Weird & Unusual Attractions in Shache, Xinjiang, China
1. Museum of Burying the Living
A unique museum that showcases ancient traditions of burying living people as a symbol of love and respect.
- Living Burial Tradition: Explores the local custom of live burials in a controlled environment
- Historical Artifacts: Showcases ancient tools and rituals associated with living burials
- Ethical Consideration: Provides insight into cultural practices that may be considered controversial
2. Ice Valley
An unusual geological formation resembling an ice valley, created by ancient glaciers.
- Natural Ice Formation: Explores unique natural phenomena caused by ancient glaciers
- Photography Opportunities: Offers stunning landscapes for photography enthusiasts
- Trekking Experience: Provides a challenging yet rewarding trek through the valley
3. Giant Mushroom Rock
A massive rock formation shaped like a giant mushroom, standing tall in the desert.
- Natural Geological Formation: Explores the natural forces that have shaped this unique rock
- Photography Opportunities: Offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for memorable photos
- Desert Landscape: Provides a chance to experience the unique desert environment of Shache
4. Fossilized Forest
An ancient forest fossilized thousands of years ago, offering a glimpse into the past.
- Ancient Ecosystem: Explores an ecosystem frozen in time
- Fossilized Flora and Fauna: Showcases fossilized plants and animals found within the forest
- Paleontological Significance: Provides valuable insight into the geological history of Shache
5. Sky Burial Tower
A traditional Tibetan burial site where bodies are left to decompose on mountaintops.
- Tibetan Sky Burial Tradition: Explores the local custom of sky burials and its cultural significance
- Historical Artifacts: Showcases tools and rituals associated with sky burials
- Ethical Consideration: Provides insight into cultural practices that may be considered controversial
6. Ghost Town of Tangjiashan
An abandoned town shrouded in mystery and legends of ghosts and spirits.
- Abandoned Town Exploration: Explores the history and reasons behind the town's abandonment
- Legends and Folklore: Uncovers local legends and ghost stories associated with the town
- Photography Opportunities: Offers unique photo opportunities in an eerie, abandoned setting
7. Cave of a Thousand Buddhas
An underground cave filled with thousands of intricately carved Buddha statues.
- Buddhist Art and Architecture: Explores the rich history and artistry of Tibetan Buddhism
- Thousand Buddhas: Provides a unique experience to view thousands of intricately carved Buddha statues
- Spiritual Significance: Offers an opportunity for spiritual exploration and reflection
8. Stargazing Oasis
A secluded oasis offering some of the darkest skies in China for stargazing.
- Dark Sky Preservation: Provides a unique opportunity to view the night sky unhindered by light pollution
- Stargazing Experience: Offers a chance to explore the cosmos and learn about celestial bodies
- Tranquil Environment: Provides a peaceful, tranquil environment for relaxation and contemplation
9. Underwater Ghost City
An underwater city submerged during the construction of a dam, now home to ghosts and spirits.
- Submerged City Exploration: Explores the history and reasons behind the city's submersion
- Legends and Folklore: Uncovers local legends and ghost stories associated with the submerged city
- Photography Opportunities: Offers unique photo opportunities in an eerie, underwater setting
10. Sand Painting Monastery
A monastery known for its intricate sand paintings that depict Buddhist mythology.
- Buddhist Art and Architecture: Explores the rich history and artistry of Tibetan Buddhism
- Sand Painting Experience: Provides a unique opportunity to witness the creation of sand paintings
- Spiritual Significance: Offers an opportunity for spiritual exploration and reflection
11. Dragon Spout Spring
A natural spring that shoots water up to 30 feet in the air like a dragon's spout.
- Natural Water Feature: Explores the geological forces behind this unique natural phenomenon
- Photography Opportunities: Offers a memorable photo opportunity
- Local Legends and Folklore: Uncovers local legends and stories associated with the spring
12. Cemetery of Mars
A cemetery located in a moon-like landscape, offering an otherworldly experience.
- Otherworldly Landscape: Explores the unique geology and landscape of this area
- Photography Opportunities: Offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for memorable photos
- Local Graves and Tombstones: Provides insight into local customs and traditions related to death and the afterlife
13. Sky Whirlpools
A series of natural whirlpools formed in the sky during certain weather conditions.
- Natural Weather Phenomenon: Explores the atmospheric conditions that create these sky whirlpools
- Photography Opportunities: Offers a unique and breathtaking photo opportunity
- Weather Prediction: Provides an understanding of the weather patterns that can create these phenomena
14. Crystal Cave
A cave filled with dazzling crystal formations glistening under natural light.
- Natural Crystal Formation: Explores the geological processes that have formed these crystals
- Photography Opportunities: Offers a dazzling photo opportunity in a unique, natural setting
- Cave Exploration: Provides an exciting and adventurous cave exploration experience
15. Sky Burial Site
A traditional Tibetan burial site where bodies are left to decompose on mountaintops.
- Tibetan Sky Burial Tradition: Explores the local custom of sky burials and its cultural significance
- Historical Artifacts: Showcases tools and rituals associated with sky burials
- Ethical Consideration: Provides insight into cultural practices that may be considered controversial