Anjihai Grand Canyon, a river flowing from a modern abstract painting.
Anjihai Grand Canyon is a stunning natural landscape. Here is some tourist information about it:
. Basic Overview:
- Location: Located near Burongduan, Shawan City, Tacheng Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, 50 km south of Kuitun City on National Highway 217, in the Anjihai River Basin, 50 km from Anjihai Town.
- Scale: The canyon is about 20-30 km long, with a maximum depth of 300-400 m and a maximum width of about 1000 m.
. Scenic Features:
- Geological Landscape: The canyon was formed by the long-term erosion of the Anjihai River. The fault-formed gullies are a deep red color. The rock layers here are mainly Cretaceous to Neogene sandstone and mudstone formations. The rocks contain a higher proportion of sand and silt, and their consolidation is relatively poor, making them easily eroded, forming a unique river valley landform. The cliffs on both sides are covered with dense gullies, which are caused by the year-round erosion of temporary streams.
- Rich Colors: The canyon's vibrant colors come from the mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone of different layers. With changes in altitude and terrain, these rock layers exhibit different colors, including red mountains, dark cliffs, green peaks, green islands, and blue water. It is one of the most colorful grand canyons among China's canyon groups.
- River Landscape: The Anjihai River flows through the bottom of the canyon. North of Yuanxinggong, about seven kilometers away, the river cuts through a plain and hilly area, forming a rare plain, narrow pass, and deep trench landform. The river meanders through the canyon, like a blue ribbon, contrasting with the surrounding red mountains and colorful rocks, creating a magnificent view.
. Best Viewing Point: At kilometer 286 of S101 Highway, there is a newly built asphalt road nearby. Follow this road for about 10 km, and you will find a herder settlement. Next to it is the best viewing point for the Grand Canyon.
. Travel Tips:
- Time Selection: Anjihai Grand Canyon is suitable for visiting all year round, but different seasons offer different scenery. In summer, the temperature is higher, but you can see the lush vegetation in the canyon. In autumn, the weather is cooler, and the canyon's colors are more vibrant. In winter, the canyon may be covered in snow, presenting a silver-clad landscape.
- Photography Tips: If you enjoy photography, it is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens. A wide-angle lens can capture the entire canyon and its grand scenery, while a telephoto lens can capture details in the canyon and distant mountains. In addition, the light in the canyon changes significantly. The light is softer in the morning and evening, making it the best time for photography.
- Safety Precautions: There are no railings or other protective measures on the edge of the canyon. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, please pay attention to safety. Do not approach the cliff edge to avoid accidents.
. Surrounding Amenities: There are some local specialties nearby, such as Shawan Big Plate Chicken and Awei Lamb Chops. If you need accommodation, you can choose to stay in Shawan City or nearby towns. There are various types of hotels and guesthouses available.