Wensu Grand Canyon

Wensu Grand Canyon

Wensu Grand Canyon is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

As a national AAA-level scenic area, it is situated on the southern foothills of the central Tianshan Mountain range in the northeastern part of Wensu County, Xinjiang. Accessible by traveling 26 kilometers north from the 960-kilometer mark along National Highway 314, it lies 73 kilometers from Wensu County in the Aksu region. The area is a canyon-type natural scenic zone characterized by diverse and complex geological formations, including salt rock karst, danxia, yardang, sub-yardang, and salt dome diapir structures resulting from the uplift of ancient lagoons. In 2002, it was discovered by photography enthusiasts who stumbled upon it by chance, and in 2006, a tourist reception base was built at the exit of the main canyon’s riverbed, complete with supporting facilities such as water supply, electricity, flood control, communications, and visitor services. It officially opened to the public in 2008.

Covering a total area of over 200 square kilometers, Wensu Grand Canyon consists of two massive main canyons and more than 300 smaller branches of varying sizes and lengths. It is hailed as the most beautiful danxia geological wonder, the largest rock salt karst landscape, the most extraordinary ancient salt lake geological spectacle, and the most unique yardang geological oddity. The canyon area vividly reflects the complexity and diversity of crustal movements in certain parts of the Tianshan Mountains over hundreds of thousands of years. Under the constant influence of temperature variations, wind, and water erosion in the Tianshan region, it has gradually developed into a grand and highly scenic landform. The canyon floor is flat with fine, soft sand, and gently rises along the length of the canyon, with clear springs occasionally emerging from the widening and narrowing riverbed. Towering peaks rise on both sides, predominantly in shades of reddish-brown, interspersed with touches of light green, beige, and milky white. Each major and minor branch canyon boasts distinct styles and vibrant colors, with vistas that alternate between open and enclosed, dark and bright, creating a majestic and ever-changing landscape. The canyon is also dotted with sparse shrubs, populus euphratica trees, and drought-resistant vegetation. The cliffs on either side, shaped by wind erosion, sunlight, and rainwater, have formed numerous breathtaking natural wonders.

Since opening to the public, Wensu Grand Canyon has developed a reception base and an outdoor camping area. To facilitate visitor exploration, transportation facilities such as off-road shuttle buses, dune buggies, and go-karts have been added. Since 2009, the scenic area has hosted an annual International Photography Festival in the canyon, enhancing its visibility and attracting a large number of tourists.

Major attractions include more than 100 sites such as the Twin Populus Euphratica Trees, Gathering of Heroes, Pilgrimage of Ten Thousand Monks, Millennium Love Statues, Golden Kiss, Source of Life, Genesis, Fortress Majesty, Aliens Among Us, Beacon Towers Along the Ancient Road, Lion Head Gazing at the Sky, Eagle Soaring High, Timeless Masculinity, Ox-Head and Horse-Face, Rabbit and Dog Duel, Monkey Watching the Sea, Starry Waterfall, and City of Ten Thousand Mountains. Twin Populus Euphratica Trees: Located in the front section of the canyon, these are two ancient trees estimated to be around 1,000 years old, showcasing a weathered yet vigorous appearance. They are the only surviving trees within the canyon. Golden Kiss: Situated in the middle section of the canyon, this feature is a narrow slit canyon formed by years of water erosion on the cliff walls. When you turn around inside and look back at the silhouettes of the canyon walls, the strong contrast of light makes it resemble a couple kissing face to face. Source of Life: Found on the upstream riverbank of the canyon, this is a roughly 20-meter-high cylindrical rock formation created by the gradual peeling of conglomerate rock under wind and rain, resembling the male reproductive organ. About 50 meters to the right on the lower part of the cliff wall is another formation resembling the female reproductive organ. City of Ten Thousand Mountains: Located on the eastern side upstream in the canyon, after climbing onto the canyon ridge, you’ll be greeted by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains and undulating mountain ranges like rolling waves. The layered yardang landforms of the canyon resemble a desolate city of jagged towers. This sight is highly sought after by landscape photographers in western China.

Address: 9 kilometers along Awen Road, Wensu County

Phone: 0997-2930188