2025 Artux Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Shipton’s Arch, also known as “Toshuk Tagh” in the Uyghur language or (Ātúshi tiānmén) in Chinese, is considered to be the tallest natural arch in the world. It’s located in China’s western Xinjiang region. It takes about an hour hike through a sublimely lunar landscape, first along a dry river bed, then a bit up (wooden and metal stairs), finally several hundred wooden stairs to the arch which is comfortable however may be tiring due to height level and a bit thinner air. View from down is a bit misleading as to the real size of the arch - Photos do not do justice to this amazing place! You have to see it for yourselves! #shiptonsarch #hike #amazinglandscape #travelfreak

Embark on a captivating six-day journey through Southern Xinjiang, specifically Kashgar, a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern vibrancy, tranquility with bustling activity. Follow this guide to unveil the mysteries of Kashgar! / 🎒Itinerary: D1: Pamir Plateau -> Kongur Tagh -> Pamir Plateau -> Muji Crater 📌A day trip around the Pamir Plateau, taking in the breathtaking Kongur Tagh and the magnificent Muji Crater. D2: White Sand Dunes - White Sand Lake Scenic Area -> Pamir Plateau -> Taheman Wetland Park Observation Deck -> Kashgar Old Stone City -> Aral National Wetland Park of Pamir Plateau, Xinjiang 📌Enjoy the stunning scenery of the White Sand Dunes and White Sand Lake, traverse the Pamir Plateau, and visit the Taheman Wetland Park and the ancient Kashgar Old Stone City. D3: Pamir Plateau -> Panlong Ancient Road -> Tasha Ancient Road -> Tashkurgan River -> Apricot Blossom Valley in the hinterland of Pamir Plateau -> Apricot Blossom Valley in the hinterland of Pamir Plateau 📌Follow the Panlong and Tasha ancient roads, admire the beauty of the Tashkurgan River, and finally, immerse yourself in the Apricot Blossom Valley of the Pamir Plateau. D4: Muztagh Ata -> Muztagh Ata Glacier Park 📌Challenge yourself with a climb up Muztagh Ata and marvel at the stunning scenery of the Glacier Park. D5: Wuqia Colorful Beach -> Wuqia Colorful Beach -> Tianshan-Kunlun Mountains Confluence -> China's Westernmost Point Monument -> China's Westernmost Point Monument -> Irkeshtam Port 📌Stroll along the vibrant Wuqia Colorful Beach, then explore the confluence of the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains, the China's Westernmost Point Monument, and the enigmatic Irkeshtam Port. D6: Atuush Heavenly Gate Scenic Area 🔚On the final day, visit the Atuush Heavenly Gate Scenic Area, concluding this wonderful trip. / Must-Visit Spots: 🗻White Sand Dunes - White Sand Lake Scenic Area: The rocks on the mountain have eroded into a unique powder, while the interplay of lakes and rivers below creates a breathtaking spectacle. 🏞️Muztagh Ata Glacier Park: Rich in glacial landscapes, you can witness ice towers and ice caves firsthand, and even have the chance to observe wildlife, a truly wondrous encounter between humanity and nature. ⛰️Pamir Plateau: Walking here feels like standing on the roof of the world. The stunning scenery will leave you in awe and reverence. A must-visit! / 🎒Travel Preparations: Essential Items for Your Trip to Southern Xinjiang - Kashgar 👕First, let's talk about clothing. Kashgar starts to warm up in March, but there's a significant temperature difference between day and night. It's recommended to wear a thick jacket or down coat, and also pack some spring and autumn clothing for layering. Shufu County has a large desert, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun and dust with a hat and scarf. 🔍Second, prepare some travel accessories. Kashgar is rich in Buddhist culture, with attractions like the Grand Bazaar and the Id Kah Mosque. A good camera with extra batteries is recommended. Also, bring sunscreen, patches, and other sun protection items. 📔Third, documents are crucial. Remember to bring your ID card, bank card, sufficient cash, and other important documents and financial items for payment and emergencies during your trip. 🧳Lastly, don't forget basic daily necessities like toothbrushes, towels, toiletries, and common medications. As Kashgar is geographically remote, some specialized items may be difficult to find, so it's best to prepare them in advance. / 💼Well, that's all for the Kashgar trip. Having witnessed the beautiful scenery and tasted the authentic local cuisine, you'll regret not going, and yearn to return after your visit!

Awesome place

A lovely tour

🎉Experience the warm embrace of folk culture! 🎉 🏡First Impression: 🏡 Stepping into Atushi Reba's Home is like traveling through time and space to a wonderful world full of Xinjiang folk customs. 🌍 This is not just a place to stay, but a window for you to learn about and experience Xinjiang culture. 🌟Room Features: 🌟 Each room is like a small folk museum, with a unique decoration style full of local culture and characteristics of Xinjiang. 🖼️ The small flower hats and Adlai silk fabrics hanging on the wall all tell the story of Xinjiang. 🍲Food Experience: 🍲 Here, you can not only live comfortably, but also eat authentic food. The Xinjiang cuisine provided by the homestay will take your taste buds on a journey. 🍇 From secret yogurt to various traditional snacks, every bite is a perfect interpretation of Xinjiang flavor. 🎭Cultural Activities: 🎭 Reba's Home is not just a homestay, but also a gathering place for cultural activities. Here, you can feel the charm of Reba art up close, which is a folk art that combines music, dance, and drama. 💃 In the evening, you may encounter an impromptu Reba dance performance in the lobby, allowing you to feel the enthusiasm and boldness of the Xinjiang people in laughter. 👩‍🌾Community Interaction: 👩‍🌾 Reba's Home is closely connected with the local community. The property of the homestay belongs to the village collective, and it is jointly built and operated by a third party. At the end of the year, the villagers share the dividends brought by the homestay. This model not only promotes the development of local tourism, but also increases the income of villagers, making every stay meaningful. 🌳Natural Scenery: 🌳 Atushi Reba's Home is located by the Boguz River, and the river flows leisurely through Azihan Village, bringing you peace and harmony. In the evening, sitting on the rocking chair of the homestay, you can quietly enjoy this gift of nature. 🎈Summary: 🎈 Atushi Reba's Home is not just a place to stay, but a home for you to learn about Xinjiang folk culture. 🏠 Here, you can experience the hospitality of Xinjiang, taste authentic food, and feel the strong cultural atmosphere. If you plan to travel to Xinjiang, this is definitely a choice you cannot miss! 🔖Warm Tips: 🔖 Don't forget to bring your curiosity and explore the folk culture of Xinjiang! 🔍🧳

Palamela is really big There are more people at night than during the day The waiters are all young and good-looking The service attitude is also very good Clean and tidy The food is so delicious that I can't describe it Come to Xinjiang when you have time You will be so satisfied that you won't want to leave Artux, Kizilsu

#traveldiaries #xinjiang #hiking #chinatrip #adventure #monsteronvacay Shipton's Arch, being dubbed as world's tallest arch, is a conglomerate natural arch located in the mountains northwest of Kashgar, Xinjiang. It is known as "Toshuk Tagh" to the local, literally meaning "hole in the mountain". The exact location would be in Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Perfecture west-northwest of Kashgar, near a village of Artux, at an altitude of 2973 meters. The height of the arch is estimated at 1500ft (460m),equivalent to the height of the Empire State Building in New York. The span of the arch is reportedly 180ft (55m). To reach this hidden gem required a challenging yet rewarding trek through Xinjiang's rugged terrain. We went on a winter, basically to avoid the crowd. The winter landscape added a layer of mystery to the journey, with snow dusted mountains and crisp air creating a serene atmosphere. The hike took us through rocky paths and narrow canyons, but the breathtaking views along the way kept us motivated. As we approached Shipton's Arch, the sheer size and grandeur of this natural wonder left us in awe. Framed by a winter sky, the arch look even majestic against the backdrop of snow covered peaks. The cool winter breeze and clear crisp air, made the view even more special, offering unparalleled panoramas of the surrounding valleys. If you are up for an adventure, Shipton's Arch is a must for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike!

Tianmen Mountain check-in, the scenery is very beautiful and special! Tianmen stands in the mountains of the Pamir Plateau, the first half of the hike is in the valley, the scenery is sparse and ordinary, but the second half suddenly opens up, and the towering Tianmen appears in front of you, still very shocking. The wind is not big or even windless. After buying a ticket, you can take a minibus to the hiking point at the entrance of the scenic area (or walk for about 40 minutes), climb about 2 kilometers of mountain road to Tianmen, and the area near Tianmen is quite steep, which is a wooden plank road. The highest point is less than 3000 meters above sea level, there is almost no altitude sickness, and the difficulty is very low. The visitor center has a small supermarket and hot food stalls, offering ramen, fried rice, and barbecue. The prices are not high for a scenic area, lower than inland, and the taste is okay. There are no inhabitants within tens of kilometers, so it is recommended to dine here. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun, as the ultraviolet rays are extremely strong. It is 80km from Kashgar, about 1.5h by car, and the road conditions are very good, mostly highway.

A guide to the beautiful hiking route of Atushi Tianmen in southern Xinjiang Atushi Tianmen, a secret place praised by international adventure magazines as a world-class adventure destination, is hidden behind Kashgar, Xinjiang. It is a beauty that can shock you to the core! 【Location Unlocked Located in Atushi City, Kizilsu, Xinjiang, it is only 70km away from Kashgar City, which is a perfect choice for surrounding tours! [Navigation Guide] Directly input "Atushi Tianmen" and let the navigation lead the way! How to get there] How should I put it about the transportation here? It really tests your determination! There are no buses and day trips are not supported. You can only choose to drive yourself or charter a car, but this uniqueness and originality is the charm of this place. [Ticket Status] At present, the scenic spot is still under construction and is in a semi-open state, but don’t worry, there are people selling tickets during working hours, 45 yuan per person. When we went there, the staff hadn't started work yet, so we just walked in and bought a ticket when we came out. It was also an experience~ 【Hiking Exploration】 If the shuttle bus to the scenic area is out of service, you will have to move on your own! Go through the gate and follow the cement road to the end. Going forward will be a stone road and a river valley. Remember to park your car, grab your gear, and start hiking! Go all the way along the river valley, after four sections of river valleys and three sections of plank roads, the "Fish Playing in the Mountains" attraction is right in front of you. Going further, the last section of the river valley and plank road is even more challenging, but really, when you climb to the top, you will find that all the efforts are worth it! 【Photography Guide If you want to take stunning photos, remember to bring a high-performance drone. The wind is strong here, so the stability of the drone is crucial. When the weather is good, the snow-capped mountains opposite Tianmen are clearly visible, and the four layers of scenery superimposed on each other are incredibly beautiful! I took the photos myself using a Fuji camera, but unfortunately some of the snow-capped mountains in the distance were backlit and could not be captured. No one took a photo for me, so I took a selfie as a souvenir! Tips: The beauty here is not only visual, but also the shock that can only be experienced by stepping on it in person. It is absolutely delicious! How can you miss such a great hiking spot when you come to Kashgar? Follow Dahuang and he will help you discover more beauty of travel!

Ticket: 43 (Teachers and police officers are free, remember to bring your ID, I forgot if doctors are included) Time⌚: 11:00--15:00 Warm tips: It is recommended to wear long pants. It's not cold during the climb, but there is a section with strong winds. Comfortable shoes are a priority. The mountain is quite primitive, and it's very tiring to reach the top. The altitude at the summit is three thousand meters. It's a place where you can challenge yourself on a weekend. Friends who like hiking can also try it after coming here.

If you can only visit Xinjiang once, you might as well start with Southern Xinjiang. Here, you'll find not only the rich Western Region culture but also the magnificent Pamir Plateau landscapes. In the desert live the centuries-old Loulan people, the grand canyons boast Danxia landforms, blue lakes lie at the foot of snow-capped mountains, and ancient paths carry the history of the Silk Road.... Experience the old times in Kashgar - Kashgar Old Town Travel through China's most dangerous and magnificent road - Karakoram Highway A pure canvas interwoven with white sand and blue lake - Baisar Lake The path once taken by Xuanzang on his return from the West - Tashkurgan Ancient Path Reflecting the towering peaks like a mirror - Karakul Lake The winding Kunlun dragon - Panlong Ancient Path Recommended 11-Day Itinerary for Southern Xinjiang D1: Various places → Urumqi D2: Urumqi → Bosten Lake → Hoshul D3: Hoshul → Loulan Village → Kuqa D4: Kuqa → Wensu Grand Canyon → Aksu D5: Aksu → Desert Highway → Jiaohe Ancient City → Hotan D6: Hotan → Zepu Poplar Forest → Yarkant King's Palace → Yarkant D7: Yarkant → Kashgar Old Town → Kashgar D8: Kashgar → Oytag Glacier Park → Baisar Lake → Taxkorgan D9: Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Path → Bandier Blue Lake → Jinhua Beach Stone City → Karakul Lake → Kashgar D10: Kashgar → Shell Mountain → China's Westernmost Point → Kashgar D11: Kashgar → Airport drop-off 【tips】 The temperature difference between morning and evening in Southern Xinjiang is significant, so be ready to add or remove clothing as needed. The weather in Southern Xinjiang is drier compared to Northern Xinjiang, so always stay hydrated! Long travel distances by car, so buy snacks or dry food and water in advance. The sandy roads in Wensu Grand Canyon are not suitable for sandals. The altitude near Taxkorgan can reach around 4000 meters, so avoid strenuous activities to prevent altitude sickness.

Located in Artux City, the Artux Grand Canyon⛰ 🆔Originally named Kayipakm 'Kayi' means a place for people to live 'Pakm' is to commemorate a Uighur woman She was a follower of Islam Fled here with Sartuk to seek refuge Later died in Kayi and was buried in Kayi To commemorate her, the place was named after her📍 Follow the stream all the way up⬆️ Inevitably, you will have to wade through water ⛑So remember to bring spare shoes (be careful not to get injured if you wear slippers) There are very few people inside (mostly Uighur faces) The drive in is quite bumpy🙃 Additionally: After passing the Artux Tughrulmati police station and almost reaching the entrance to the canyon, it seemed like there was a check for entering vehicles, and some seemed to be stopped outside, so when you go, you should inquire locally to avoid the attraction being closed or entry restrictions🚫 (ID card and border pass are a must!)

🌄 When it comes to the Artux Grand Canyon in Southern Xinjiang, my heart surges with the passion of an adventurer! Bai Sha Lake and Ka Lake are indeed beautiful, but in my 'Stone Chronicle,' they can't compare to our 'A Lake' in terms of spectacle. Why? There's a tranquility here that feels removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, as if stepping into a painting of Danxia landforms. The Gobi and the oasis villages dance together in harmony, and even the air tastes a bit sweet! 🍃 Walking into the canyon is like stepping back into childhood memories. The stream babbles, stones are scattered everywhere, and with bare feet, I'm like a child again, picking up stones by the river, rediscovering that pure joy. With the red mountains as a backdrop and the Gobi for company, this feeling is more natural and comfortable than any luxury resort! 💧 Speaking of A Lake, it's truly a magical place. Just look, the water flows out from under a seemingly barren stone mountain, so clear you can see to the bottom. In the deep pools of the water bend, schools of cold-water fish swim about freely, as if performing an underwater ballet. Let me tell you a secret, this water is national first-class natural drinking water! If you're thirsty here, just scoop up a handful to drink, and I guarantee it'll be sweet to your core. 🌵 In this hundred-mile expanse of the Gobi, it's so barren that you can hardly see a soul. But did you know? This place was once a fortress guarding the Central Asian border passage! The ruins of the Sughet Ata Fort are nearby, and the strategic position of 'two mountains flanking a valley, impregnable to thousands of men,' once made countless merchant caravans turn back. But now, we can explore to our heart's content and experience the infinite charm of nature! 🍂 Huh? Look there, by the old campsite at the foot of the mountain, there's a solitary Euphrates poplar tree. It's the 'old immortal' of this place, standing tall for hundreds of years, witnessing the extraordinary history of the desert frontier. I think, it must be the incarnation of some border soldiers, right? They protected this land with their youth and blood, and now this tree stands as a symbol of their spirit, forever in our hearts. Here you'll find the peace, nature, and profound sense of history you desire; here you'll experience the adventurous fun and childhood memories you've never had before; here you'll also find the freedom and tranquility that your soul has always longed for...

The Wanda Meihua Hotel in Artux ✅A new Wanda Meihua Hotel in Artux city is really great👍👍 🌈The luxurious lobby is slightly extravagant, very much in the style of a five-star hotel, the rooms are very spacious🔮with an area of over 30 square meters, the facilities are new, with a three-part separation for wet and dry areas, the washbasin is at the entrance, separate from the toilet and shower room, which is fantastic! The bedding is very comfortable❤️, the lighting is bright, and the breakfast is rich with many choices. It can be called the best five-star hotel in the area✅ The rooms are very neat, and the hygiene is also very good. The washrooms and showers are very clean, and the front desk ladies are very enthusiastic. Breakfast offers both Chinese and Western options,👍👍with staple foods, vegetables, and fruits available, and the TV also has a selection🥰

This time there is a chance. I had seen an introduction to Atushi Tianmen in China National Geographic a long time ago, and was looking forward to seeing its uniqueness, but it seemed out of reach. This time I had the opportunity to experience its charm up close, and it was really worth the trip. It is very convenient to drive from Kashgar to Atushi Tianmen by yourself. It takes about an hour and a half to get there after taking a section of highway and then getting off the road from Kashgar. After buying tickets at the gate of the scenic area (because it is the winter tourist off-season and there are no shuttle buses), it takes about twenty minutes to walk from the gate of the scenic area to the shuttle bus stop. From the shuttle bus stop, which is the end of the asphalt road, the hiking section is mainly an irregular goose-warm stone road surface, with three sections of iron steps of different lengths in the middle. Finally, when you are close to Tianmen, there is a gently sloping goose-warm stone road surface of about 100 meters, so you need to pay attention to your feet. Overall, the road conditions are suitable for most people, but because the altitude is more than 2,000 meters and the altitude gradually increases along the way, it is recommended that friends who rarely go hiking outdoors walk slowly. Standing on Tianmen and looking down, you can’t see the bottom of the sea; looking straight ahead through Tianmen, you can see the snow-capped mountains. In addition, after May, Tianmen Scenic Area has another high mountain route (Figure 3), where you can see Tianmen from "outside" Tianmen, and see the wilderness outside Tianmen from "outside" Tianmen!

Tianmen is located in the southern range of the Western Tianshan Mountains in Shangatushi Township, Atushi City, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region! Standing at Tianmen, one can’t help but feel that nature’s sculptures are so magical, and that every stone here seems to be cast with a beautiful spell, like a magical mural, or like arriving in another fairyland! The eye-catching giant dragon stone is coiled on the cliff, as if it was made by nature and is a masterpiece of nature! How ingenious and skillful nature is, to decorate it so magnificently and yet gorgeously! A sky gate contains the blue sky, the oasis and the mountains. When people come here, their mood becomes brighter! Legend has it that the gods in heaven descended to the earth through this gate to bestow their blessings on the human world. There is also a saying in the local area that one enters the fairyland by stepping into the gate of heaven! The wonders and temptations of Atushi Tianmen do not end there. It has stood here quietly for a thousand years, waiting for more people to appreciate its magnificent wonders!

🌸☘️🏆A new Wanda Meihua Hotel in Artush City is very good! The luxurious lobby is slightly extravagant, very much like a five-star hotel style, the rooms are very spacious, with an area of more than 30 square meters, the facilities are new, the wet and dry are separated, the washbasin is at the entrance, and the toilet and shower room are independent of each other, which is great! The bedding is very comfortable, the lighting is very bright, the breakfast is very rich, and there are many choices. It can be called the best five-star hotel in the local area.

I've reorganized the photos in my phone and drone, here's another set from Artush Heaven's Gate. 🗓Itinerary: Thursday Shanghai to Urumqi to Kashgar Friday Kashgar to Artush Heaven's Gate Saturday Heaven's Gate to the junction of Tianshan and Kunlun, stay in Wulukeshiti Sunday Tianshan Kunlun to West Pole, stay in Simuhana Monday Simuhana to Irkeshtam border crossing to West Pole to Kashgar 👍Most recommended: 1. Artush Heaven's Gate 2. The junction of Tianshan and Kunlun 3. West Pole Stele