How does the Tien Shan divide Xinjiang’s northern and southern regions?

The Tien Shan (Celestial Mountains) serves as a major physical barrier that divides Xinjiang into two distinct regions: the northern area, which includes the Junggar Basin, and the southern area, which is dominated by the Tarim Basin.1

This mountain range influences the region in the following ways:

• Climate: The Tien Shan acts as a climatic divide, separating the dry south from the slightly less arid north. Because the mountains block moist air from the sea, they contribute to the extremely dry, continental climate of the region.23
• Humidity: The northern slopes of the Tien Shan receive more moisture and are more humid than the southern slopes.2
• Temperature: The mountains influence regional temperatures; generally, summer temperatures are lower north of the Tien Shan than they are in the south, where the Tarim Basin experiences higher average temperatures.2

By separating these two basins, the Tien Shan effectively dictates the environmental and climatic characteristics of northern and southern Xinjiang.12