Things to do in Wensu

No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Xinjiang

Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon

The Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area was once the essential passage of the ancient Muzart Post Road connecting the northern and southern Tianshan Mountains, locally known as "Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon", meaning 'thrilling and mysterious' in Uyghur. Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon is located in Wensu County, Aksu City, approximately 30 km from National Highway 314, covering a total area of 200 square kilometers. Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area is one of the most stunning Danxia geological wonders in western China and the largest rock salt karst landscape in the country. It features rare ancient rock salt formations, unique Yardang landforms, and China's only giant karst erosion geological marvel, earning its reputation as Xinjiang's "living museum of geological evolution." Entering the scenic area feels like stepping into a magnificent natural gallery. At Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon, the clearly visible rock layers showcase dramatic folds formed by tectonic compression, with fractured rocks embedded between them. After billions of years of wind and water erosion, the canyon now displays towering cliffs, jagged peaks, and bizarre formations in vibrant colors—creating a spectacular array of peculiar and colorful views. To the northwest of Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon, you can see the famous snow-capped Tomur Peak. Heading west leads to Wensu Sacred Tree Garden, while the east neighbors the renowned Ancient Xia Route and Kucha Cultural Tourism Zone. To the south lies the vast Taklamakan Desert.

Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area · Tacun

Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area ·Ta Cun is located in the northern mountainous area of Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture.Located on the southern border of the Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur World Natural Heritage Site, at the foot of Tomur Peak—one of the highest peaks in the Tianshan Mountains—this area spans 53 square kilometers. Recognized as a National Key Rural Tourism Village, a National AAA Tourist Attraction, and an Autonomous Region Key Rural Tourism Village, it is celebrated as the "Nalati of Southern Xinjiang" and a "natural oxygen bar." The attraction, built upon the excellent natural ecology and cultural resources of Taglak Village, was developed under the model of "rural revitalization + beautiful countryside construction + rural tourism + poverty alleviation," quickly becoming a popular rural tourism destination. The vision of a strong agricultural sector, beautiful countryside, and prosperous farmers is gradually being realized, demonstrating positive momentum and practically embodying the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area ·Ta Cun embodies harmony, nature, and simplicity, where visitors can admire the mountains, enjoy the waters, and reminisce about rural nostalgia. With an average elevation of over 2,300m, it sits close to glaciers and snow-capped mountains, with temperatures around 10°C lower than in the city, making it a true summer retreat and vacation paradise. The azure sky, drifting white clouds, towering green mountains, upright spruce trees, emerald grasslands, wildflowers in full bloom, babbling streams, galloping horses, and grazing livestock create a breathtaking landscape that captivates visitors. Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area ·Ta Cun boasts unique natural scenery and rich ethnic culture, offering views of diverse landscapes including deserts, glaciers, grasslands, forests, snow-capped mountains, river valleys, and red rock formations. Here, you can enjoy spring outings amid stunning views, escape summer heat in cool retreats, savor autumn harvest flavors, and experience thrilling winter skiing adventures.

Aksu Regional Museum

Aksu Museum is the Aksu Regional Museum. The new Aksu Museum was completed and officially opened to the public on December 26, 2017. The new museum is located on the beautiful Duolang River. The design methods inside and outside the museum show the charm of the Han and Tang Dynasties, and the momentum is majestic and solemn, integrating Chinese traditions, local characteristics and the spirit of the times. The total investment is 180 million yuan, the construction area is 18,000 square meters, the exhibition hall area is nearly 9,000 square meters, and the collection of cultural relics is more than 11,000 pieces. It consists of four permanent exhibition halls, namely "Aksu History and Culture", "Xinjiang Ancient Currency", "Aksu Natural Geography", and "Red Boat Sets Sail and Pursues Dreams", three temporary exhibition halls, the first digital exhibition hall in Xinjiang, and the Qiuci Cave Restoration Exhibition Hall, etc., showing Aksu's profound history and culture and unique natural features.

No. 5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Aksu Prefecture

Shenmuyuan

Shenmuyuan, also known asTianshan ShenmuyuanLocated in Wensu County on the northwest side of Aksu Prefecture, approx. 70 km from downtown Aksu, this renowned attraction is a must-visit when traveling to Aksu. Shenmuyuan spans approx. 600 mu (100 acres), forming a compact forest nearly 1 km in length and width. Unlike typical forests, this area features uniquely shaped giant shrubs, most of which are centuries-old with remarkable longevity. These shrubs either grow along the ground or twist into intricate shapes, forming unique silhouettes like whirlwind willows, antlered oddities, and lover's knot trees—perfect for viewing and photography. Beyond its arboreal wonders, Shenmuyuan holds sacred significance for local Muslim communities as the resting place of a Saudi prince who came to China as a missionary, earning it the alternate nameShenmuyuan(The Uyghur word "mazar" means cemetery.) Within the park, you can see religious relics such as the former scripture hall and sacred springs, attracting many Muslim visitors. If you're interested in the trees here, consider hiring a guide to better understand the sacred tree formations. Guide fees are: CNY 50 for groups of 1–15 people, CNY 60 for 16–20, CNY 70 for 21–25, and CNY 80 for 26–30. Groups exceeding 30 members will need to split into smaller groups for the guided tour.

No. 4 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Aksu Prefecture

Aksu Dolan River National Wetland Park

Aksu Dolan River National Wetland Park is a popular local destination. It offers stunning, ever-changing scenery throughout the year, leaving visitors reluctant to leave.

Aksu Old Street

Aksu Old Street is a large-scale "culture, business and tourism" complex integrating eco-tourism, characteristic homestays, Dining and entertainment, leisure shopping and folk experience.In 2020, it was rated as the first batch of tourism and leisure districts in the autonomous region. Here you can taste Xinjiang-style specialties while enjoying passionate singing and dancing. At the same time, you can also watch the national intangible cultural heritage-Dawazi performance, and immerse yourself in Aksufolk customs and multicultural charm.

Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area

Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area consists of three major areas: the Grand Canyon, Tacun, andBozidun, each with its own unique charm, where nature and culture beautifully intertwine. Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon is famous for its vibrant red-bed landforms, with crimson cliffs resembling churning flames and the white crystals of the Salt River winding like a jade belt, creating a magnificent spectacle. This was once a vital passage on the Muzart Ancient Trail, an ancient post road connecting the northern and southern Tianshan Mountains. Locals call itXinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area Grand Canyon, which means "thrilling and mysterious" in the Uyghur language. Along the way, it preservesXiate Ancient Trail and otherSilk Road relics, carrying the historical imprints of thousand-year-old camel bells. It was a key transportation hub on the ancient Silk Road and a place where multiple civilizations converged. Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area · Tacun is located at the foot of Mount Tomur and is surrounded by mountains. It boasts rich natural resources, including glaciers, snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands, integrating sightseeing, scientific research, leisure, entertainment, and summer retreats. Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area · Bozidun is a showcase of cultural customs, where snow-capped peaks and glaciers shine alongside alpine meadows, and Kyrgyz culture blends with ancient Silk Road relics. It preserves traditional ethnic culture, including the World Intangible Cultural Heritage—the Kyrgyz heroic epic "Manas"—as well as Kyrgyz embroidery and mud-brick paintings, serving as a model of ethnic unity.

Wensu Ancient City

Kekeya Memorial Hall

Paklelk Scenic Area

Paklek AttractionIt is a 2A-level Attraction located in Pakleke Village, Kekoya Town, Wensu County. It is a world natural heritage site of Xinjiang Tianshan Tomur, which is close to Aksu City and Wensu County. It is a good place for outing and summer vacation. The Attraction relies on the existing ecological environment to establish a new type of ecological tourism industry with rural areas as the carrier. The Attraction has rainbow slides, ski rings, zorb balls, Paragliding, Hot Air Balloon Rides and other entertainment facilities. It also provides special food such as grilled lamb skewers, naan meat, roasted whole lamb, pilaf, mixed noodles, etc.