Xinjiang Tianshan Facts: Know About This Highest Peak

Xingjian Tianshan is the eastern part of the Tianshan mountain range, with four components-Bogda, Bayanbulak, Kalajun-Kuerdening, and Tomur.

The natural ecosystems of the Tianshan range contain arid foothill steppes, montane meadows, montane conifer forests, deciduous and evergreen coniferous forests, and mountain broad-leaved forests. Xingjian Tianshan represents many ecological processes and superlative features.

If you're looking for an adventure, look no further than Xinjiang Tianshan. This mountain range is home to the highest peak in China and offers hikers and climbers a challenge like no other. The mountain range is home to more than 200 glaciers. The Tian Shan is also called Tengir-Too or Tengri Tagh. The National Forest law, Nature Reserves Park Regulations, and Environmental Protection law, all protect this range of heritage sites. If you're interested in learning more about Xinjiang Tianshan, keep reading! In this article, we will discuss some interesting facts about this mountain range.

Discovery And History

Xinjiang Tianshan was first discovered by European explorers in the 1800s.

The mountain range was formed over 25 million years ago. The Tianshan Tianchi National Park was established in 2006. A National Nature Reserve in Bayanbulak was created in 2001. In 2013, the four components of Tianshan were inscribed on the List of World Heritage sites. The western portion of Tianshan in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan became a world heritage site in 2016.

As per Chinese mythology, the heavenly lake is officially called 'the Queen Mother of the West's Jade pool'. As per Yan Shigu, a Tang commentator, the earliest reference of Tian shan may be associated with 'Qilian', a Xiongnu term, meaning 'heaven or sky'.

The history of Xinjiang Tianshan is rich and varied. This mountain range has been home to a number of different cultures over the years, including the Han Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty, and the Mongolian Empire. Today, Xinjiang Tianshan is a popular destination for hikers and climbers from all over the world.

The huge biodiversity of Tianshan consists of habitats for endemic species, endangered species, and relic species. There are about 550 vertebrate species, with 22 of them endemic and 367 Endangered and rare. The estimated population of fish species is about 40, amphibians about 6, reptiles is 32, birds is 370, and mammals is 102.

Cultural Heritage

Xinjiang Tianshan is home to a number of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions.

In the past, Tianshan was called the heavenly mountains and Xinjiang, Chinese Turkistan. They were popular as the north Silk Route branch passed the Taklamakan desert and the foothill springs of this range. Xinjiang Tianshan stands as an iconic symbol today in China and many songs, paintings, poems, and legends were inspired by them. The Tian Shan mountains are also an important source of water for the Xinjiang region.

The Uighur people are the largest ethnic group in Xinjiang, and they have a rich cultural heritage that includes music, dance, and cuisine. The Kazakh people are also an important part of the Xinjiang Tianshan community, and their traditional culture is based on nomadic pastoralism. Other ethnic groups in Xinjiang Tianshan include the Kyrgyz, Tajik, Uzbek, and Turkic peoples.

Tianshan has less development, except between land routes (to Kazakhstan, North Xinjiang, and Urumqi) and the Bogda site. The population density of Xinjiang is very low. The seasonal population in the core zone, as of 2010, was 4,446 herdsmen, mainly Khazak, Mongol, and Uygur. There is also no record of invasive species in the entire range. All four components are equipped with buffer zones.

Site Statistics

Tianshan is a huge mountain range measuring up to a distance of 1,553.4 mi (2,500 km). Tianshan is the largest isolated chain of the east-west mountain and also the largest mountain range in the temperate arid zone of the world.

Tianshan's Xinjiang part covers 1,093.6 mi (1,760 km) on the east-west portion. The Tomur peak or Jengish Chokusu on the west of Tianshan is the highest peak, measuring 24,406 ft (7,439 m), and the Bogda peak on the east measures 17,864.1 ft (5,445 m). The Turfan Depression or Tupan Depression is the lowest point, measuring 505 ft (154 m) below sea level.

Since the Pliocene epoch, the ecosystems and landforms have been well-preserved as Tianshan has the arid continental climate of Central Asia and is located between two deserts, a rare aspect among mountain ecosystems of the world. These ranges also have a wide range of climate with snow and ice; cold temperate, mid-temperate, warm-temperate, semi-arid, semi-humid, and humid zones.

You will find stark contrasts between Central Asia's vast desert and mountain elements. The dry south slopes have bare rocks, while on the wetter north there is a luxuriant forest and meadow. The light use of mountains by nomads and their remoteness has preserved these natural ranges. This region is also under a low degree of threat with no permanent residents in the area. Infrastructure development and extractive industries are limited in these mountain ranges as it does not exist inside the region.

Site Attraction

In addition to its cultural richness, Xinjiang Tianshan is also renowned for its exceptional beauty. The mountain range is home to glaciers, alpine meadows, and a variety of wildlife. Xinjiang Tianshan is also a popular destination for stargazing, as the clear night skies offer unparalleled views of the stars and constellations.

You can find everything from bears and deer to snow leopards and lynx in this mountain range. The Urumqi Glacier is the largest glacier in China, and one of the most important water sources for the city of Urumqi.

Bogda mountain is the most accessible Tianshan element, it is one day trip from Urumchi or Urumqi. The Heavenly Lake of Tianshan mountain is located halfway up the peak of Bogda. Shuttle buses bring visitors to this Heavenly lake. This is just an hour's drive from Urumqi.

Between 2001 and 2010 tourism in these regions has been doubled. Tourists mostly visited the more developed regions of Bogda mountain and fewer tourists visited Bayanbulak. The best serviced and best-known tourist attractions are Bogda's Tianchi and Tianshan Wild Animal Park. There are also many tourist facilities like heritage museums, emergency centers, guided routes, and visitors centers. You will also find shops, restaurants, and accommodation in buffer zones.

FAQs

Q. What animals live in the Tian Shan?

A. The Tian Shan mountains are home to a variety of animals, including the snow leopard, argali (a type of wild sheep), and red deer. These mountains are also home to many different types of birds, such as the golden eagle and the lammergeier. You can find everything from bears and deer to snow leopards and lynx in this mountain range.

Q. Why is Tian Shan important?

A. The Tian Shan mountain range is an important location for a variety of reasons. First, it is home to the highest peak in China. Second, it is an important source of water for the region. And third, it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers from all over the world. In addition to being home to the highest peak in China, the Xinjiang Tianshan mountain range is also famous for its glaciers.

Q. Where is the Tian Shan mountain range?

A: The Tian Shan mountain range is located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of western China, Central Asia.

Q. What are the Tien Shan mountains called?

A. The Tien Shan mountains are called the 'Celestial Mountains' in Chinese, 'the Heavenly Mountains' in Kyrgyz, and 'the Sky Mountains' in Kazakh. The Tian Shan is also called 'Tengir-Too' or 'Tengri Tagh'.

Q. What continent are the Tian Shan Mountains in?

A. The Tien Shan mountains are located in Asia.

Q. How would the Tien Shan mountains have impacted the development of China?

A. The Tien Shan mountains have played a major role in the development of China and its people. The Xinjiang region where the Tian Shan mountains are located is an important source of water for China.

Q. When did it get listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A. The Tien Shan mountains were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.