Altai Mountains

Altai Mountains

Guide The Altai Mountains run in a northwest to southeast direction, stretching approximately 2,000 kilometers from Western Siberia through the Altay region to Mongolia. Introduction The Altai Mountains lie on the windward side of moist westerly air currents, where cold, humid airflows from the southwest bring abundant snow and rain. The melted snow flows southward down the slopes, forming the Irtysh and Ulungur river systems, which nourish vast grasslands and make the region an important base for animal husbandry in Xinjiang.

The Altai Mountains are home to 420 glaciers covering a total area of 293 square kilometers. Peaks above 4,000 meters are covered in ice year-round, while the foothills bloom with vibrant flowers. There is a distinct vertical distribution of vegetation and soil. The western foothills of the Altai are covered with lush temperate deciduous coniferous forests, mainly consisting of Siberian larch, along with Siberian spruce, birch, and more. Numerous rare birds and animals inhabit the area. The area also hosts many mysterious nature reserves, including the famous Kanas, Burqin, Kalameili Mountain, Fuhai, and Jinta Nature Reserves.

Carved into the rugged and majestic rocks of these mountains are ancient petroglyphs left behind by nomadic peoples from 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. From Jimunai County and Habahe County to Qinghe County in the easternmost part of the Altay region, almost every mountain features these petroglyphs. As a result, this mountain range is known as the “Thousand-Mile Petroglyph Corridor of the Altai Mountains.”

The Altai petroglyphs are a grand artistic masterpiece continuously added to by generations of nomadic peoples, and are divided into two types: rock carvings and colored paintings. The content mainly depicts hunting, herding, dancing, religious activities, as well as domestic and wild animals. Among the more concentrated and easily accessible locations are the “Yuyitas” petroglyph group, located about 25 kilometers southwest of Altay City in Qiemuerqiek Township, featuring one petroglyph that is 15.6 meters long and 2 meters high—currently the largest in China within the Altai range. Additionally, the petroglyphs in the Que’erhai and Duolat Gully areas of the Handagait Mongolian Ethnic Township, about 30 kilometers directly south of Altay City, are also outstanding, often depicting scenes of hunting, battle, dancing, herding, and animals such as tigers, wolves, dogs, cattle, horses, camels, and deer.

Xinjiang Altay