Atushi Heavenly Gate

Atushi Heavenly Gate

The Atushi Heavenly Gate is a national AAA-rated tourist attraction.

The Atushi Heavenly Gate is located on the southern range of the West Tianshan Mountains in Shang'atushi Township, Atushi City. It is a AAA-rated scenic area, approximately 75 kilometers from Atushi City. It was recently recognized by the American magazine "Adventure" as one of the world’s 25 most remarkable adventure routes. Historical records show that in 1932, American journalist Schaglagoe visited this site with the help of local Uyghur guide Osman Ahong. In 1947, British explorer Shipton also explored the area.

The "Heavenly Gate" is shaped like an upside-down "U", about 100 meters wide and over 500 meters high. Its natural formation is so extraordinary and its immeasurable thickness so astonishing that it has become a dream destination for travelers and adventurers alike. Not only is it majestic and precipitous, but it also boasts a serene, mysterious, and profound atmosphere. On the right wall of the gate are stone cavities resembling beehives, where voices and knocks produce echoes. The rocky surface of the gate resembles a bizarre and colorful mural, but due to its height, it’s unclear whether it’s man-made or a work of nature — a mystery waiting to be uncovered by explorers.

Standing at the entrance of the gate and looking up, you’ll see the azure sky dotted with drifting clouds. Through the ever-changing sea of clouds, it feels as though you can glimpse the heavenly palaces hidden within. A cool breeze brushes against your clothes, and with eyes closed, you may feel as if you’re already standing above the clouds. With just one step or a wave of the sleeve, you could ride the wind and ascend into the heavens. Looking through the gate’s opening, the surrounding mountain ranges unfold before you — row after row, layer upon layer — all seemingly beneath your feet. The ancient Kashgar Oasis appears like a vast, green ocean.

The Heavenly Gate stands at the junction of the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains, backed by the Kunlun Mountains and facing the Tianshan Mountains. This means that by crossing the threshold of the Heavenly Gate, you transition from the Tianshan range into the Kunlun Mountains — or perhaps even ascend into the heavens, since the Kunlun Mountains are the highest and closest to the sky. It is believed that in ancient times, disciples of the sacred Three Mountains and Five Peaks likely crossed this very gate to ascend the Kunlun Mountains and pay homage to the Heavenly Messenger, the Yellow Emperor, whose palace was said to be on the Kunlun. To ascend the Kunlun Mountains is to ascend to the heavens — a belief held since ancient times, as the Jade Hollow Palace (or Jade Hollow Cave) of the Supreme Deity resides on the Kunlun.