Atushi Tianmen
Artux Sky Gate, locally known as "Tianmen", is a 130-meter-high natural arch located in Artux City, Xinjiang. Carved by wind and water over millennia, this limestone marvel spans 60 meters in width and is part of the Tianshan Mountains’ karst landscape. Designated a national geological park in 2018, it merges natural grandeur with Silk Road history, attracting adventurers and geologists alike.
Historical Overview
- Ancient Times: A pivotal stop on the Northern Silk Road, linking Kashgar to Fergana Valley (modern Uzbekistan).
- 19th Century: Explored by Russian geologists, who documented its karst formations.
- 20th Century: Developed as a tourist site in the 1990s, with infrastructure upgrades for modern travelers.
- 2018: Recognized as a national geological park, emphasizing conservation and education.
Structural Layout
The site is divided into three zones:
- Arch Zone:
- Sky Gate Arch: A 130-meter-high limestone arch with a 60-meter span, accessible via a 1.5-hour hike.
- Viewing Platforms: Three elevated platforms offering panoramic vistas of the Pamir Plateau.
- Wetland Ecosystem:
- Artux River: A glacial-fed river with reed beds and migratory bird habitats.
- Karst Caves: Explore the "Fairy Cave" system, featuring stalactites and underground streams.
- Cultural Zone:
- Silk Road Relics: Ancient caravan routes and petroglyphs near the arch base.
- Uyghur Villages: Traditional adobe houses and weekly bazaars showcasing local crafts.
Major Attractions
- Sky Gate Arch Trek: A 3-hour guided hike to the arch’s summit, with views of the Pamir peaks.
- Fairy Cave Exploration: Spelunking in a 500-meter-long cave system (helmets and guides provided).
- Silk Road Caravan Trail: Follow ancient paths used by merchants, with stops at Uyghur tea houses.
- Artux River Rafting: Seasonal white-water rafting (May–September) for adventure seekers.
- Uyghur Cultural Experience: Visit local homes to learn traditional bread-making and dance.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Arch Viewing Platforms → Silk Road Relics → Uyghur Village Visit → Return.
Highlights: Arch vistas and cultural interactions. -
Adventure Route (5–6 hours):
Entrance → Sky Gate Trek → Fairy Cave Exploration → Artux River Rafting → Sunset at Pamir Viewpoint.
Highlights: High-altitude trekking and cave exploration. -
Cultural Immersion (Full Day):
Entrance → All zones above + Homestay Dinner → Night Sky Photography → Early Morning Yoga.
Highlights: Nomadic lifestyle experience and stargazing.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Ctrip or the official Xinjiang Tourism Bureau website.
- On-Site: Tickets at the entrance (¥45 adults, ¥25 students; 2025 prices).
- Packages:
- Adventure Bundle: ¥200 (arch trek, cave tour, and rafting).
- Cultural Bundle: ¥120 (Uyghur homestay and meal).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
- By Car: Self-drive from Kashgar via G3012 Highway (90 km, 1.5 hours).
- By Bus: Daily buses from Kashgar South Station to Artux City (¥25, 2 hours).
- By Taxi: Direct ride from Kashgar Airport (¥300, 1.5 hours).
- Local Transport: Electric carts (¥20/hour) within the park area.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: April–October (mild weather, clear arch views).
- Avoid Crowds: Visit in May or September for fewer tourists.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy hiking boots for rocky trails.
- Carry sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
- Respect Uyghur customs (e.g., remove shoes before entering homes).
- Prohibited: Climbing the arch without a guide, drone flights without permits.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
