Tianshan Mountains

Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon: A Magnificent Farewell to the Aksu Trip Setting off from the Bozidun scenic area, after an hour's drive, we finally arrived at the long-awaited Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon—the last stop of our Aksu trip. The Grand Canyon, in Uyghur meaning 'thrilling and mysterious', is not only a vital passageway to the ancient Muzart trail that connected the northern and southern Tianshan Mountains, but it is also the largest and most aesthetically valuable red-bed canyon between the mountains, hailed as the 'King of Canyons'. Spanning about 25 kilometers east to west and 20 kilometers north to south, it consists of 3 main valleys in the shape of the Chinese character '川', along with 12 tributaries and hundreds of smaller gullies. The richness of its geological features is rare in the world, including canyon landforms, aeolian landforms, fluvial landforms, tectonic landforms, and rock salt landforms, which together create a multitude of landscapes such as the Rainbow Mountains, the Poplar Twins, and Hero Valley. Within the canyon, ravines crisscross, filled with red cliffs and a variety of uniquely shaped stone peaks and pillars. Especially the 'Source of Life' sightseeing spot, where winding wooden stairs lead to a high vantage point overlooking the peaks. Standing on the viewing platform, it feels like traveling through thousands of years, witnessing the earth being sculpted into such a masterpiece of natural art. The unthawed spring snow covers the vast mountains, adding poetry and grandeur to the Grand Canyon. The Tormod Ecological Museum at the entrance of the scenic area is a tribute to the history and nature of this magical land. It reminds us to cherish and pass on this unique natural and cultural heritage. The Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon, with its magnificent natural scenery and rich geological features, puts a perfect period to our Aksu trip. Here, we have experienced the magic and charm of nature, and gained a deeper understanding and reverence for this land.

📍Attraction Address: Tianshan District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang 🚗Transportation to Attraction: Self-driving, chartered car, or joining a one-day tour group 👍️Must-Visit Attractions: The Tianchi scenic area is vast, mainly including Tianchi, Fushou Temple, Xiwangmu Temple, Flying Dragon Pool, Flying Dragon Stream, etc. You can take a yacht to tour Tianchi, and also take a cable car to Mount Maya to see glaciers and snow peaks. The must-visit attractions are as follows: 1. Folk Customs Park. After entering the scenic area with face recognition by ID card, take a shuttle bus for about 20 minutes to reach the Folk Customs Park. Here you can find Xinjiang specialties such as naan, roasted buns, lamb skewers, roasted whole lamb, big plate chicken, various Xinjiang fruits for sale, as well as displays of Xinjiang folk customs and culture, and services for ethnic clothing rental and special travel photography. Take the shuttle bus again and wind up the mountain for about 30 minutes to reach the shuttle bus terminal. 2. Fushou Temple: Commonly known as Iron Tile Temple, also called Fushou Temple, it was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, and rebuilt during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period, each time being destroyed by war. The current Fushou Temple was rebuilt in 2005 on the original site, with three main halls, four side halls, a bell tower, ancient tower, stele corridor, etc., following the style of the original buildings, showcasing the appearance of this 800-year-old famous Taoist temple. The main hall is called 'Sanqing Hall', enshrining the three supreme deities of Taoism: Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun. The rear hall is called 'Sanhuang Hall', enshrining Fuxi, Xuanyuan, and Shennong. 3. Tianchi. Tianshan Tianchi is a high mountain barrier lake, with water mainly composed of precipitation and meltwater. The lake surface is crescent-shaped, with an altitude of 1910 meters, the widest point is about 1500 meters, the deepest point is 103 meters, and the area is 4.9 square kilometers. The lake is nestled among mountain peaks and gorges, with steep mountains on both sides, and the Tianshan Bogda Peak (5445 meters above sea level) in the distance, covered with snow all year round. The central lake water is clear and beautiful, surrounded by forests, grass, and blooming flowers. If the weather is clear, under the reflection of the blue sky and white clouds, the perennial snow of Bogda Peak in the distance and the calm lake surface form a beautiful landscape painting. Especially when yachts speed across the lake, the white spray lines formed add a dynamic touch to photographs. 4. Flying Dragon Pool (East Small Tianchi). This pool is several hundred meters in circumference, with an area of about 10,000 square meters, formed by the water of the main lake flowing down from an artificial spillway at the east end of the Tianchi Dam. Walking down the tourist trail, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the quiet and blue Flying Dragon Pool. There are waterfalls at both the entrance and exit of Flying Dragon Pool. Walking up the trail, you can see a group of waterfalls formed in the upstream canyon along the way, which is very spectacular. Walking down the trail, you can see the north spillway of Flying Dragon Pool, where the water falls 200 meters, forming a magnificent waterfall with thunderous sounds. Walking down the trail, a suspension bridge crosses the canyon waterfall, where you can take pictures of the cascading waterfalls. At noon, under the sunlight, the splashing lake water will form a beautiful rainbow, which is very spectacular and pretty. After crossing the suspension bridge and walking down, you will reach the opposite side of the canyon via an artificial bridge. Walking up the trail, you can take pictures of the waterfall on the opposite bank from multiple points and different angles. Following the trail all the way up the mountain, it takes about 20 minutes to return to the shuttle bus terminal, where you can take a bus back to the entrance of the scenic area. 🎟️Ticket Information: Scenic Area Ticket (95 RMB), Shuttle Bus (60 RMB round trip) 💗Other tips: 1. Upon entering the main gate of the scenic area, you must first go through security check. Tianshan Tianchi scenic area is located in a forest area, and items such as lighters and matches are not allowed to be brought in. 2. It is about 1000 meters from the shuttle bus terminal to the Tianchi scenic area, which can be reached on foot or by electric cart (an additional fee of 10 RMB/person is required). 3. The Tianchi scenic area is very large, and it takes about 5-6 hours to visit the above attractions. 4. The visit to the Flying Dragon Pool involves a lot of climbing and stepping, so those who are elderly or weak should consider carefully.

🚗🌄【Explore Xinjiang·Depart from Urumqi】A 9-day and 8-night mini loop self-driving guide, encounter the colors of paradise🌈 🌟Day 1: Depart from Urumqi — Jinghe (about 600km, 6h) 🌅【Good Morning Urumqi】Stroll in the Grand Bazaar in the early morning, taste the authentic lamb pilaf before setting off. 🏞️【Sayram Lake】Arrive at Jinghe in the afternoon, head straight to Sayram Lake, and feel the beauty of tranquility amidst the lake and mountains. 🏡【Stay in Jinghe】Spend the night in a lakeside guesthouse, enjoying the tranquility under the starry sky. --- 🏞️Day 2: Jinghe — Yining (about 200km, 2.5h) 🌿【Huocheng Lavender Fields】Pass through Huocheng, when the lavender blooms in June, the purple sea is extremely romantic. 🏡【Stay in Yining】The night in the Ili River Valley, do not miss the Kazakh horse meat naren. --- 🏞️Day 3: Yining — Tekes (about 110km, 2h) 🧭【The Wonder of the Eight Trigrams City】Visit the Eight Trigrams City of Tekes, experience the perfect combination of I Ching culture and city layout. 🏡【Stay in Tekes】Taste the authentic Kazakh milk tea, experience the ethnic customs. --- 🏞️Day 4-5: Tekes — Nalati Town (about 280km, 4h) 🏞️【Nalati Grassland】Spend two days in Nalati for an in-depth visit, ride horses across the grassland, experience the life of Kazakh herders. 🏡【Stay in Nalati】Stay in a Mongolian yurt, chat by the stove at night, and listen to the melodious sound of the matouqin under the stars. --- 🛣️Day 6: Nalati Town — Duku Highway — Dushanzi (about 260km, 5h) 🛣️【Adventure on Duku Highway】Cross the northern section of the Duku Highway, passing by glaciers, forests, grasslands, and canyons, with the scenery changing with the seasons. 🏞️【Dushanzi Grand Canyon】Arrive at Dushanzi Grand Canyon in the evening, marvel at the natural wonders. 🏡【Stay in Dushanzi】For dinner, roasted whole lamb is recommended, experiencing the warm hospitality of Xinjiang. --- 🚗Day 7: Dushanzi — Urumqi (about 250km, 3h) 🛣️【Return Trip】Return to Urumqi along the highway, with a brief stop at the Dabancheng Wind Power Station. 🏡【Stay in Urumqi】Back to the starting point, choose a luxury hotel for a good rest. 🚗🌄 ---🏙️Day 8: In-depth tour of Urumqi city 🏛️【Xinjiang Museum】Visit the Xinjiang Museum in the morning, unveil the mysteries of the ancient Silk Road, learn about the ancient kingdom of Loulan, and the mystery of the mummies. mercado【International Grand Bazaar】In the afternoon, wander through the bustling market of the Grand Bazaar, shop for unique handicrafts, taste various snacks such as naan bread and roasted buns. 🌃【Night Tour of Hongshan Park】Climb to the top of Hongshan Park in the evening, overlook the panoramic view of Urumqi, where the city lights intertwine with the contours of distant mountains to form a charming picture. 🏡【Stay in Urumqi】It is recommended to stay in the city center for easy travel the next day, while enjoying the city's nightlife. --- 🏞️Day 9: Natural scenery around Urumqi — The End 🏞️【Tianshan Tianchi】Drive to Tianshan Tianchi after breakfast, where the lake is as green as jade, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 🏞️【Nanshan Pasture】In the afternoon, head to Nanshan Pasture, experience grassland cycling, dance with cattle and sheep, and feel the freedom of the vast sky and drifting clouds. 🎉【Farewell Dinner】Return to Urumqi in the evening, choose a highly-rated restaurant for a sumptuous farewell dinner, try the authentic big plate chicken, hand-grabbed lamb. 🏡【End of the Journey】Head to the airport according to the return flight schedule. If there is still time, why not reminisce about the trip in a cafe in Urumqi, writing the final footnote for this Xinjiang journey. --- Thus, you have successfully completed the 9-day and 8-night self-driving mini loop from Urumqi. Along the way, you have not only witnessed the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang but also deeply experienced the long-standing cultural history and colorful ethnic culture of this land. Every landscape, every meal, every interaction, is a precious memory of this journey. Looking forward to your next departure, Xinjiang is always here, waiting to continue writing new stories with you.

Panda Express, this is the nation's unique panda-themed top luxury train, which is as luxurious as a five-star luxury hotel, and is known as the luxury cruise ship on land. It travels through the vast land of Xinjiang, crossing the beautiful colorful China-Pakistan Highway, witnessing the great friendship between China and Pakistan, and along the way, enjoying the magnificent snow mountains and glaciers, mysterious forest canyons, and unique rock formations. Itinerary: D1: Chengdu/Lanzhou-Urumqi D2: Arrive in Urumqi D3: Urumqi-Tianshan Tianchi-Special Xinjiang Welcome Dinner-Beitun D4: Beitun-Hemu-Jiadengyu D5: Jiadengyu-Kanas-Colorful Beach-Burqin D6: Burqin-Grassland Stone City-Beitun D7: Yining-Sayram Lake-Horgos Port-Yining D8: Yining-Tianshan Flower Sea-Nalati Grassland-Nalati/Xinyuan D9: Nalati-Midsection of Duku Highway-Bayinbuluke Grassland-South Section of Duku Highway-Kuqa D10: Kuqa-Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon-Kashgar D11: Kashgar-Shache Yarkand King's Palace-Yengisar Pottery Village-Kashgar D12: Kashgar-Karakul Lake-White Sand Lake-Kashgar D13: Kashgar-Kashgar Old Town-Id Kah Mosque-Xiangfei Garden-Korla D14: Korla-Bosten Lake-Turpan D15: Turpan-Flaming Mountains-Karez Wells-Grape Valley-Return D16: Train in operation (Lanzhou disembarkation time is around 21:00 in the evening) D17: Arrive in Chengdu Two types of high-end carriages: vLuxury double room carriage: Room area 6.5m, equipped with solid wood bed, multifunctional storage cabinet, TV audio system, independent bathroom, reading light, USB charging socket, call button, etc.√Senior four-person carriage: The carriage is recommended for 2-4 people, with a public restroom and shower room configured in each carriage, two changing rooms, two shower rooms to unlock more beautiful scenery

🚗💨【A Journey Through Time by Car】From Urumqi to Hami, a 1270 km fantasy four-day tour🚗💨 📍 **Day 1: Depart from Urumqi - Barkol (530 km, about 6.5 hours)** Set off from the bustling Urumqi, head east straight to the embrace of Barkol.🛣️ - **Road Conditions**: Excellent conditions on the G7 Jingxin Expressway, enjoy the pleasure of smooth driving along the way. - **Attractions**: Don't miss 【Tianshan Tianchi】(Heavenly Lake of Tianshan), the beauty of the snow-capped lake in the morning light is incomparable. - **Accommodation**: Stay in a 【Characteristic Inn】 inside the ancient city of Barkol, experience the traditional charm. - **Cuisine**: Taste the 【Barkol Lamb Stew with Bread】, feel the authentic grassland flavor. 🌄 **Day 2: Explore Barkol - Hami (300 km, about 4 hours)** Cross the Gobi, feel the vastness and silence between heaven and earth.🌌 - **Road Conditions**: Drive along the S235 provincial road, witness the vast Gobi scenery along the way. - **Attractions**: Visit 【Barkol Lake】, leave your footprints by the salt lake, then head to 【Strange Stone Mountain】, where strange rocks stand in great numbers, creating a world of its own. - **Accommodation**: Stay in a 【Comfortable Hotel】 in Hami city, recharge for the upcoming journey. - **Cuisine**: Try the 【Hami Melon Feast】, sweet as honey, truly living up to its reputation. 🌄 **Day 3: In-depth Tour of Hami** Stay in Hami for one day, delve into its history and natural beauty.🏛️ - **Attractions**: Visit 【Hami King's Mansion】, learn about the glorious history of the Uyghur people; step into 【Wubao Devil City】, feel the natural wonder of the wind-eroded landforms. - **Cultural History**: Don't miss 【Hui King Mausoleum】, contemplate the solemnity of the years. - **Accommodation**: Continue to stay in Hami, at night you can join a 【Uyghur Family Visit】, experience the warm hospitality of the ethnic customs. - **Cuisine**: Try 【Hand-Pulled Rice】 and 【Roast Whole Lamb】, experience the essence of Xinjiang cuisine. 🌄 **Day 4: Return from Hami to Urumqi (440 km, about 5.5 hours)** With full memories, set off on the return journey, enjoy a different landscape along the way.🛣️ - **Road Conditions**: The return journey is also along the G7 Jingxin Expressway, pay attention to the changing light and shadows along the way. - **Scenic Spots Along the Way**: Pass through the Gobi again, consider stopping at different times to capture the beauty of the desert under different lighting. - **Tips**: On the way back, you can stop at 【Dabancheng Wind Power Station】, feel the perfect integration of modern technology and nature. 🏷️ This journey is not only a geographical crossing but also a cultural baptism and a touch to the soul.📸💖 Remember to record at any time, share this unique journey, let every stop become an eternal memory.