Things to do in Shanshan

No. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Xinjiang

Kumtag Desert

“Kumtag” means “Sand Mountain” in the Uyghur language. The Kumtag Desert is formed by the tempestuous winds from Tianshan's Qijiaojing Wind Gap and the Dabancheng Wind Gap. After a long journey, the sand that has been carried in the wind collides and deposits in the Kumtag area, forming a desert with various sand dunes. The Kumtag Desert has been developed into a scenic area integrating scientific research, investigation, exploration, sand sports and desert tourism. Looking south from the old town of Shanshan, the golden desert rolls endlessly into the horizon. For thousands of years, the desert and the oasis have coexisted like royal lovers.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Turpan

Tuyugou

Tuyugou Attraction is located about 55 kilometers southeast of Turpan, Xinjiang, and belongs to Tuyugou Township, Shanshan County. The Attraction mainly consists of four parts: Tuyugou Grand Canyon, Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves, Tuyugou Hojamu Maza and Tuyugou Ancient Village. Tuyugou Attraction is the intersection of various religious history and culture in the west with a mysterious color. Tuyugou Maza Village, which has been named "China's Famous Historical and Cultural Village", is a relatively old village in Xinjiang. It has a history of more than 1,700 years and still preserves ancient folk customs. The ancient earth buildings in the village still shine with the light of "yellow clay culture".

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Turpan

Tuyugou Grottoes‌

The Tuyugou Grottoes are located in Shanshan County's Tuyugou TownshipTuyugou VillageExcavated between the 5th and late 14th centuries, these ancient Buddhist cave complexes are located in the Gaochang region of Xinjiang. From 2010 to 2024, a joint archaeological team composed of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Archaeology and the Turpan Studies Institute conducted 10 excavation campaigns, uncovering 157 new caves, 3 ground-level temple sites, and precious artifacts including Buddhist manuscripts and official government documents. Tuyugou Grottoes served as an important node on the Silk Road for the eastward and westward transmission of Buddhism. Flaming MountainsThe ochre-red mountains, with melting snow streams flowing through the gravel, ancient mulberry trees sprouting new green, and apricot blossom-covered villages built along the slopes. The axe-cleaved crimson rock faces reveal sedimentary layers, while honeycomb-like caves are staggered across the vertical cliffs.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Turpan

Mazar Village of Tuyuk Valley

Mazar village of Tuyuk valley is located in the southern valley of Tuyuk grand canyon, representing a traditional village. Mazar village of Tuyuk valley is located in the climate zone south of the Flaming Mountains, with a history of over 2,600 years. It represents a typical example of village layout patterns, showcasing traditional features of "ancient villages, dwellings, alleys and trees". During hot weather, villagers sleep on their rooftops, a tradition passed down from their ancestors. At night, the sky is filled with twinkling stars, and the milky way is clearly visible, resembling countless diamonds scattered across the sky. Occasional shooting stars streak across the horizon, creating a scene straight out of an animated film.

No. 8 of Activities in Xinjiang

Stargazing in Turpan

Stargazing in Turpan is a romantic and mysterious astronomical feast. Turpan, located in Xinjiang, has become an ideal place for stargazing by virtue of its advantage of being far away from urban light pollution. The Kumtag Desert and the open areas on the edge of the city are the best stargazing spots. The Milky Way is clearly visible at the turn of summer and autumn, especially from June to September, which is the golden period for stargazing. From nightfall to early morning, the stars are dotted, the Milky Way spans, and meteors occasionally pass by, forming a dreamlike picture of the universe. Stargazing is not only a visual enjoyment, but also a good opportunity to learn astronomical knowledge, allowing people to explore the mysteries of the universe while appreciating the beauty of the starry sky. To ensure safety and environmental protection, take measures to prevent cold and keep warm to avoid cold. Stargazing in Turpan allows people to feel the vastness and mystery of the universe in the quiet and beautiful starry sky. It is an unforgettable astronomical exploration journey.

Tuyugou Grand Canyon

The Tuyugou Grand Canyon is 8 kilometers long and about 1 kilometer wide on average. It cuts the Huoyan Mountain vertically from north to south. The colorful mountain rock features are clearly visible. The uncanny workmanship of nature is amazing and astonishing. The peak of Huoyan Mountain is located in the canyon. The Tuyugou Grand Canyon is a mysterious place. It not only has the canyon scenery with strange rocks and ravines, but also the Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves and Tuyugou Mazar (tomb); it not only has the Islamic architectural style of the mosque, but also the remains of the Tibetan Buddhist temple. It is not only the "Eastern Mecca" in the minds of believers in the northwest region, but also the "holy land" in the minds of believers. Many people come to visit and worship every year. The magnificent valley, long history, rich cultural connotations, and ancient Uyghur villages are integrated into a mysterious, unique and strange scenery.

Shanshan County Jurassic Museum

Desert Edge Off-Road Camp

Kumtag Desert Off-Road Camp is a core attraction for desert recreation. Here you'll find Xinjiang's first rainbow slide, offering a thrilling descent into the sand dunes; Bombardier off-road vehicles nimbly traverse the dunes, providing all-terrain driving enjoyment; and Bigfoot off-road vehicles brave steep slopes for a thrilling and exciting dune bashing experience. A one-stop destination for both desert leisure and extreme off-road adventures.

Kumtag Desert Scenic Area - Shashan Park

Kumtag Desert Scenic Area - Shashan Park is one of the few deserts in the world that is in close proximity to a city, and it is a scenic area on par withHeavenly Lakeand Bosten Lake. The 2,500 km² Kumtag Desert is located at the southern end of the old town of Shanshan, Xinjiang. Standing in the city, you can see the magnificent and boundless scenery of the golden desert. It takes 10+ minutes to drive to the scenic area. Facing the vast desert, the sight of yellow sands against a blue sky, light clouds, and a gentle breeze will broaden your horizons and instantly lift your spirits. Step intoKumtagand enter a paradise for travelers and adventurers! See the Kumtag Desert and capture the magnificent view of the sea of sand. Explore the depths of the vast desert, and experience the thrill of desert surfing! Ride a desert adventure vehicle across the sea of sand, gliding and weaving through the sand valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking desert scenery while experiencing the thrill. Slide down the sand dunes, dance with the sand, and listen to the natural music of the singing sands. Experience the visual impact and spiritual awe of the golden desert waves from the back of a camel.

Kumtag Desert Scenic Area - Camping Base