Located in Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Tomur Grand Canyon is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers approximately 200 square kilometers, with an average altitude of 1,500 meters, and is China's largest rock salt karst geological wonder. It boasts spectacular Yardang landforms, canyon clusters, and salt dome landforms. The canyon is crisscrossed with gullies and diverse shapes, earning it the reputation of the "King of Canyons." The scenic area also features natural landscapes such as rivers, waterfalls, and caves, making it a comprehensive destination for geological sightseeing, exploration, and photography.
History and Culture
The area where Tomur Grand Canyon is located has a long history and was one of the important passages of the ancient Silk Road. In ancient times, it served as a hub for cultural exchanges between the East and the West, leaving behind many historical relics and cultural legends. According to research, traces of ancient human activities, such as rock paintings and ancient tombs, have been found in the grand canyon, providing important physical materials for the study of ancient Western Regions civilization. In addition, Tomur Grand Canyon holds an important position in the culture of local ethnic minorities, with many myths and legends about the canyon circulating, adding to the cultural heritage of the scenic area.
Main Attractions
Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area · Grand Canyon
This is the core area of the scenic area. The canyon is about 50 kilometers long and 800 meters deep at its deepest point, composed of two huge main canyons: Kuduruk Valley and Aqikesu Valley. The rock layers in the canyon are mostly red sandstone and mudstone, which show bright colors under the sunlight, just like a red dragon coiled at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains.
Salt Dome Landform
The salt dome landform in the scenic area is China's largest salt dome geological landscape. The salt domes can reach tens of meters in height, with various shapes, some like castles and some like pyramids, shining under the sunlight and being highly ornamental.
Yardang Landform
The Yardang landform is widely distributed, formed by wind erosion. The rocks present various strange shapes, such as mushrooms, stone pillars, and castles, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Gate to Heaven
Located deep in the canyon, it is a naturally formed stone arch, about 30 meters high and 20 meters wide, with a grand momentum, as if it were a gate to another world.
Colorful Mountain
It gets its name because the mountain presents various colors such as red, yellow, green, and blue, which are caused by different minerals in the rocks. It is very beautiful with colorful colors under the sunlight.
Populus Euphratica Forest
There is a Populus euphratica forest distributed at the edge of the canyon. Populus euphratica is a "hero tree" in the desert with tenacious vitality. In autumn, the leaves turn golden, forming a sharp contrast with the red canyon, and the scenery is very charming.
Waterfall Group
There are many waterfalls in the scenic area, and the most famous one is the Tomur Waterfall, with a drop of 50 meters. The water pours down from a high place, forming a beautiful landscape.
Underground Karst Caves
Many underground karst caves have been found in the grand canyon. The stalactites, stone pillars and other landscapes in the caves are well-developed and of various shapes, making it a good place for adventure enthusiasts.
Food
Roast Whole Lamb
Using high-quality local lamb, after special marination, it is roasted in a nang pit. The skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. It is one of the characteristic cuisines in Xinjiang. The price of a whole roasted lamb is about 1,500-2,000 yuan.
Hand-Pulled Rice
Cooked with rice, mutton, carrots, onions and other ingredients, it is nutritious and delicious, and an indispensable part of the daily diet of local residents. The price of a portion of hand-pulled rice in restaurants around the scenic area is 30-50 yuan.
Roasted Buns
The skin is crispy, and the filling is mutton and onions. After roasting, it is full of aroma. It is a traditional snack in Xinjiang. The price of one roasted bun is 5-8 yuan.
Nang
A traditional pasta in Xinjiang, with various flavors such as sesame nang and scallion nang. It is one of the main foods of local people. The price of one nang is 5-10 yuan.
Big Plate Chicken
Using local free-range chicken and potatoes, stir-fried with chili, Chinese prickly ash and other seasonings, it is spicy and delicious, and a characteristic dish in Xinjiang. The price of a big plate of chicken is 80-120 yuan.
Kawas
A beverage fermented from wheat, corn, etc., with a sweet and sour taste and the effect of relieving heat, it is the best beverage in summer. The price of a cup of Kawas is 10-15 yuan.
Hand-Grabbed Meat
After boiling the mutton, it is eaten directly by hand. The meat is tender and the taste is pure. It is a traditional food of Xinjiang ethnic minorities. The price of a portion of hand-grabbed meat is 100-150 yuan.
Tickets
The ticket price is 36 yuan per person, and the self-driving car ticket is 100 yuan per car.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "天山托木尔景区" in WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are from April 1 to November 30 every year, 10:00-20:00 daily; from December 1 to March 31 of the following year is the winter closure period.
Tour Route
Enter the scenic area at 10:00 in the morning, take a sightseeing bus to Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area · Grand Canyon, visit Kuduruk Valley and Aqikesu Valley, enjoy the spectacular scenery of the canyon, and take photos to record the beautiful moments. Have lunch at the restaurant in the scenic area at 12:30, and taste local special foods such as hand-pulled rice and roasted buns. Go to the salt dome landform and Yardang landform areas at 14:00 in the afternoon to enjoy the unique geological landscape and understand the process of geological formation. Go to Gate to Heaven and Colorful Mountain at 16:00 to feel the magic of nature. Go to Populus Euphratica Forest and Waterfall Group at 18:00 to enjoy the beautiful scenery of golden Populus euphratica in autumn and the grandeur of waterfalls. Take the sightseeing bus back to the entrance of the scenic area at 19:30 to end the day's journey.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Aksu Urban Area, drive about 70 kilometers along G3012 Turpan-Hotan Expressway, then turn to Wensu County direction, and drive about 50 kilometers to reach the scenic area. The whole journey is about 120 kilometers, and the driving time is about 2 hours.
- Chartered car: You can charter a car to the scenic area in Aksu Urban Area or Wensu County. The charter fee depends on the vehicle type and the number of days, generally about 500-800 yuan per day.
- Tourist bus: There are tourist buses direct to the scenic area in Aksu Urban Area, departing at 10:00 every morning and returning at 18:00. The ticket price is 50 yuan per person.
Must-visit Attractions
- Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area · Grand Canyon: The core attraction of the scenic area, the canyon is about 50 kilometers long and 800 meters deep at its deepest point. The rock layers are mostly red sandstone and mudstone, with spectacular scenery.
- Salt Dome Landform: China's largest salt dome geological landscape, the salt domes can reach tens of meters in height, with various shapes, shining under the sunlight.
- Yardang Landform: Formed by wind erosion, the rocks present various strange shapes, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
- Gate to Heaven: A naturally formed stone arch, about 30 meters high and 20 meters wide, with a grand momentum, as if it were a gate to another world.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and sunscreen clothing, as there is a lot of walking in the scenic area and the sunlight is strong.
- Carry enough drinking water and food. There are few catering facilities in the scenic area, and the prices are high.
- If you are interested in geological landscapes, you can hire a tour guide from the scenic area to explain and learn more about geological knowledge and history and culture.
- Autumn is the best season to visit Tomur Grand Canyon, when the Populus euphratica forest is golden and the scenery is beautiful.
- When photographing canyon landscapes, it is best to choose morning or evening when the light is soft for better shooting effects.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area, and do not climb rocks or enter closed areas without permission.
- Pay attention to environmental protection, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
- When visiting in the canyon, pay attention to safety and stay away from cliffs and steep slopes.
- When visiting in summer, pay attention to heat prevention and cooling, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- The mobile phone signal in the scenic area is weak. It is recommended to inform family and friends of your itinerary in advance.