Tianshan Mountain is located between the Tarim Basin and Juggar Basin with three different sections. Southern Mountains generally refers to the area at the northern foot of Karawuquntag Mountain, which is a spur on the northern section of Tianshan Mountain.

West White Poplar Gully, is located 75 km south of Urumqi, in the Southern Mountain. Traveling through this narrow verdant gully is a unique experience for sightseers who love natural scenery like snowcapped peaks, dragon-spruce trees and wild flowers.

A waterfall about 2,100-meters-wide cascades down. The valley itself has an annual precipitation of 500 to 600 millimeters. Screened by snow-capped peaks and dotted with tall and straight dragon spruce trees, it is an ideal place for an excursion. The Kazakhs usually spend summer here between May and October and graze their herds. Visitors can take a horseback tour guided by local Kazakhs. In a traditional yurt, hospitable host will welcome you with fragrant milk tea, mare's milk, cheese and roasted lamb. The horse-racing and traditional Kazakh dancing are amazing.

More spectacular landscape comes at the far end of the valley - a 2-meter-wide waterfall cascading 40 meters down, roaring with mist. It makes you feel refreshed and relaxed.

To get to this area is a bit difficult, but there are some buses from the north end of Renmin Park off Guangming Lu.

(Author: Jeff)

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