How many meters above sea level is Xinjiang: Exploring the geographical mysteries of this mysterious land
Xinjiang, a vast land that accounts for one-sixth of China's land area, attracts the attention of countless people with its diverse landforms and unique geographical location. From the Pamir Plateau at the roof of the world to the Turpan Basin at the lowest point in China, Xinjiang’s altitude differences are astonishing. This article will give you an in-depth understanding of the altitude of Xinjiang and demonstrate the geographical features of this magical land through structured data.
Xinjiang geography overview

The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is located in northwest China, in the hinterland of the Eurasian continent, with a total area of approximately 1.66 million square kilometers. It is the largest provincial administrative region in China. The terrain of Xinjiang is complex and diverse, and generally presents a geomorphological pattern of "three mountains sandwiched between two basins": the Junggar Basin and the Tarim Basin are sandwiched between the three major mountain ranges of the Altai Mountains, Tianshan Mountains and Kunlun Mountains.
| geographical area | Main features | Average altitude (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| altai mountains | Northern Xinjiang, the border between China, Mongolia and Russia | 2000-3000 |
| Tianshan Mountains | Spanning central Xinjiang, it is about 2,500 kilometers long from east to west. | 3000-5000 |
| Kunlun Mountains | Southern Xinjiang, part of the roof of the world | 4500-6000 |
| Junggar Basin | Between Tianshan and Altai Mountains | 500-1000 |
| Tarim Basin | Between Tianshan Mountain and Kunlun Mountain | 800-1400 |
Extreme altitude points in Xinjiang
Xinjiang is not only vast in area, but also has extremely significant altitude differences. Let’s take a look at a few extreme altitude points in Xinjiang:
| Place | Altitude (meters) | feature |
|---|---|---|
| K2 (K2) | 8611 | The second highest mountain in the world, located in the Karakoram Mountains |
| Muztagh Peak | 7546 | The famous peak of the Kunlun Mountains, known as the "Father of Icebergs" |
| bogda peak | 5445 | The highest peak in the eastern section of the Tianshan Mountains |
| lake edin | -154 | The lowest point on land in China, the second lowest point in the world |
Altitude of major cities in Xinjiang
Understanding the altitude of various places in Xinjiang is of great significance for travelers to plan their itinerary and adapt to altitude sickness. The following is the altitude of major cities in Xinjiang:
| City | Altitude (meters) | geographical location |
|---|---|---|
| Urumqi | 800-1000 | Northern foothills of Tianshan Mountains, southern edge of Junggar Basin |
| Kashgar | 1289 | The western edge of the Tarim Basin |
| Turpan | 34 | Turpan Basin at the southern foot of Tianshan Mountains |
| Hami | 738 | Southern foot of Tianshan Mountain |
| Yining | 662 | Ili Valley |
| Korla | 932 | Northeastern margin of Tarim Basin |
| Hotan | 1375 | Southern edge of Tarim Basin |
| Altay | 735 | Southern foothills of Altai Mountains |
The impact of Xinjiang’s altitude difference
Xinjiang's huge altitude difference brings rich natural resources and diverse ecological environments. High-altitude areas such as the Pamir Plateau and Kunlun Mountains have a cold climate and scarce precipitation, forming a unique plateau desert landscape; the Tianshan Mountains at mid-altitudes have relatively abundant precipitation, giving birth to large tracts of forests and grasslands; and low-altitude basins are mostly deserts or oases.
Altitude differences also profoundly affect local economic activities and residents' lifestyles. The nomadic life in alpine pastures, irrigation farming in oasis agriculture, and the industrial and commercial development of modern cities all show unique features at different altitudes.
Xinjiang travel and altitude precautions
For tourists traveling to Xinjiang, it is important to know the altitude of the destination:
1. Altitude sickness: When traveling to the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang or the high mountain areas in northern Xinjiang, you need to pay attention to possible symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, nausea, etc. It is recommended to adapt to the height gradually and avoid strenuous exercise.
2. Sun protection and warmth preservation: High-altitude areas have strong ultraviolet rays and large temperature differences between day and night, so sun protection and warmth preservation measures are required.
3. Driving safety: When crossing high mountain sections such as the Tianshan Highway, you need to pay attention to the impact of air pressure changes on the vehicle and possible snow on the road.
4. Health preparation: Tourists with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases are recommended to consult a doctor before traveling to high altitude areas.
Conclusion
Xinjiang's altitude diversity has created its unparalleled natural landscape and cultural features. From the second highest peak in the world to the lowest depression in China, this magical land shows us the extreme ups and downs of the earth's surface. Understanding the altitude of various places in Xinjiang not only helps us better plan our travels, but also allows us to have a deeper understanding of the natural mysteries of this land.
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