Tianshan Grand Canyon

Tianshan Grand Canyon, aka Keziliya Grand Canyon, is located in Urumqi County, 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Urumqi City. Its average altitude is about 2,000 meters (6,560 feet). Tianshan Grand Canyon boasts lakes, canyons, grasslands and snowy mountains. There is also an ancient spruce forest at the north slope of Tianshan Mountain. In addition, you can observe the life of the nomads and do some sports such as boating and hiking. The main scenic spots include Tianshui Lake, Green Dragon Bay, Zhaobi Mountain, Jiasi Daban Sightseeing Area, Swan Lake and Qiaoya Meadow.
 Tianshui Lake is the first attraction you should see after entering the Tianshan Grand Canyon. It is the center of the recreation area and features plank roads and observation platforms for visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery. There is also a rest area.
 As you keep walking, you will see Tianshan Dam, the dam of the Zhaobi Mountain Reservoir. The top of it is the best place to enjoy a view of Green Dragon Bay. When the water level of the Zhaobi Mountain Reservoir is at its highest, the bay seems like a green dragon, so it is called Green Dragon Bay. The bay is wide and you can enjoy a boat ride. In winter, you can not only appreciate the charming snowscape but also participate in ice sports such as skating here.
 Walking along Green Dragon Bay, the main attraction of the Tianshan Grand Canyon, Zhaobi Mountain, will draw your attention. It is about 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) high and is densely covered with spruce trees. Because of its unique terrain, you may see an image of the Buddha’s head above the mountain at times. Sometimes after a rainstorm, “three suns” will rise. Tianshan Dam is a favored place to see Zhaobi Mountain.
 Jiasi Daban Sightseeing Area in Tianshan Grand Canyon is located to the east of Zhaobi Mountain and covers about 2.5 acres (1 hectare). A lake taking the shape of a crescent is the center of this area. Every May through August, Jiasi Daban Sightseeing Area is covered in greenery and fragrant with flowers. Many animals live here such as foxes, rabbits and snow cocks.
 Swan Lake of Keziliya Grand Canyon is situated on an 2,450-meter-high (8,040-foot-high) alpine meadow, which is surrounded by mountains, forests and pastures. It is also called “Tears of Lovers” due to a legend. A Kazak girl cried for three days and nights for her lover who died in battle. Her tears finally formed a lake and the Kazak girl turned into a swan on the lake. Every summer and autumn tourists can see lots of beautiful swans here.
 Qiaoya Meadow is to the east of Swan Lake, and its altitude is over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Flocks and herds of animals roam the meadow. Cols and lakesides are strewn with local Kazak herders’ white yurts, opening a charming pastoral painting in front of visitors.
 You can take a direct bus from Nanjiao Bus Station in Urumqi City to Tianshan Grand Canyon.

To reach the Bus Station, you can take bus 104, 109, 310, 915 or 1002 to Kexin Xueyuan, and the station is on the west.

Admission Fee	CNY 60; Half-priced ticket for children between 1.2 and 1.4 meters (3.9 and 4.6 feet); Free for children under 1.2m. Sightseeing bus inside the canyon: CNY 50
Opening Hours	09:00-19:00

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