Xinjiang Tianshan
Xinjiang Tianshan comprises four components—Tomur,
Kalajun-Kuerdening, Bayinbukuke and Bogda— that total 606,833 hectares.
They are part of the Tianshan mountain system of Central Asia, one of
the largest mountain ranges in the world. Xinjiang Tianshan presents
unique physical geographic features and scenically beautiful areas
including spectacular snow and snowy mountains glacier-capped peaks,
undisturbed forests and meadows, clear rivers and lakes and red bed
canyons. These landscapes contrast with the vast adjacent desert
landscapes, creating a striking visual contrast between hot and cold
environments, dry and wet, desolate and luxuriant. The landforms and
ecosystems of the site have been preserved since the Pliocene epoch and
present an outstanding example of ongoing biological and ecological
evolutionary processes. The site also extends into the Taklimakan
Desert, one of the world’s largest and highest deserts, known for its
large dune forms and great dust storms. Xinjiang Tianshan is moreover an
important habitat for endemic and relic flora species, some rare and
endangered.