[2025 Artux Attraction] Travel Guide for Artux Grand Canyon (Updated May)

#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!

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...