Things to do in Shawan

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Tacheng Prefecture

Anjihai Grand Canyon

Anjihai Grand Canyon has been carved over the years by the Anjihai River, which originates in the Tianshan Mountains. With nearly vertical cliffs and a valley depth of up to hundreds of meters, standing on the edge and looking down reveals several canyons converging beneath your feet, as if you were suspended high in the sky looking down at the earth. The area is defined by its colors: ochre, dark cyan, grayish-purple, and dark green rock layers interweave on the cliff walls, with red mountains, dark cliffs, green peaks, green islands, and clear water complementing each other like a colorful ribbon spread out at the foot of the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. On both sides, multi-level river terraces are arranged from top to bottom, resembling terraced fields, and the braided river at the bottom of the valley splits into several winding channels, which, when viewed from above, look like an abstract painting of the earth.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Tacheng Prefecture

Antler Bay Scenic Area

Lujiao Bay is named for its abundance of deer antlers. It belongs to Boltong Ancient Ranch in Shawan County. It is located in the low valley and hilly area at the northern foot of Yilianha Bierga Mountain, 65 kilometers south of Shawan County, with an altitude of 1500-1700 meters. The average temperature here in winter is minus 14 ℃, the average temperature in summer is 20 ℃, and the annual rainfall is more than 600 mm. The main plants are spruce, snow lotus, poplar, willow and pasture, and the wild animals are deer, snow chicken, wild sheep and snow leopard. The Lujiaowan Ranch extends from Danangou to the east, to Boltong Ancient Township to the north, and to the south of Yilianha Bierga Mountain, which is over 4,000 meters above sea level. Within more than 50 square kilometers, the snow peaks and spruce, tall and straight and handsome, clear springs and flowing water, green grass, willows flickering, beautiful scenery and convenient transportation, are summer resorts. Every year, the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture and the Tacheng area jointly hold the Akon Playing and Singing Concert here. Ten thousand people gather, and representatives from the Kazakhs of Gansu and Qinghai provinces also come to participate.

Dongdatang Scenic Area

Dongdatang Scenic Area is located in Shawan County, within the Tianshan North Slope Economic Belt in Xinjiang, and covers an area of over 30 sq km. In 2004, a secondary asphalt road was paved, providing direct access to the scenic area.

Shawan Hot Spring Tourist Area

S101独库公路营地

Shihezinan Mountain Sceneic Area

Shihezi Nanshan Scenic Area is located about 70 kilometers south of Shihezi City, which is the remnant of the Tianshan Mountains. The road in the scenic area is winding, the mountains are steep, the valleys are vertical and horizontal, the trees are towering, the springs are green, the birds are singing and the flowers are fragrant, and the Kazakh ethnic customs are strong. It is a good place for leisure and vacation.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Xinjiang

Tianshan Tianchi

Tianshan Tianchi, also known as Tianchi National Geological Park and called "Yaochi" in ancient times, is located in Fukang, Changji Prefecture, on the northern side of Bogda Peak. It is approx. 110 km from Ürümqi and is a famous tourist destination in Xinjiang. In ancient Chinese mythology, Tianchi was also the bathing place of the Queen Mother of the West. Tianchi Lake sits at an altitude of 1910 m, with a maximum depth of 105 m. The lake reflects the Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, creating a fairy-tale-like scenery. The attraction encompasses natural views such as alpine lakes, wetland meadows, and forested canyons. In 2013, it was designated as a national geological park. When visiting Tianchi, don't just explore the lakeshore—you'll miss many surprising sub-attractions. Recommended hiking routes, lakeside pier - Haixi beach, lakeside pier - East small heavenly pool (Flying dragon pool) The Tianchi attraction features three water bodies: the main lake plus two others on its eastern and western sides. The eastern one is "East Xiaotianchi," also called Heilong Pool, located 500 m east of Tianchi. Below the pool lies a sheer cliff where a waterfall plunges down like a rainbow, giving the site its name "Hanging spring and jade rainbow." On the west side lies "West Xiaotianchi," also known as Jade Maiden Pool, located approx. 2 km northwest of Tianchi Lake. The pool, shaped like a full moon and encircled by towering pines, earned its poetic name "Dragon Pool under the jade moon" from the serene moonlit reflections on its surface. A waterfall cascades beside the pool, plunging dozens of meters like a silver river descending from heaven, dubbed the "Jade belt with silver curtain." Above the pool stands the Sound of Waves Pavilion, offering a unique vantage point to admire the waterfall. All attractions within the scenic area are connected by boardwalks, accessible on foot. On the eastern shore of Tianchi Lake stands the Temple of the Queen Mother of the West, originally built during the Yuan Dynasty. The current structure was reconstructed in 1999 on the original temple site, dedicated to the worship of the Queen Mother of the West, hence also known as the "Queen Mother Temple". It can be reached by hiking along the lakeside boardwalk (approx. 2 hrs) or by taking a cruise. The temple offers excellent views of Tianchi Lake. Maya Mountain requires taking a shuttle bus + cable car. The towering cliffs and numerous stone peaks present a breathtaking sight; from afar, they resemble a row of horse teeth, while looking up, they appear as if jagged rocks are competing in grandeur and stacked cliffs are vying in beauty, creating a mesmerizing view. This view of Maya Mountain is formed by rock weathering.The summit of Maya Mountain is relatively flat, featuring lush grasslands covered with butter grass in summer and dotted with colorful flowers. Standing here, you can take in the panoramic view of Heaven Lake to the north, while the Bogda Peak to the east and the snow-capped mountains to the south seem within reach. To the west, the farmlands on the outskirts of Urumqi are also clearly visible.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Shihezi

Barov Balboa Chateau

Chateau Changyu Baron Balboa is a modern winery invested and built by China's renowned wine brand Changyu in Shihezi, Xinjiang. Named after "Baron Balboa" to honor the company's founder Zhang Bishi (courtesy name Zhenxun, alias Bapao), the winery combines the chateau culture of Bordeaux, France, creating a comprehensive estate integrating grape cultivation, winemaking, cultural exhibitions, and tourism. Winery features: Prime locationThe winery is located in the Manas River Basin at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, where abundant sunshine, significant day-night temperature variations, and fertile soil create an ideal region for cultivating high-quality wine grapes. French architectural styleThe winery's main building features a French classical chateau style with grand and elegant exteriors. Inside, you'll find a wine culture museum, tasting room, cellar, and other facilities, all immersed in a rich wine culture atmosphere. Grape cultivation and winemakingThe winery boasts extensive vineyards primarily cultivating internationally renowned grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Equipped with advanced winemaking technology while preserving traditional techniques, it produces premium quality wines. Travel and experiencesThe winery is open to visitors, who can explore the vineyards, winemaking workshops, and cellars to learn about the wine production process. They can also participate in interactive activities like wine tasting and DIY cocktail mixing. Main functional areas: VineyardThe winery boasts thousands of acres of vineyards, cultivating various high-quality wine grapes. Brewery WorkshopUsing modern winemaking equipment for fermentation, aging, and bottling of wine. Underground Wine CellarThe wine cellar stores a large quantity of oak barrels and bottled wines, providing a constant temperature and humidity storage environment. Cultural exhibition areaIt features a wine culture museum showcasing the history of Changyu Company, winemaking techniques, and global wine culture. Wine tasting and dining areaVisitors can taste the wines produced at the winery and enjoy delicious food here. Travel experience: Winery SightseeingVisitors can tour the vineyards, winery workshops, and cellars to learn about the winemaking process. Wine tasting experienceOffering professional wine tasting services where visitors can sample various wines from the winery. Cultural learningDiscover the history and culture of wine at the Wine Culture Museum. RecreationThe winery features a restaurant and leisure area, making it ideal for family outings and gatherings with friends.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Northern Xinjiang

Nalati Scenic Area

Nalati Scenic Area is located in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains and the eastern end of the Ili River Valley, a subalpine meadow grassland formed on ancient alluvial deposits. Legend has it that when the westward-expanding Mongol army crossed mountains to reach this place, they suddenly saw a sunlit plain carpeted with flowers. The soldiers exclaimed "Nalati," which means "the place with sunlight" in Mongolian, giving the area its enduring name. The attraction integrates snow-capped mountains, forests, valleys, meadows, and rivers, primarily divided into several sections: the River Valley Grassland, Sky Grassland, Panlong Valley Trail, and Wolta Jiaota. Along the River Valley Grassland by the Gongnaisi River, visitors can find Tawusani (meaning "beautiful mountain valley" in Kazakh), ancient tombs from the Wusun people of the Han dynasties, and the Grassland Tribe recreating Wusun tribal life. Following the uphill ride on the mountain road leads to the Sky Grassland, a high-altitude meadow suspended among peaks. The Tianjie Terrace at the boundary between the valley and grassland offers expansive views, while Snow Lotus Valley at the trail's end is often shrouded in mist, with snow lotuses blooming in midsummer. The Panlong Valley Trail is a forest loop without backtracking, flanked by towering Tianshan spruces. The Wolta Jiaota section is ideal for hiking, with the Tianxian Terrace providing stunning views of sunrise above sea of clouds. From June to September each year, the grassland enters its golden season, with lush green pastures and blooming wildflowers everywhere. Kazakh herders drive herds of cattle, sheep, and horses into summer pastures, where scattered yurts and curling smoke create a picturesque scene. Visiting the attraction during this time allows you to ride horses, try archery, and dress in traditional ethnic costumes. You might also encounter traditional equestrian activities like horse racing, kokpar (goat grabbing), and kyz kuu (girl chasing), experiencing the authentic Kazakh nomadic culture between snow-capped mountains and meadows.

1949 · bai li dan xia gong lu ying di