The Tian Shan wapiti is the largest of the Asian wapitis and grows the finest antlers. It is similar to the American wapiti, although somewhat darker in color and with a longer skull. Overall color is dark brownish-gray, with the head, neck, underparts and legs dark brown with a tinge of red. There is a wide, light-colored ring around the eyes and a narrow white border on the upper lip around the nose. The rump patch is very large and bright reddish-cream in color with a dark brown border, and is divided by a blackish-brown stripe that does not reach the root of the tail. The tail is the same color as the rump, and very short.