Koktokay Geopark Rated in World Level

Xinjiang1083May 06, 2017

Covering an area of over 788 square kilometers in northeastern Xinjiang, Koktokay is a large natural scenic area consisting of Kalaxianger Earthquake Fault Zone, Irtysh Grand Canyon, Cocoa Sullivan scenic area and Ilaymu Lake.

On May 5th, 2017, the UNESCO Executive Board announced that the Xinjiang Koktokay National Geopark was included in the Global Geoparks Network list.

Covering an area of over 788 square kilometers in northeastern Xinjiang, Koktokay is a large natural scenic area consisting of Kalaxianger Earthquake Fault Zone, Irtysh Grand Canyon, Cocoa Sullivan scenic area and Ilaymu Lake.

Koktokay is rated as a rare "museum of earthquake remains", an "exhibition gallery of natural ores" and "the home of gems". The No.3 mine is an extremely rare granite pegmatite mine, where 84 kinds of minerals have been found, such as lithium, beryllium, niobium, emerald, aquamarine, emerald, etc. The stress field, terrain, vegetation, hydrological changes, etc of the earthquake remains are of great importance for scientists to research and for tourists to learn popular science.

Besides, the 100-kilometer-long grand canyon is full of bizarre granite peaks, thick forest and turbulent rivers. The peaceful blue lakes are embellished with mountains, green woods, grasslands, cottages, playing kids, working minorities, etc. The scenery varies with the seasons.

For tourists, it is recommended to follow the Urumqi - Fuyun - Koktokay - Balartz spring itinerary.