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The Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, also known as the Kuche Grand Canyon, is located in the northern part of Kuche County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang. The name "Kiziliya" means "red cliffs" in Uyghur, a reference to the canyon's massive, reddish-brown mountain ranges. These peaks reach high into the sky, resembling clusters of burning flames in the sunlight.
Its average altitude is 1,600 meters, and the highest peak is 2,048 meters above sea level. The valley is warm in winter and cool in summer, and is immune to cold and heat. Springs gurgle, birds sing, and animals run. The valley is winding and full of scenery, with strange peaks and rocks, dangerous caves and gorges. On the cliff on the left side of the valley, there is the Thousand Buddha Cave from the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The murals are clear, the content is rich and colorful, and the images are realistic and lifelike.
Formed over millions of years by erosion and mountain torrents, the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon combines grandeur, danger, seclusion, tranquility, and a sense of wonder, leaving those who experience it breathtakingly captivated. The A'ai Grottoes, discovered on a cliff 1.4 kilometers from the canyon entrance, feature Chinese characters on the remaining murals on the south, north, and west walls, adding to the canyon's richness.
Kuqa County is located in the warm temperate zone, with abundant heat, dry climate, scarce precipitation, hot summers and dry and cold winters.
There are a total of 42 named scenic spots in the Grand Canyon, the more notable ones include: Divine Dog Guarding the Valley, Xuantian Ancient Castle, Xianling Cave, Jade Girl Spring, Lying Camel Hump, Crescent Moon Valley, One Line of Sky, Hanging Heart Stone, Tiger Tooth Bridge, and Unending Love.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
45 yuan/person
10:30-18:30
Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon is a geologically significant natural site, shaped over millions of years. It holds cultural importance as part of the Silk Road region and showcases the unique desert and mountain ecosystems of southern Xinjiang.
Located near Kuqa County in Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang. Accessible by taxi or private car from Kuqa town. Public buses are limited, and walking is recommended for canyon exploration only inside the park.
Entrance fee is moderate; tickets can usually be purchased at the park entrance. Some local travel agencies may offer online bookings.
Advance booking is optional but recommended during peak tourist season to ensure availability.
3–5 hours depending on hiking pace and photography stops.
Guided tours are available mainly in Chinese; English-speaking guides may be arranged through local travel agencies.
Night visits and light shows are not available. Special guided tours may be arranged seasonally or through private tour operators.
Least crowded on weekdays and outside summer holiday periods; early morning visits are recommended for fewer visitors.
Basic facilities include toilets, rest areas, and small snack stalls near the entrance; limited facilities inside the canyon trails.
Moderate accessibility; some steep or rocky sections may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children should be supervised closely.
Cash is preferred for entrance fees and small purchases; some vendors may accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Limited inside the park; nearby Kuqa town offers local restaurants and cafes serving Uyghur cuisine and snacks.
Vegetarian and halal options are commonly available in local eateries; check menus for specific dietary needs.
Several hotels and guesthouses in Kuqa town, 20–30 minutes by car from the canyon entrance.
Souvenir shops near the entrance offer local handicrafts, dried fruits, and Uyghur textiles.
