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The Tianshan Grand Canyon is located in the southern suburbs of Urumqi. It is situated on the northern slope of the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains, between Bogda Peak and Tianger Peak. It is about 32 kilometers away from Urumqi and has an average altitude of 2,200 meters. It encompasses all the natural landscapes in Xinjiang except the desert.
Here are endless towering mountains and steep forests, holy snow-capped glaciers, mysterious primeval forests, vast valley grasslands, crisscrossing canyon rivers and rich nomadic customs. It is called the " Hundred-Mile Golden Tourism Corridor and Outdoor Paradise for Leisure and Vacation " by tourists and has won praise from domestic and foreign tourists.
The Tianshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area is majestic, magnificent, and colorful. It perfectly integrates the beauty of the Tianshan Mountains, forming a beautiful picture scroll and a legend of Western Region style. It combines the majesty of Mount Tai , the beauty of Mount Emei, the ingenious rocks of Yandang, and the steepness of Mount Hua . Two lakes, three waterfalls, four streams, and eighteen valleys complement each other.
There are eight unique attractions in the scenic area, namely Tianshanba Leisure Area, Zhaobi Mountain Resort and Recreation Area, Gasidaban Sightseeing Area, Swan Lake Natural Scenic Area, Niumao Lake Linhai Songtao Scenic Area, Kazakh Ethnic Culture Park, Alpine Grassland Ecological Area, and Snow Mountain Glacier Scenic Area.
The climate here is cool and pleasant , with no extreme heat in summer and no severe cold in winter. The average annual temperature is 4-6 ℃
Here you can experience a variety of outdoor sports such as canyon scenery, outdoor development, snow-capped mountains and glaciers, skiing and skating, boat trips, self-driving tours, scientific research, adventure, hiking, photography, etc.
Recommended play time: about 1 day
75 yuan/person
9:30-19:00
The Tianshan Grand Canyon is a natural geological formation in the Tianshan Mountains. The canyon is significant due to its unique rock formations, deep ravines, and dramatic landscapes, which attract tourists, photographers, and adventurers. It is also an important part of the Tianshan mountain range's ecology and biodiversity.
Tianshan Grand Canyon is located in the Urumqi region of Xinjiang, China. To get there, you can take a taxi or drive from Urumqi city center, which is about a 2-3 hour drive. Public buses and tour buses also run to the canyon. There is no metro service in the area.
The canyon is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer months can be hot, and winter can be cold, making spring and autumn ideal for outdoor activities.
The entrance fee to Tianshan Grand Canyon is typically around 60-100 CNY, depending on the season and the specific attractions you wish to visit (such as cable car rides or guided tours). Tickets can be purchased on-site, and some online travel platforms also offer tickets in advance.
While it is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, it is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). You can book tickets a few days in advance to secure your spot, especially if you're planning to take the cable car or join a guided tour.
You will need at least 4-6 hours to fully explore Tianshan Grand Canyon, depending on your hiking pace and interest in exploring different areas of the canyon. If you take a cable car and visit the Tianshan Earth Forest, expect to spend a bit more time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and sometimes in English. You can book a tour on-site or in advance through local tour operators. Some areas also offer audio guides for self-exploration, though they may primarily be in Mandarin.
Start by taking the cable car for panoramic views. Then, hike along the designated trails to explore different parts of the canyon, including the Tianshan Earth Forest. Allow time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. If you prefer a guided tour, it will typically cover the highlights in 3-4 hours.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available at Tianshan Grand Canyon, as it is primarily an outdoor natural attraction. However, there may be special events or night tours organized by local travel agencies during peak seasons.
The canyon can get crowded during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or in the early morning hours. Late afternoon visits are also less crowded, and the sunset offers beautiful views of the canyon.
Basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and small shops are available at the entrance and near the main tourist spots. Food and water can be purchased at the entrance, but it’s advisable to bring your own supplies if you plan to hike extensively.
The canyon is not fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors, as many of the trails are rugged and steep. However, the cable car ride provides easy access to panoramic views. Children may find the hiking trails challenging, but they can still enjoy the more accessible areas.
Cash is widely accepted, but many facilities also accept mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay. It’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially in more remote areas where digital payments may not be accepted.
Xinjiang is known for its halal food, and many restaurants around Urumqi and near the canyon offer halal options. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are also available in most restaurants.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance of the canyon selling local crafts, such as traditional Xinjiang rugs, clothing, and jewelry. Popular souvenirs include dried fruits, nuts, and local spices.
After visiting, you can take a taxi or private car back to Urumqi, where buses, taxis, or flights are available to continue your trip. If you're traveling to nearby attractions, private transport or a tour group is recommended due to the remote nature of the area.
