Tianshan Mountains

Tianshan Mountains

The Tianshan Mountains are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Tianshan Mountains

The Tianshan Mountains are a major mountain range in Central Asia, stretching across central Xinjiang in China and extending westward into Kazakhstan. They are approximately 2,500 kilometers long and 250–300 kilometers wide, with an average elevation of around 5,000 meters. The highest peak is Tomur Peak at 7,435.3 meters, Khan Tengri Peak at 6,995 meters, and Bogda Peak at 5,445 meters. All these towering peaks are located within China and are capped with snow all year round. Three of Xinjiang’s major rivers—the Syr Darya, Chu River, and Ili River—all originate from this mountain range.

The Tianshan Mountain range divides Xinjiang into two parts: the Tarim Basin to the south and the Junggar Basin to the north. Though these two basins are like twin “brothers,” their natural features are quite different. The Tarim Basin is surrounded by high mountains, resulting in an especially dry climate, mostly covered by desert. Only the oases on the edges can support the cultivation of grain, cotton, and fruits. In contrast, the northwest edge of the Junggar Basin has lower mountains with many passes, allowing air currents from the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans to penetrate. As a result, the climate is relatively humid. In addition to some oases suitable for growing spring wheat, cotton, and fruits, the area also features excellent grasslands that support a thriving animal husbandry industry. The famous Karamay Oilfield is also located in this basin. To the south lies the Kunlun Mountains, and to the north, the Altai Mountains.

Within the Tianshan Mountain system, there are

dozens of peaks over 5,000 meters in elevation. Aside from the highest peak, Tomur Peak, other major ones include the China-Kazakhstan border peak Khan Tengri, Bogda Peak, Vasilyev Peak, Derasak Peak, Sulayman Too Peak, Skhatyrtau East Peak, and Zhihaba Peak. These towering snow-capped summits, covered in ice and snow year-round, present a majestic, solemn, and mysterious sight as their silver-glittering peaks shine in the distance.