The geopark lies in the southern part of the Altay Mountains and includes the source of the Irtysh River. The total area of the park is over 2,300 square kilometers. Besides the source of Irtysh, there are also lakes and mountains, a waterfall, a huge mine crater and obviously breathtaking views over the valleys around. The park sits between 1072 to 3234 m above the sea level and thus has typical continental cold-temperate arid climate, cold in winter and cool in summer. Characterized by unique geological landscape and offering a rare opportunity to visit a mine site, Keketuohai Park is sometimes referred to as China’s Yosemite.
The geopark is best reached from the town of Keketuohai, Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang. The town straddles the Irtysh River which cuts through it. Once a bustling mining area, now Keketuohai is a popular tourist destination both for domestic and international visitors. Last year, it was visited by almost three million tourists, a 50% increase compared to 2016.
With 37 geoparks officially recognized by UNESCO, China is the nation with the highest number of such geological parks in the world.
Keketuohai National Geological Park in China Officially Opened
News in Asia
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region now has its own geopark, Keketuohai National Geological Park, which was opened to the public on October, 14th.