Boguzi River

　　    The Boguzi River originates from the southern foothills of Sandale Mountain at an elevation of 4,525 meters in the southern Tianshan Mountains. From its source to the mountain pass, the river is 102 kilometers long. Its full course flows through the northern mountains of Artux City, enters the Tugumaiti region, passes through the Artux Plain, with one branch flowing southeast into the Tokhrak Reservoir before exiting through the Qipan Shuimo Mountain Pass into the plains at the foot of the Boztag Mountains. The other branch continues 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 average annual flow is 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 meter per second. The multi-year average runoff is 104.3 million cubic meters. The river has a longitudinal slope of 18.2‰. Its main water sources are groundwater recharge, which accounts for 50% of the supply, resulting in relatively stable flow rates. The primary irrigation areas include the Artux 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 is fed by a living spring.” It is precisely the endless living waters from the snow-capped mountains at the source of the Boguzi River that nurture the vast grasslands and oases along its banks.

　　    The Boguzi River generally has a gentle flow, but it can unleash astonishing 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. Government buildings 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 built along the Boguzi River. These major water conservancy projects are not only vital life-supporting infrastructure for the Artux Oasis, but have also become top artificial tourist attractions in Artux. In particular, the Boguzi River flood control embankment, with its nearly 10-kilometer-long reinforced concrete structure and towering wire-mesh fortifications, resembles a giant dragon and is truly spectacular. Within the embankment, dense groves of willow trees sway gracefully, casting cool shadows, while the clear flowing water provides a perfect retreat to escape the summer heat.