Things to do in Artux
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Top 10 attractions in Artux
Atushi Tianmen Scenic Area
The Atushi Tianmen scenic area is located in the southern range of the western Tianshan mountains in Shang'artux town, Artux city, Xinjiang Kizilsu Kirghiz autonomous prefecture. It is approx. 54 km from Kashgar and 57 km from Artux, covering a total area of approx. 32 square km. The attraction is currently a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and was listed as one of the world's top 20 adventure routes by the American magazine "ADVENTURE" in 2005. Centered around the world's tallest natural stone arch - the "Artux Tianmen", it combines yardang landforms, ancient Silk Road culture, and multi-ethnic customs, making it a comprehensive tourism destination integrating geological wonders, adventure leisure, and cultural experiences. The attraction was invested in, constructed, and is operated by Beijing Crane and Transport Machinery Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. (BCI), a subsidiary of China National Machinery Industry Corporation Ltd. To date, the total investment amounts to approx. CNY 680 million, with the initial phase of CNY 210 million allocated for the construction of core facilities such as cableways and ski resorts. 1. Core geological wonders and attraction planning Artux gate: As the landmark of the attraction, it is the world's tallest natural stone arch, shaped like an "∩". It measures approx. 100 m in width and approx. 500 m in height, presenting a magnificent sight. Tianmen canyon: The area features the first high-altitude sightseeing detachable cable car in southern Xinjiang, with a capacity of 2,400 people per hour, reaching the core viewing area in just 5 minutes. Zhaobi peak canyon: Scheduled to open in August 2026, it has already built Xinjiang's longest 5.2 km suspended sky ladder and is constructing China's first 1.8 km single-span reciprocating cableway. The canyon features natural wonders like inverted heaven gate and thread of sky. The attraction also plans to introduce diverse entertainment options such as horse teams, camel riding, UTV off-roading, cliff swings, and camping grounds to further enhance visitor experiences. The first high-standard alpine ski resort in southern Xinjiang The Artux Tianmen ski resort is located on a natural mountain at an altitude of 2,600 m. As the first high-standard alpine ski resort in southern Xinjiang, it commenced trial operations on December 11, 2025. Ski resort features: The total ski area spans approximately 250,000 m², with plans for nine professional ski slopes, including beginner and intermediate trails. The resort is equipped with three magic carpets, one snow tubing tow lift, and one scenic cableway, enabling a quick 5-minute access to the slope starting points. During the initial trial operation, four beginner slopes have been opened first, while the remaining slopes and snow play areas will gradually open as snowmaking progresses. Snow quality and services: The resort features an advanced international intelligent snowmaking system, producing snow quality close to natural powder, meticulously groomed by snowcats to ensure smooth surfaces. The 5,300-square-meter ski equipment hall offers thousands of imported snowboards, skis, snowsuits, and safety gear. Facilities include radiant floor heating in the rest area, specialty dining restaurants, and one-stop services for ticketing, rentals, storage, and ski lessons. Entertainment experience: Beyond skiing, the resort has specially designed snow play areas and snow tubing lanes, offering family-friendly winter activities like snowmobiling and snowman building to cater to diverse visitor needs. The on-site hotel provides accommodation for visitors, delivering a one-stop ski vacation experience. Operational assurance: The ski resort has established a professional operations team with systematically trained staff proficient in safety measures and emergency response. During the trial operation period, visitor feedback will be continuously collected to optimize services and lay a solid foundation for official operations. The Atushi Tianmen scenic area, with its unique geological heritage and modern leisure facilities, is becoming an important tourism destination in Xinjiang that combines natural adventure with year-round travel experiences.Artux · 55.3 km from downtown
Xiang Fei Park
Xiang Fei Park is located in Haohan Township on the eastern outskirts of Kashgar City. Its core structure, the tomb of Xiang Fei, was built around 1640 and was originally the mausoleum of the Apaq Khoja family, descendants of Islamic saints. Legend has it that Rong Fei (commonly known as Xiang Fei), a Uyghur concubine of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, came from this family, hence the name of the mausoleum. The current park was expanded around this legendary story. The garden is roughly divided into two areas: the front area features reconstructed historical sites such as Xiangfei's former residence and the Baoyue Tower, complemented by scenes like the relief wall, love tree, and mirror pool, narrating Xiangfei's life from birth to her entry into the imperial palace in Beijing. The rear area consists of solemn ancient architectural complexes, with the main tomb chamber featuring a square base and round dome, its exterior walls clad in green glazed tiles. Together with the scripture hall and high-low mosques, they form a typical Islamic-style architectural complex. The glazed dome and mirror pool reflections are highly popular photo spots in the garden. Beyond sightseeing, the park's performance experiences set it apart from ordinary mausoleum attractions: the entrance features a welcoming ceremony with actors portraying Xiang Fei, followed by Uyghur folk wedding performances and the musical "Joyful Xiang Fei," showcasing Uyghur dance, music, and costume culture. The intangible cultural heritage exhibition area, Xiang Fei teahouse, and food court invite visitors to slow down and enjoy handicrafts or local snacks. Historically, the real Xiang Fei (Consort Rong) was buried in the Eastern Qing Tombs, while this Kashi cemetery holds her family's remains. The tomb chamber attributed to her reflects more of a folkloric imagination, adding a layer of intrigue to the visit.Kashgar City · 28.1 km from Artux
Ancient City of Kashi
The Ancient City of Kashi is located in the center of Kashgar City. Known in ancient times as Shule, it was an important trading port on the ancient Silk Road, boasts a history of over 2,000 years, and is one of the best-preserved labyrinthine districts in the ancient Western Regions style in China. The movie "The Kite Runner" was filmed here, and the earthy yellow rooftops where children ran chasing kites in the film are just ordinary street scenes of the ancient city. Unlike most attractions, the ancient city is still inhabited by residents today, with Atlas silk drying in the sun and seniors playing chess at the alley entrances, creating a vibrant atmosphere of daily life everywhere. The essence of the ancient town lies in its streets and alleys. Centered around the square in front of the Id Kah Mosque, over twenty crisscrossing lanes feature earth-yellow walls, carved wooden doors, arched windows, and overhead bridges, sketching a classic Central Asian streetscape. Along the approx. 600 m-long Arheyah Road, bazaars like the Flowerpot Bazaar, Kettmen Bazaar (Blacksmith Street), Doppa Bazaar, and Uyghur Medicine Bazaar unfold one after another—"bazaar" means market in Uyghur. Bread bakers, potters, and woodturners often craft their wares right at their shopfronts, allowing visitors to watch the process while strolling. The adjacent Kumdarwaza Road, also called Artisan Street, gathers traditional workshops for musical instruments, copperware, and more. When tired, stop by the century-old teahouse on Ostangboyi Road for a pot of tea, paired with street views and the Maixirap folk dances of regular patrons. The morning gate-opening ceremony at the east gate is the first stop for many travelers. After watching the welcome dance performance, stroll slowly inward along the main street. Rainbow Lane, Cloth Bag Lane, and the Hanging Gardens are popular photo spots, but expect narrow alleys and crowds requiring patient queuing. In fact, turning into lesser-known side lanes often leads to quieter corners perfect for photos. Kashgar operates on a roughly two-hour time difference from inland China, with late sunsets. The slanting evening light on adobe walls creates ideal photo conditions, and it's never too late to visit Han Bazaar Food Street at night for baked buns, stewed meat in jars, and hand-churned ice cream. If time permits, the ancient dwellings on the high cliff east of the old town are worth a visit, featuring clusters of traditional earthen houses built along the cliff; across the Tuman River, the grand bazaar is packed with stalls selling dried fruits and atlas silk, offering a glimpse into the enduring bazaar tradition.Kashgar City · 31.2 km from Artux
Artux Grand Canyon
Artush Grand Canyon is located in Tugumat Township, Artush City, 38 kilometers away from Artush City. The original name of Artush Grand Canyon is "Jiayi Paqimu", which is a Uyghur language. "Gayi" means a place where people live. "Paqimu" is the name of a famous Uyghur woman at that time. She is Kara A loyal believer of Suridang Shatuq, the third-generation Khan king of the Khan Dynasty, fled here after following Shatuq's failure in battle. Later, he died in Jiayi and was buried in Jiayi. In order to commemorate her, her name was used as a place name. Legend has it that the Artush Grand Canyon was the key battle for Shatuq to turn defeat into victory and seize power.Artux · 24.8 km from downtown
Id Kah Mosque
Id Kah MosqueLocated in the heart of Kashgar's Old Town, this is one of the largest mosques. The complex features many magnificent Islamic-style buildings that visitors can explore. Witnessing the five daily prayer sessions outside the mosque offers a chance to observe grand worship scenes and experience profound religious devotion. Designed as a courtyard-style complex, the mosque's eastern main entrance is flanked by massive...Kashgar Id Kah SquareIt is a landmark of Kashgar. The large square is usually filled with people relaxing and playing games, where bearded elders and children sit together basking in the sun, creating a peaceful and leisurely atmosphere. On the western side of the square stands the eastern gate of the mosque, which serves as its main entrance. The gate features a soft yellow facade flanked by two minarets with graceful curved designs, and a large plaque inscribed with Arabic calligraphy of the Islamic creed hangs above the entrance. Many visitors take photos here. After purchasing tickets at the eastern gate, you can enter the mosque's expansive courtyard, which stretches over 100 meters in both length and width. The area is shaded by numerous trees, offering a rare oasis of greenery and comfort in the arid climate of Kashgar. Within the courtyard, you'll find over a dozen structures, including prayer halls, lecture halls, and domed shrines, all adorned in green and showcasing distinct Islamic architectural styles. A central pool and gardens add to the serene ambiance. The main attraction is the prayer hall, located deep within the complex. Stretching over 100 meters, the hall is dominated by green hues and supported by more than a hundred towering green columns, each seven meters high. Rows of prayer mats mark the worship area. Inside, the hall is devoid of any human imagery, adhering to Islamic traditions. After exploring the courtyard and its structures, visitors can exit through the eastern gate. Beyond admiring the architecture, witnessing the grand prayer ceremonies is a highlight of visiting the mosque. Five daily prayers are held, during which the mosque is closed to visitors, but the rituals can be observed from outside. Before each prayer, the mosque's broadcast system fills the air with the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer. Soon after, two to three thousand worshippers gather—so many that some spill onto the square and surrounding areas when the mosque reaches capacity. The scene is both solemn and awe-inspiring. On Fridays, the Islamic day of congregational prayer (Jumu'ah), the number of worshippers swells to six or seven thousand, sometimes even exceeding ten thousand, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Additionally, during major Islamic festivals like Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, tens of thousands gather here to celebrate with music and dance. If your visit coincides with these events, don't miss the chance to witness the vibrant festivities.Kashgar City · 31.2 km from Artux
Rendezvous with Kashi International Performing Arts Center
Introduction to the immersive performance at Kashgar International Performing Arts Center Performance format: walking + seated Duration: approx. 100 mins Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, the "gate of time and space" emerges, Embark on a journey through time. Step into the "Ancient City of Shule," The sound of camel bells echoes as merchants bustle about, Recreating the glorious prosperity of Kashgar's ancient city in its heyday. Crossing the vast, sand-swept Taklamakan Desert, Encounter the majestic and spectacular Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, as if stepping onto the ancient Silk Road from a thousand years ago, No sandstorm can bury the vibrant vitality of cultural exchange. "The Soul of Music Theater" comes to life with vivid performances Three legendary stories spanning different eras, all revolving around the Twelve Muqam. Every line and every movement, They all seem to tell the joys and sorrows passed down through millennia on this land, Immerse yourself in an artistic spectacle where stunning visuals intertwine with profound cultural depth... Introduction to the Soul of Music performance at Kashgar International Performing Arts Center Seating style Duration: approx. 70 mins Across the vast and boundless sea of sand in the Taklamakan Desert, Encounter the pristine and magnificent views of Muztagh Glacier Park. It's like stepping into a dazzling pearl shining along the Silk Road. The symphony of joy begins, Step into a dazzling dreamscape of intangible cultural heritage Inspired by the mystical and timeless tales of the Twelve Muqam, Vividly portraying legendary stories across three different eras. Amidst the interplay of light and shadow, The perfect fusion of historical charm and artistic vitality Transporting you back a thousand years, Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of this intangible cultural heritage.Kashgar City · 30.7 km from Artux
Guailiulin Scenic Area
The Strange Willow Forest is located in Halajun Township, 130 kilometers away from Atushi City. "Halajun" means black road in the Kirgiz language. Because there are many red willows here, the roads are mostly covered by dense red willows and no sunlight can be seen. People call this place "Halaquele", which later evolved into "Halajun", and the Strange Willow Forest "hides" here. The green in the Strange Willow Forest instantly calms the heat in southern Xinjiang, as if you have come to the south of the Yangtze River in spring. The ancient willows in the garden are green and shady, and the air is fresh and cool. The spring water gushing out from the foot of the mountain in the distance has been flowing around the ancient willow forest in the winding ditch for thousands of years. This spring water is warm in winter and cool in summer, clear and sweet, and has fed the people here for thousands of years. The Strange Willow Forest is surrounded by mountains and has extremely beautiful natural scenery, with the ancient willow forest as the most famous. The oldest one is a giant willow that can be hugged by four people. The trunk of the tree has dried up, but the crown is still covered with emerald green, and the tree is more than a thousand years old. According to scientists, this willow forest has a history of more than 1,000 years. Most of the willow trees in the strange willow forest have twisted roots, lie on the ground and grow in various shapes. Some stand proudly, like a majestic warrior; some are graceful, like fairies; some lie on the ground, like lions; some are like a sea of dragons; some are like crocodiles; some are like warriors in armor; some look like giant pythons coming out of the cave; some are like giant Buddhas, dignified and majestic, as if constantly telling people about the vicissitudes and changes of the world; some have bloody mouths formed due to cracks in the trunk, as if they want to swallow all the devils and ugliness; some have rotten but immortal roots, and a large hole is naturally formed, which is said to be the place where the gods live. Clear spring water overflows from the roots of the willow trees, and drinking it is refreshing and memorable. Being in this environment is like entering a "fairyland". It gives people Unlimited reverie. Lying on the soft grass, smelling the gurgling of spring water and listening to the clear singing of kingfishers, you will fall asleep before you know it. When you are awakened by the sound of sheep, the sun has already set. The herdsmen are driving their sheep home. "This is a forest created by God", the local herdsmen believe in this legend for generations. In order to express their great love for the heaven, the herdsmen specially tie red silk ribbons on each ancient willow tree. At the same time, it also silently shows to tourists that everyone should cherish nature and protect life.Artux · 76.6 km from downtown
Mo'er Pagoda
Morfo Pagoda is located on a sand dune in the middle of Gumatage Mountain, about 30 kilometers northeast of Kashgar City. Founded in the Tang Dynasty, it has a history of more than 1,000 years. Moer, Uyghur means flue, chimney. The pagoda consists of an oval earthen pagoda and a bucket-shaped high platform, which was dedicated to the Buddha in those days. In the early days, local residents always mistook this tower for an ancient beacon tower, hence the name Moore. The pagoda is backed by Gumatage Mountain and faces the Chakmak River. The pagoda is 13 meters high and majestic. There are traces of Buddhist shrines on the front and two sides of the pagoda, which are the remains of Buddha statues in those years. Below the tower there are remnants of the palace, which was destroyed by war. The tower body is hollow, and the climbing footwell can be seen on the upper part. There are round holes at the top. There is a huge high platform next to the pagoda, such as an upside-down bucket with a big bottom and a small top. It is the central building of the pagoda and is specially used for the Buddha. Although the Buddha statues in the pagoda have disappeared, the traces of the Buddhist shrines are still vaguely recognizable. There is a group of monks' houses in the southeast of the Moer Pagoda. There is a row of ancient karez on the sandy ground below the slope, which is about 1 km long and was the water source for the monks in those days. After Islam was officially introduced to Kashgar in the early 10th century, the Morfo Pagoda declined and disappeared in the war.Artux · 13.4 km from downtown
Kashgar Water Town
Kashi Water City is a waterfront outlet commercial complex in southern Xinjiang created by Yuexing Group, covering 31,000 square meters of water surface. Taking the Silk Road culture as the starting point, the landmark buildings and theme landscapes of the world's historical and cultural cities on the Silk Road are selected, and the characteristic planning of four countries and five streets has both cultural connotations and exotic customs. Kashi Water City perfectly reproduces the architectural theme of Venice, focusing on five core business formats: sports, leisure, trendy brands, special Dining, and trendy play experience, integrating all-time outdoor interactive performances and entertainment, and creating a global style "water world" integrating quality outlets, cultural tourism, entertainment performances, and food.Kashgar City · 33.7 km from Artux
Gaotai Ancient Homes
Gaotai Residence is located at the northeastern end of the old city of Kashgar. It is a Uyghur ethnic settlement built on a loess cliff with a height of more than 40 meters and a length of more than 800 meters. It has a history of 600 years. A great landscape. The area is built on a cliff and has nearly 600 households. The houses are built of mud and poplar, and look loose, but they are solid, and many are hundreds of years old. Across the river from the modern Kashgar New Town, the old town is significantly higher. Gaoya existed two thousand years ago, and Uyghur ancestors built houses here more than one thousand years ago. According to legend, Ban Chao and Geng Gong, the famous generals of the Eastern Han Dynasty, left their footprints here. In the middle of the ninth century AD, when the Kashgar Khan Dynasty, the palace was built on the north side of this high cliff. The Uyghurs in Gaotai dwellings live together from generation to generation. The houses are built on cliffs, and the family population increases by one generation, so they add a floor to the houses of their ancestors. In this way, from generation to generation, houses are connected to houses, buildings are connected to buildings, and these houses are stacked one after another. Most of them are earth houses, but there are also many newly built brick houses. There are more than 50 alleys extending in all directions, criss-crossing, criss-crossing, up and down, and up and down. There are many old houses and mosques that have been around for hundreds of years. Gaotai dwellings are praised by Chinese and foreign tourists as the "Uyghur Living Folk Museum", which is the connotation of Kashgar, a famous historical and cultural city in China. Gaotai dwellings are not only an excellent place for Uyghur traditional handicraft production, but also a palace of Uyghur landscaping, sculpture and painting art.Kashgar City · 30.8 km from Artux
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Free things to do in Artux
Atushi Tianmen Scenic Area
Artux · 55.3 km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeXiang Fei Park
Kashgar City · 28.1 km from ArtuxAncient City of Kashi
Kashgar City · 31.2 km from ArtuxArtux Grand Canyon
Artux · 24.8 km from downtownId Kah Mosque
Kashgar City · 31.2 km from ArtuxRendezvous with Kashi International Performing Arts Center
Kashgar City · 30.7 km from ArtuxImmediate access, Book now for todayGuailiulin Scenic Area
Artux · 76.6 km from downtownMo'er Pagoda
Artux · 13.4 km from downtownKashgar Water Town
Kashgar City · 33.7 km from ArtuxGaotai Ancient Homes
Kashgar City · 30.8 km from Artux
What travelers say about Artux
天天骑车。21 August 2026
5.0
The scenic area has comprehensive facilities, especially for the elderly. There are shuttle buses and cable cars that go directly to the top of the mountain, which is very thoughtful and makes it more convenient for seniors to travel. The scenery of Tianmen Mountain is amazing. We will definitely come back when it is further developed and improved.
Atushi Tianmen Scenic Area
_We***0314 October 2026
5.0
It's a very off-the-beaten-path attraction. I didn't buy a show ticket, so I just strolled around the park briefly. There were so many different kinds of flowers inside, they were really beautiful. Taking my time to look around and walk at a leisurely pace was truly delightful.
Xiang Fei Park
HAB462 September 2026
5.0
The Ancient City of Kashi is probably the main attraction in the city of Kashgar, one of the most illustrious destinations along the Silk Route. By way of preservation of traditional art forms, cuisines and crafts, fashion and architecture, the ancient city offers a look into the past of this part of the region. Many travelers would consider this spot a must-visit, as an important historical site where there are a number of world intangible cultural heritage projects involving many crafts from the city's history, such as Uyghur pottery and clay-molding, and medicinal food therapy. More than just a scenic area, this ancient city is a combination of older and newer elements, and has many interesting experiences in store for visitors.
Ancient City of Kashi
滇国剑客12 October 2020
5.0
Although the reputation of Atushi Grand Canyon Scenic Area cannot be compared with other famous canyons, it also has the tranquility of a canyon, attracting many tourists to visit.
Artux Grand Canyon
Anonymous user15 December 2025
4.0
There was a staff member inside who offered free explanations every now and then. For those unfamiliar with the area, the explanations of the rugs on the walls were what truly conveyed the maker's heartfelt intentions and blessings. However, there were too many people attending prayer, and in the end, it was too hot to explore much.
Id Kah Mosque
炎龙铠甲3 October 2026
5.0
The immersive performance, with its passionate and dedicated actors, lighting and set design perfectly complementing the scene, elevates the theme and makes it suitable for audiences of all ages. However, during peak holiday seasons, children will require parental supervision.
Rendezvous with Kashi International Performing Arts Center
186***925 December 2023
3.0
It should not be open yet. I don't know if they are excavating something. Drones are not allowed to fly.
Mo'er Pagoda
YoYo_9H7U5N1A2 June 2026
5.0
Kashgar Water City is built along the contours of the old city. The water is shallow and clear enough to see the bottom. The old houses along the banks are somewhat weathered, and residents stroll around in the evening. It doesn't feel like a deliberately constructed tourist attraction, but rather like a water feature that has been added to people's lives.
Kashgar Water Town
M52***834 August 2025
5.0
The Kashgar Gaotai Dwellings, preserved as a heritage park, boast over 600 houses built of mud and poplar wood. They stretch across a gently sloping landscape, with lanes ranging from 6 meters wide to just 1.5 meters narrow. While the houses appear shabby, the sunlight filtering through their walls creates a unique charm.
Gaotai Ancient Homes
