The Tuomu'er Grand Canyon is located in Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers a total area of about 200 square kilometers, with an average elevation of 1,500 meters. It is China's largest rock salt karst geological wonder. It features spectacular yardang landforms, canyon groups, and salt dome landforms. The canyon is crisscrossed by ravines and gullies of diverse shapes and is known as the "King of Canyons." The scenic area also contains rivers, waterfalls, caves, and other natural landscapes, making it a comprehensive scenic area integrating geological sightseeing, exploration, and photography.
Historical Culture
The region where the Tuomu'er Grand Canyon is located has a long history and was one of the important passages of the ancient Silk Road. In ancient times, it was a hub of cultural exchange between East and West, leaving behind many historical relics and cultural legends. According to research, traces of ancient human activity have been found in the grand canyon, such as rock paintings and ancient tombs. These relics provide important physical materials for the study of ancient Western Regions civilization. In addition, the Tuomu'er Grand Canyon also holds an important place in the culture of local ethnic minorities, and many myths and legends about the canyon have been passed down, adding to the scenic area's cultural heritage.
Main Attractions
Tianshan Tuomu'er Scenic Area · Grand Canyon
This is the core area of the scenic spot. The canyon is about 50 kilometers long and reaches a maximum depth of 800 meters. It consists of two huge main canyons, the Kuduluk Valley and the Aqikesu Valley. The rock layers in the canyon are mostly red sandstone and mudstone. Under sunlight, they present vivid colors, like a giant red dragon coiled at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains.
Salt Dome Landform
The salt dome landform in the scenic area is China's largest salt dome geological landscape. The salt domes can reach tens of meters in height and come in various shapes. Some look like castles, and some look like pyramids. Under sunlight, they sparkle and are highly ornamental.
Yardang Landform
The yardang landform is widely distributed and formed by wind erosion. The rocks present various peculiar shapes, such as mushrooms, stone pillars, and castles. It is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Tongtian Gate
Located deep in the canyon, it is a naturally formed stone arch, about 30 meters high and 20 meters wide. It is majestic and imposing, as if it were a gate leading to another world.
Seven-Color Mountain
It is named for the mountain body displaying multiple colors such as red, yellow, green, and blue. These colors are caused by different minerals contained in the rocks. Under sunlight, they are colorful and very beautiful.
Populus Euphratica Forest
A populus euphratica forest is distributed along the edge of the canyon. Populus euphratica is a heroic tree in the desert with tenacious vitality. In autumn, the leaves turn golden yellow, forming a sharp contrast with the red canyon, and the scenery is very charming.
Waterfall Group
There are several waterfalls in the scenic area, the most famous of which is the Tuomu'er Waterfall, with a drop of 50 meters. The water pours down from a height, forming a beautiful scenic line.
Underground Karst Caves
Many underground karst caves have been discovered in the grand canyon. Inside the caves, stalactites, stalagmites, and other landscapes are well developed and diverse in shape, making them a good place for exploration enthusiasts.
Food
Roast Whole Lamb
Made from high-quality local lambs, specially marinated and then roasted in a tandoor. The outer skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. It is one of Xinjiang's specialty foods. The price of a roast whole lamb is around 1,500-2,000 yuan.
Pilaf
Made from ingredients such as rice, mutton, carrots, and onions. It is nutritious and delicious and is an indispensable part of local residents' daily diet. The price of a serving of pilaf at restaurants around the scenic area is 30-50 yuan.
Roasted Buns
The outer skin is crispy, and the filling is mutton and onions. After roasting, they are full of aroma. They are a traditional Xinjiang snack. The price of one roasted bun is 5-8 yuan.
Nang
A traditional Xinjiang staple food with various flavors, such as sesame nang and scallion nang. It is one of the main foods of local people. The price of one nang is 5-10 yuan.
Big Plate Chicken
Made with local free-range chicken and potatoes, stir-fried with seasonings such as chili and Sichuan pepper. It tastes spicy and delicious and is a specialty dish of Xinjiang. The price of a serving of big plate chicken is 80-120 yuan.
Kvass
A drink fermented from wheat, corn, and other ingredients. It has a sweet-and-sour taste and helps relieve heat. It is the best drink in summer. The price of a cup of kvass is 10-15 yuan.
Hand-Grabbed Meat
Boiled mutton eaten directly with the hands. The meat is tender and the taste is pure. It is a traditional food of Xinjiang's ethnic minorities. The price of a serving of hand-grabbed meat is 100-150 yuan.
Tickets：
The ticket price is 36 yuan per person, and the self-driving vehicle ticket is 100 yuan per vehicle.
You can search for the official public account "Tianshan Tuomu'er Scenic Area" on WeChat to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours：
Opening hours are from April 1 to November 30 each year, daily from 10:00 to 20:00; from December 1 to March 31 of the following year is the winter closed period.
Tour Route：
Enter the scenic area at 10:00 a.m., take the sightseeing bus to the Tianshan Tuomu'er Scenic Area · Grand Canyon, visit the Kuduluk Valley and Aqikesu Valley, enjoy the spectacular canyon scenery, and take photos as souvenirs. At 12:30 p.m., have lunch at a restaurant in the scenic area and taste local specialty foods such as pilaf and roasted buns. At 2:00 p.m., go to the salt dome landform and yardang landform areas, appreciate the unique geological landscapes, and learn about the geological formation process. At 4:00 p.m., go to Tongtian Gate and Seven-Color Mountain to experience the wonders of nature. At 6:00 p.m., go to the populus euphratica forest and waterfall group to enjoy the beautiful autumn populus euphratica scenery and the spectacular waterfalls. At 7:30 p.m., take the sightseeing bus back to the scenic area entrance and end the day's trip.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from the Aksu urban area, drive about 70 kilometers along the G3012 Turpan-Hotan Expressway, then turn toward Wensu County and drive about another 50 kilometers to reach the scenic area. The total journey is about 120 kilometers and takes about 2 hours by car.
Chartered car: You can charter a car to the scenic area in the Aksu urban area or Wensu County. The charter fee depends on the vehicle type and number of days, generally 500-800 yuan per day.
Tourist bus: There is a direct tourist bus to the scenic area from the Aksu urban area. It departs at 10:00 a.m. every day and returns at 6:00 p.m. The ticket price is 50 yuan per person.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Tianshan Tuomu'er Scenic Area · Grand Canyon: The core attraction of the scenic area. The canyon is about 50 kilometers long and reaches a maximum depth of 800 meters. The rock layers are mostly red sandstone and mudstone, and the scenery is spectacular.
Salt Dome Landform: China's largest salt dome geological landscape. The salt domes can reach tens of meters in height and come in various shapes, sparkling under sunlight.
Yardang Landform: Formed by wind erosion. The rocks present various peculiar shapes and are a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Tongtian Gate: A naturally formed stone arch, about 30 meters high and 20 meters wide. It is majestic and imposing, as if it were a gate leading to another world.
Travel Suggestions：
It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and sun-protective clothing, because there is a lot of walking in the scenic area and the sunlight is strong.
Carry enough drinking water and food. There are few dining facilities in the scenic area, and prices are relatively high.
If you are interested in geological landscapes, you can hire a guide in the scenic area to explain and learn more about geological knowledge and historical culture.
Autumn is the best season to visit the Tuomu'er Grand Canyon. At this time, the populus euphratica forest is golden and the scenery is beautiful.
When photographing canyon landscapes, it is best to choose morning or evening, when the light is soft and the photographic effect is better.
Precautions：
Observe the regulations of the scenic area. Do not climb rocks at will or enter unopened areas.
Pay attention to environmental protection. Do not litter and keep the scenic area clean.
When touring in the canyon, pay attention to safety and stay away from cliffs and steep slopes.
When visiting in summer, pay attention to heatstroke prevention and cooling, and avoid prolonged exposure to the scorching sun.
Mobile phone signal in the scenic area is weak. It is recommended to inform family and friends of your itinerary in advance.