Official English Name: East Grand Pond Scenic Area
Level: National 3A Tourist Attraction
Location: Dongwan Town, Shawan City, Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on the northern foot of the Yilianhabierga Mountain in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains. It is about 70–80 km away from Shihezi City and downtown Shawan, standing close to the Manchu Temple scenic spot across the mountain抖音百科.
Cliff Buddha
Hundred-meter Waterfall
Tianshan Snow Mountain
Basic Overview
Covering a total area of over 30 square kilometers, the scenic zone stretches across an altitude range from 1,600 meters to 5,300 meters, divided into three functional zones: East, South and West. It integrates alpine glaciers, dense forest valleys and rolling hilly grasslands, functioning as a provincial-level natural wildlife reserve honored as a natural oxygen bar with an ultra-high vegetation coverage rate above 98%. The climate is pleasantly cool in summer, with the maximum temperature lower than 22°C, making it a well-known summer retreat amid the scorching inland heat抖音百科.
Core Natural Landscapes
Hundred-li Glacier (Xuelaoba)
Located in the southern area, jagged snow-capped peaks are capped with permanent snow all year round. Crystal glaciers match gurgling mountain streams, forming spectacular golden snow views under sunlight.
Hundred-meter Waterfall & Cloud Fir Forest
The eastern valley is wrapped in dense Tianshan spruce forests. A towering waterfall plunges vertically off the cliff into a deep pool. Hiking along forest trails leads to the waterfall source, offering a panoramic overlook of the entire mountain valley.
Alpine Grassland
Vast meadows spread over rolling foothills, where horses, cattle and camels wander freely. The primitive pastoral scenery paired with wild blossoms composes a typical Tianshan grassland painting.
Wildlife Resources
Seventeen species of Class II state-protected wild animals inhabit the reserve, including red deer, goitered gazelle, argali and brown bear, supporting wildlife observation and scientific investigation activities.
Distinctive Humanistic Highlights
1. Giant Cliff Buddha Statue
Carved into a sheer rocky cliff at an altitude of 1,915 meters, the 23-meter-high Buddha figure is the symbolic landmark of East Grand Pond. Rooted in local ancient Buddhist legends, this solemn Buddha sculpture blends religious culture with rugged mountain topography perfectly.
2. Kazakh Nomadic Culture
Local Kazakh herdsmen retain traditional nomadic lifestyles. Tourists can experience yurt accommodation, taste authentic Xinjiang cuisines such as hand-grilled mutton and Kazakh milk tea, and appreciate traditional folk performances including horse racing and bride-chasing games.
3. Historical Relics
Ruins of the ancient Mongolian Temple and related historical stories add profound cultural deposits to the mountain landscape.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: Open all year round (all-day access)
Contact Number: +86 0993-5296088
Recommended Visiting Duration: 3–4 hours for day trips
Best Visiting Season: June to September for summer escaping and flower viewing; October for golden autumn forest scenery
Transport: Self-driving is the most convenient way via paved arterial roads directly leading to the scenic gate去哪儿网
Overall Value
East Grand Pond perfectly combines grand Tianshan natural wilderness, profound Buddhist culture and original Kazakh folk customs. It is ideal for hiking, landscape photography, ecological leisure and ethnic culture experience, representing a classic hidden scenic spot along the S101 Tianshan Landscape Avenue
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