Turpan Grand Canyon (Toksun)
吐鲁番大峡谷（托克逊）
A red sandstone canyon around Ke'erjian in Toksun County, where flowing water has carved layered gullies and rock pillars. It has recently become a popular self-drive stop on Turpan's western route.
The Turpan Grand Canyon, also called the Toksun Grand Canyon, lies along the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains around Ke'erjian Town in northern Toksun County, about 80 km from downtown Turpan. The canyon is made of reddish-brown sandstone and mudstone. Long erosion by water and wind has carved deep gullies, steep walls and rock pillars of many shapes, and the colours are most intense in the evening sun. The scenic area has trails and viewing platforms. Admission and opening arrangements are confirmed on site. Access is inconvenient, so most visitors go by chartered car from Turpan or drive themselves. It can be combined with Jiaohe Ruins on the same western-route trip. The gullies are hot in summer and offer no shade, so drink plenty of water, and do not enter the gullies after heavy rain. The coordinates refer to the location of Ke'erjian Town and are an estimate.
Opening hours
Open daytime (per scenic area announcements)
Nearby sights
- Jiaohe Ruins
- Cheshi Ancient Road
- Karez Wells (Karez Paradise)
- Turpan Museum
- Emin Minaret
- Aydingkol Lake
- Flaming Mountains
- Gaochang Ruins