The Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon (also known as the Kezilya Grand Canyon) is located 64 kilometers north of Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a National AAAA-level tourist attraction renowned for its unique red sandstone formations and precipitous canyon scenery.
Location
The scenic area lies at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, extending in a north-south arc. Its average elevation is 1,600 meters, with its highest peak reaching 2,048 meters. The main canyon is approximately 3.7 kilometers long and comprises over 50 tributaries, covering a total area of approximately 25 square kilometers.
Landscape Features
Landform Features: Formed by red sandstone from the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era through millions of years of wind erosion and flooding, the rocks are ochre or red, and feature a variety of forms, including castles, palaces, and animals.
Major Attractions: Over 40 scenic spots, including the Divine Dog Guarding the Valley (where the black rocks on the cliffs change color with temperature), the Kamikaze Cave (where you can experience a cool breeze in summer), and the A'ai Grottoes. Cultural Value: Selected as one of China's Ten Most Beautiful Canyons in 2005, it was designated a National AAAA-level scenic spot in 2009.
Visit Information
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Admission: Approximately 60 RMB.
Best Season: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, summer is hot and dry, and winter is cold and windy.
Getting There: From downtown Kuqa, drive along National Highway 217, the Duku Highway, for approximately 1.5 hours.