Pronunciation: [ˈɔːltʌn ʃˈan] (IPA) 
Altun Shan is a mountain range in China. The spelling of this word is pronounced as /ælˈtuːn ʃæn/. The first syllable "al" is pronounced as /æl/, similar to the word "pal," while the second syllable "tun" is pronounced like the word "toon," /tuːn/. The final syllable "shan" sounds like the word "shun," /ʃæn/. Overall, the spelling of "Altun Shan" has a complex but phonetically accurate pronunciation.
Altun Shan is a mountain range located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwestern China. The name "Altun Shan" translates to "Golden Mountains" in the Uighur language, as its peaks are often bathed in a golden hue during sunrise and sunset. The range stretches for approximately 800 kilometers, running in an east-west direction, and covers an area of around 50,000 square kilometers.
Altun Shan is renowned for its majestic and rugged landscape, characterized by towering peaks, deep valleys, and vast plateaus. The highest point in the range, known as Baiyang Peak, reaches an elevation of about 6,173 meters. The region is also dotted with numerous glacial lakes, including the striking Yiliping and Qingbingtan lakes, which add to its scenic beauty.
The Altun Shan range serves as a natural boundary between the arid basin of the Tarim River to the north and the vast desert area of the Qaidam Basin to the south. Additionally, it plays a significant role in the region's climate by obstructing the northward progression of the cold air masses, creating a stark contrast in temperature between the northern and southern sides of the range.
Despite its remote and inhospitable terrain, Altun Shan houses a diverse range of flora and fauna. It acts as a crucial habitat for several endangered species, including the snow leopard, Tibetan wild ass, and goitered gazelle. The region also holds geological and paleontological significance, with the discovery of fossilized remains dating back millions of years.
In conclusion, Altun Shan is a picturesque mountain range in China, characterized by its golden-hued peaks, rugged landscape, and unique ecological diversity.
The word "Altun Shan" is derived from two separate terms. "Altun" is a Turkic word meaning "golden", while "Shan" comes from the Mongolian word meaning "mountain".
The Altun Shan is a mountain range located in northern China and stretches across the provinces of Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai. The name "Altun Shan" can be translated as "Golden Mountains" or "Golden Range", referring to the majestic and golden-colored peaks that are visible during sunrise and sunset.
