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The Ayiguozi Mine Cave is located within the Mining Park in Keketuohai Town, Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang. It sits on a hill south of Pit 3 and is named after the miner who discovered it, Ayiguozi Sharim. The cave is short, just over 800 meters long, and the interior is damp and cold. Guided tours provide guided tours, offering visitors an immersive experience of the mine's internal structure and the miners' lives. The cave has been elevated and reinforced to allow visitors to witness the miners' labor and rest, allowing them to imagine the hardships and dangers of the work.
Temperate continental climate, summer
No. 3 ore vein, Keketuohai Geological Exhibition Hall, 1 hour
Ayiguozi Mine is a historic mining site in Xinjiang, known for its rich deposits of valuable minerals. The mine has played a significant role in the local economy, providing resources for various industries.
The Ayiguozi Mine is located in the northern part of Xinjiang, approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Altay. It is best accessed by taxi or private car, as public transportation options are limited in this remote area.
The mine is open to visitors year-round, but it is recommended to visit during the spring or autumn months, when the weather is more pleasant. Summer can be hot, while winter may bring challenges due to snow and cold temperatures.
There is no official entrance fee for visiting Ayiguozi Mine. However, some tours or activities may require a fee. Tickets for guided tours can be purchased on-site.
No advance booking is required to visit the mine. If you wish to book a guided tour or specific activities, it is best to arrange them in advance, particularly during peak seasons.
A visit to Ayiguozi Mine typically takes half a day, including a tour of the mine and time for photography and exploration of the surrounding area. If you're interested in more detailed geological tours, you may want to allocate additional time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some local guides may offer services in English. Audio guides are not commonly provided, so it’s recommended to arrange a guide in advance if you need one.
The best viewpoints are at the edges of the excavation sites and the surrounding hills. Sunset offers the best photography opportunities, as the mine and surrounding desert landscape are bathed in warm light.
Start by visiting the mine’s excavation sites and then take a walk around the surrounding area to view the geological formations. A short hike to the higher ground will give you excellent views of the mine and desert landscape.
There are no night visits or light shows available at Ayiguozi Mine. The site is best experienced during daylight hours for optimal visibility and safety.
Ayiguozi Mine is generally not crowded, except during peak tourist seasons (summer and public holidays). The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon during the spring and autumn months.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the site. However, there are no large restaurants or shops inside the mine. Visitors should bring water, snacks, and any necessary supplies with them.
Ayiguozi Mine is not fully accessible for disabled visitors due to the rugged terrain and uneven paths. It is suitable for elderly and children, but some areas may require walking on uneven ground or stairs.
Cash is accepted at the site, and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used in Xinjiang. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is best to carry cash or use mobile payment methods.
There are no restaurants inside the mine area. However, local restaurants can be found in Altay, where you can enjoy Xinjiang specialties such as lamb skewers, pilaf, and naan bread.
Halal food options are widely available in Xinjiang, and many local restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. The cuisine caters to Muslim dietary preferences, with many restaurants offering dishes without pork.
Accommodation options are available in Altay, approximately 50 kilometers from Ayiguozi Mine. Hotels such as Altay International Hotel and other guesthouses offer a range of facilities for tourists.
There are no souvenir shops inside Ayiguozi Mine. However, you can find local handicrafts and souvenirs such as woolen garments, carpets, and traditional Xinjiang items in Altay.
The best way to continue your trip is by taxi or rental car. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore other attractions in the Altay region, including the nearby mountains and lakes.
