One-Character Gully, Two-Character Gully

One-Character Gully, Two-Character Gully

One-Character Gully, Two-Character Gully

One-Character Gully and Two-Character Gully are actually two high-altitude pastures—scenic and uniquely beautiful mountain valley grasslands. The two gullies are located about 1.5 kilometers and 2 kilometers south of Qianshan Township, deep within the Tianshan Mountains. They are connected end to end, mirroring each other from afar, and their shapes resemble the Chinese characters “一” (one) and “二” (two), hence the locals call them “One-Character Gully” and “Two-Character Gully.”

If you follow the simple grassland trails and slowly make your way up the slopes of the Tianshan Mountains south of Qianshan Township, after crossing over the ridge, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking sight: the white clouds in the blue sky seem to float freely just above you, as if you could reach out and tear off a piece; the lush green highland grassland stretches out as far as the eye can see, all the way to the deep blue horizon; towering boulders stand proudly on the slopes, majestic and imposing, resembling loyal sentinels standing guard; and the mid-slopes are covered with dense layers of verdant pine forests, where the rustling of the wind through the trees creates a soothing sound. This is the world-renowned One-Character Gully and Two-Character Gully. The boundless grasslands within the gullies are a true feast for the eyes: the vast expanse of emerald-green grass, dotted with vibrant clusters of alpine wildflowers, weaves together thick, colorful carpets of nature that are fresh and lush; white yurts, like giant mushrooms, are scattered across the green fields, standing out brilliantly; flocks of sheep slowly move through the sea of green, resembling little boats on water; the “baa” of the sheep, the neighing of horses, along with the intermittent chirping of cicadas and birdsong from the woods, blend together deep in the valley, making the expansive grasslands and gullies feel even more vast, serene, and tranquil. It’s truly as the poet wrote: “Cicadas chirp, and the forest grows quieter; birds sing, and the mountains grow deeper.”

In One-Character Gully and Two-Character Gully, besides fully enjoying the unique charm of high-altitude mountain pastures, you can also visit the yurts of Kazakh herders, drink freshly milked milk, and savor fragrant dishes such as hand-pulled lamb and stone-grilled meat. You can also enjoy traditional Kazakh cultural performances including wrestling, horse racing, goat grabbing, and the “girls’ chase.” One-Character Gully and Two-Character Gully are also an ecological botanical garden. Not only are they rich in wild medicinal herbs such as rhubarb, codonopsis, and cynomorium, but they are also occasionally visited by wild animals like foxes, hares, and Mongolian gazelles, adding an extra layer of mystery to this tourist destination.