Tianshan Grand Canyon

» Kuqa, Xin Jiang

Tianshan Grand Canyon Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Tianshan Grand Canyon is located at the south foot of the Tianshan Mountains, 64 kilometers north of Kuqa County, Xinjiang Province. It runs from east to north, about 5.5 kilometers deep. Many years of natural erosion over the red rocks have formed this natural wonder. It is made up of huge reddish-brown mountain group.

What to explore

The mysterious Grand Canyon

The canyon has an elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level while the highest point is 2,048 meters. The canyon is characterized by oddly-shaped rocks, craggy pinnacles, rugged cliffs and deep ravines. The width of the canyon changes due to the terrain. While the broadest point is 53 meter wide, the narrowest place is too narrow for one person to squeeze through sideways.

The Thousand Buddha Caves

Do not miss the ruin of the Thousand Buddha Caves inside the canyon. These caves were chiseled at the zenith of the Tang Dynasty. Murals housing inside these caves can be compared with those in the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes in quality. Although Xinjiang is China's Islamic center, the region was dominated by Buddhism in ancient time. Buddhism widely spread over the area before it was introduced into China's inner provinces in the Han Dynasty and it had left so many traces over this vast region.

Famous Chinese film - "Wuji"

In addition, the gurgling springs and singing birds inside the canyon add a lovely touch. The geographically unique features of the canyon are focus of artists who come here seeking inspiration. The famous Chinese film director - Chen Kaige shot his masterpiece "Wuji" here and it is recognized that the unbelievable charming background of that film has contributed greatly to this hit.

Attractions around » Kuqa, Xin Jiang

Natural Scene

• Tianshan Grand Canyon

Historical Site

• Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
• Qiuci Capital Ruins
• Grand Kuqa Mosque
• Subashi Ancient City

Tianshan Grand Canyon Highlights

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area in Great China

• Yellow Mountains
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• Stone Forest
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
• Yalong Bay
• Huanglong Scenic Area
• Mt. Emeishan
• Qutang Gorge
• Wu Gorge
• Xiling Gorge
• Wolong Nature Reserve
• Mt. Taishan
• Mt. Wuyishan
• Mt. Qingchengshan
• Echoing-Sand Mountain
• Mt. Putuoshan
• Mt. Wutaishan
• Gulangyu Island
• Reed Flute Cave
• Jimei School Village
• Victoria Peak
• Dadonghai
• Wuzhizhou Island
• Shennongjia Nature Reserve
• Mt. Jiuhuashan
• Mt. Wudangshan
• Shennong Stream
• Lake Taihu
• Lake Shahu
• Dragon Palace Scenic Area
• Suoxi Valley
• Mt. Tianzishan
• Huangshi Village
• Jinbian Stream
• Stone Bell Hill
• Mt. Changbaishan
• Shangri-la
• Feilaifeng Peak
• The First Bend of the Yangtze
• Mt. Cangshan
• Meili Snow Mountain
• Tianshan Mountains
• Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Eling Park
• Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Mounigou Valley
• Small Three Gorges
• Mt. Huashan
• Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area
• Crown Cave
• Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden
• Port Wusongkou
• Mt. Qianshan
• Shapotou
• Yellow River Scenic Area
• Mt. Yuelushan
• Mt. Hengshan
• Silver Cave
• Solitary Hill
• Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds
• Nanxi River Scenic Area
• Dongba Valley
• Flaming Mountain
• Tianshan Grand Canyon
• Wangjiang Park
• Mt. Gonggashan
• Mt. Hengshan
• Half-Side Ferry
• International Beer Town
• Beidaihe Scenic Spot
• Laohutan Ocean Park
• Xiaoqikong
• Mt. Laoshan
• Huaxi Scenic Area
• Grape Valley
• Seven-Star Crag Scenic Area
• Mt. Qomolangma
• Yellow Cloth Shoal
• Forest of Odd-Shaped Peaks
• Wangfu Rock
• Badaguan Scenic Area
• Ruili
• Wudalianchi Scenic Area
• Port Lushun
• Port Lvshun
• Tianya Haijiao
• Xiao Dongtian
• Xian Qi Cave
• Merryland World
• Green Lotus Peak
• Sanya Bay
• Dongshanling Ridge
• Mt. Qingyuanshan
• Qilian Mountains
• Xiangzhi Valley
• Fanjing Mountain National Nature Reserve
• Baishui Tableland
• Dishuidong Cave
• Port Chaotianmen
• Mt. Geleshan
• No.1 Bathing Beach
• Cangyan Mountain Scenic Area
• Fujiazhuang Beach
• Xingcheng Beach
• Leigong Mountain Nature Reserve
• Maolan Karst Forest Natural Conservation
• Baizhangji and Feiyun Lake Scenic Area
• Thousand Buddha Mountain
• Mt. Panshan
• Shanghai Wild Animal Park
• Red Hill

Geological Formation in Great China

• Diecai Hill
• Fubo Hill
• Elephant Trunk Hill
• Seven Star Park
• Moon Hill
• Duxiu Peak
• Resonant Sand Bay
• Schoolboy Hill
• Tianshan Grand Canyon
• Pagoda Hill
• Taklamakan Desert
• Monster City
• Multi-colored Bay
• Seven-Star Crag Scenic Area
• Snail Hill
• Forest of Odd-Shaped Peaks
• Wangfu Rock
• Tuyugou Valley
• Dawakun Desert
• Feiyun Cliff
• Maolan Karst Forest Natural Conservation

Tianshan Grand Canyon FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. What about climate in Xinjiang?
2. What is the best season to visit the Silk Road?

  Food

1. Can you introduce something about Xinjiang Cuisine?
2. Can I eat much fruit in Xinjiang?

  Shopping

1. Can I pay by credit card in the attractions of Xinjiang?

  Other Hints

1. What is Xinjiang Time?
2. What taboos need we pay attention to in Xinjiang?
3. What do we prepare for the long tours?

• What about climate in Xinjiang?

  Situated deep in the interior of Asia and not penetrated by the air currents from the oceans, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has conspicuous continental climate, with highly changeable temperature, great difference in temperature between day and night, abundant sunshine, intense evaporation and little precipitation.

  The mean annual temperature of Xinjiang is 11.7 C - the hottest month, July, averaging about 25 C and the coldest month, January, -20 C in the north and -10 C in the south - and a mean annual precipitation of 150 mm.

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• What is the best season to visit the Silk Road?

  The months of May and October are the best time to travel Xinjiang. The summer can be searingly hot. The winter is freezing. The scenery is most beautiful during May. The accumulated winter snow on the tableland is melting. The grass is turning green. Visitors can enjoy this enchanting scenery without suffering extreme temperatures.

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• Can you introduce something about Xinjiang Cuisine?

  Xinjiang Cuisine can be called as one main style of cooking absolutely. Muslim food is the main stream of Xinjiang Cuisine, beef and mutton is the main meat of Xinjiang people. Xinjiang dishes with salt and spicy flavor are bold in style.

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• Can I eat much fruits in Xinjiang?

  Xinjiang has the reputation of "Home of Melons and Fruits," such as grapes of Turpan, melons of Hami, apples of Aksu, bergamot pear of Korla etc., which are available in different seasons at different places. But please notice that you will get diarrhea if you drink hot tea after eating some fruits.

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• Can I pay by credit card in the attractions of Xinjiang?

  No. Most attractions are far away from the cities. For the sake of the convenience, it might be good to bring some cash money along the trip.

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• What is Xinjiang Time?

  The Beijing standard time, which is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (London) and 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (New York), is the standard time used in China. The visitor must know though that in Xinjiang, locals often use the Xinjiang time, which is two hours behind the standard Beijing time. For example, 11:00 AM Beijing time equals 9:00 AM Xinjiang time.

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• What taboos need we pay attention to in Xinjiang?

  Xinjiang is a multiethnic region, of which the population of Uyghur is approximately one half of the whole. It is a taboo to eat pork and the flesh of animals which died of natural causes. In order not to trouble yourselves, you'd better not eat anything made of pork and talk about pig in any Muslim Restaurant.

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• What do we prepare for the long tours?

  All Xinjiang tours will last for several days, the attractions scatter here and there. So you will spend your much time in our air-conditioned coach. Besides, the landscape along the way is simplex. Please be prepared for your long Xinjiang tour. It is necessary for you to take a pair of comfortable shoes with you for you will walk a lot.

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