An overlooking view of Toksun County, NW China’s Xinjiang-TIANSHANNET-天山网

Thirteen kilometers to the west of the Tianshan Honghe Valley in Toksun County, Turpan City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a magnificent landscape of vibrant colors unfolds gradually under the aerial lens. This place is hailed as a "museum of geological wonders." The red-bed landforms are interwoven with the Gobi and the blue sky to create a breathtaking canvas, as if the creator has painted a magnificent masterpiece on the canvas of the earth.

Photo shows the magnificent scenery of red-bed landforms, Gobi and blue sky in Toksun County, Turpan City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

In mid-May, from an aerial perspective, the stratification of the red-bed landforms is particularly distinct. The rock layers, composed of red sandstone, mudstone, siltstone, and shale, form bands of varying shades of depth. Under the sunlight, the crimson mountain bodies create a stark contrast against the blue sky and white clouds, while the locally covered by black Quaternary sediments collide with the Tertiary red mudstone to produce a visually striking red-and-black contrast. In the Ke'erjian Town of Toksun County, the red-bed landforms are densely distributed.

Photo shows an overlooking view of red-bed landforms in Toksun County, Turpan City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

It is understood that the unique geology of this landscape is the result of millions of years of geological evolution and natural erosion. Rivers formed by the melting snow of the Tianshan Mountains have carved the mountains into steep canyons. The westerly winds have sculpted the Yardang landforms. As the sun sets, the golden light tints the rock amber, creating a grand scene together with the distant red-brown Gobi and the flowing clouds.

Photo shows an overlooking view of the unique style of red-bed landforms in Toksun County, Turpan City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Toksun County is not only the only county in China with an elevation of zero but also renowned for its geological treasures such as red-bed landforms, Yardang groups, and volcanic windblown sedimentary landforms, attracting geologists and photography enthusiasts alike. Here, no filters are required, as every frame inherently showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature.

Photo shows when the sun sets, the golden light dyes the rock walls deep red.

(The Media Convergence Center of Toksun County, Reporters: Li Jinghai, Hu Guokai)