasons in one day, and participate in rich outdoor activities.
Suggestions for Visiting
- Choose appropriate clothing according to different seasons. Pay attention to sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter.
- Prepare comfortable shoes for easy hiking in the scenic area.
- If you have enough time, you can choose to stay in the scenic area for one night to better enjoy the sunrise, sunset and starry sky.
- Respect the local folk culture and religious beliefs, and do not damage the environment and facilities in the scenic area at will.
Precautions
- The scenic area is a nature reserve. Pay attention to environmental protection and do not damage the vegetation and landforms at will.
- The climate in the canyon is dry and the sunlight is strong. Pay attention to sun protection and moisturizing measures.
- When hiking and exploring in the canyon, pay attention to safety, abide by the regulations of the scenic area, and do not leave the designated route.
- If you choose to drive by yourself, check the vehicle condition in advance, pay attention to the road conditions and weather changes, and ensure driving safety.