Altay Prefecture Introduction

Altay Prefecture is located in northern Xinjiang, with an area of 117,800 square kilometers, a population of 660,000 and hosting multiple ethnic groups with Kazakh as the majority. Bordering Altay Mountains in the north, Junggar Basin in the south, hosting the Irtysh River, the Ulungur River, the Kanas Lake...

Release time : 2016-03-29 17:17:52

source : Altay Prefecture

idylls and rock engraving paintings serving as eternal romantic prairie elegance. Its folk culture is charming and fascinating. The north-south transition caravans still reflect the romantic style of Kazak people. Huts in forests highlight magic charm of Mongolian Tuvans, Koktokay No.3 Mine is a geological wonder in the world, a pride of the People’s Republic of China. The principles of “sharing concerns with the country, self-reliance, hard work, and scientific innovation” are the most profound cultural connotations of tour of revolution in Xinjiang.

Altay Prefecture borders Mongolia in the east with Altay Mountains, Russian Federation in the north and Kazakhstan in the west, hosting 4 national first-category land ports. With transport facilities, sound ecology, and exotic elegance, it is suitable to the development of high-quality international cross-border tourism products.

This is a glamorous land with unique natural scenery, mysterious nomadic culture, profound folk customs, hospitable people. Entering Altay, visitors will feel it is extremely late to come.

(Image source: lyj.xjalt.gov.cn)

History

Since the Han Dynasty, Altay Prefecture has been a part of China. In 1919, this area was merged into Xinjiang, China. In 1954, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture was established and this area was included. In 1979, the prefectural administrative office of Altay Prefecture was established.

Natural Environment

Altay Prefecture is located in Northern Xinjiang, south of Altai Mountain. It borders Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. It covers an area of 171,000 km², about 7% of Xinjiang. In the south is Junggar Basin. The terrain slopes downwards from north to south.

Climate

Altay has a cold temperate continental climate. Annual average temperature is -0.2℃—4.3℃ and annual average rainfall is about 160 mm. Non-frost period is 103-158 days. Winters are long, bitterly cold, and dry. Spring and autumn are short but mild. This is one of the