Ertoksail Valley & Tianquan Hot Spring
鄂托克赛尔河谷·天泉
A mountain valley in the south of Wenquan County, with spruce forests, meadows and pastures, and a hot spring in the valley at about 60°C.
The Ertoksail River is a tributary of the Bortala River, flowing out of the Bezhentao Mountains. Spruce, white birch and meadows alternate along its banks, earning the valley the nickname 'Little Switzerland of Xinjiang.' The valley turns golden in autumn, and rime ice is often seen in winter. The Tianquan Hot Spring Scenic Area in the valley is a national 4A-rated attraction, about 40 km south of the county seat at an altitude of around 2,650 meters, with spring water at about 60°C. Mountain roads are narrow, so drive carefully in rain or snow. The high altitude makes mornings and evenings cold, so bring a warm jacket even in summer.
Opening hours
Mainly open in summer and autumn; check the scenic area's notices
Nearby sights
- Angelig Clary Sage Fields
- Xinjiang Salamander Culture & Science Park
- Shengquan (Bogedaer) Hot Spring, Wenquan
- Arixiate Hot Spring & Stone Figures
- Hartureg National Forest Park
- Adunqiaolu Bronze Age Site
- Bortala River Scenic Area
- Guaishiyu Rock Park