Boguzi River

Boguzi River

Boguzi River

The Boguzi River originates from the southern foothills of Sandale Mountain, which stands at an elevation of 4,525 meters on the southern range of the Tianshan Mountains. From its source to the mountain pass, the river stretches 102 kilometers in length. Its full course flows through the northern mountains of Artux City, enters the Tugumaiti region, passes through the Ahe wide valley, and then splits—one branch flows southeast into the Toklak Reservoir before gushing out through the Qipan Shuimo Mountain Pass into the plains at the foot of the Boztag Mountains. The other branch continues to flow southward, exits the Boztag Mountain Pass, turns southeast into the plains at the foot of the Boztag Mountains, and flows into the Tuokayi Reservoir. The river has an average annual flow of 3.23 cubic meters per second, with the historically recorded maximum flow reaching 472 cubic meters per second and the minimum flow at 1.00 cubic meters per second. The long-term average runoff is 104.3 million cubic meters. The river has a longitudinal slope of 18.2‰. Its main water sources are groundwater recharge, accounting for up to 50%, resulting in relatively stable flow rates. The primary irrigation areas include the Ahe Valley, the plains at the foot of the Boztag Mountains, and the urban water supply for Artux City.

“How can the channel be so clear? Because it has a constant source of fresh water.” It is precisely the endless fresh water from the snow-capped mountains at the headwaters of the Boguzi River that nourishes the vast grasslands and oases along its banks.

The Boguzi River generally has a gentle flow, but it can unleash astonishing and overwhelming force when enraged. On the night of June 12, 1944, the river swelled suddenly, and the then-county seat of Artux was instantly submerged under floodwaters. The buildings of the county government collapsed in the deluge, and even the official seal of the county government was washed away by the flood.

After the founding of the People’s Republic, three medium-sized reservoirs and a flood control embankment were constructed along the Boguzi River. These major hydraulic projects are not only life-giving initiatives that benefit the Artux Oasis but have also become some of the best artificial scenic spots for tourism in Artux. In particular, the Boguzi River flood control embankment—a nearly 10-kilometer-long concrete structure reinforced with towering wire mesh barriers—resembles a giant dragon and is truly spectacular. Within the embankment, dense groves of willow trees sway gracefully with their lush green branches dancing in the breeze, offering shaded coolness and clear flowing waters, making it an ideal place to escape the summer heat.