Mysterious Heavenly Lake with rippling blue waves at the summit of the Tianshan Mountains.

Tian Shan Tianchi I. Geography and Environment • Location: Located in Fukang City, Changji Prefecture, Xinjiang, on the mountainside at the north slope of the Tianshan Mountains, under Bogda Peak, 37 km away from Fukang city center, and approx. 97–110 km away from Urumqi. It covers a planned area of 548 square kilometers, with a core scenic area of 160 square kilometers. • Altitude and Topography: The lake surface is 1,910m above sea level, 3.5 km long from north to south, 0.8–1.5 km wide from east to west, and approx. 103m at its deepest point, covering an area of 4.9 square kilometers. It is a crescent-shaped alpine barrier lake formed by ancient glacial debris flow blocking the river course, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, and meadows. • Climate Characteristics: It has a temperate continental climate, with an average annual temperature of 2.55℃. The summer is cool (average temperature of 15.9℃ in July) and the winter is cold (average temperature of -12℃ in January). The scenic area has a relatively stable climate due to the influence of the Tianshan inversion layer. II. Natural Landscape and Ecology 1. Vertical Natural Zone: Divided into a glacial snow belt (above 3,800m), an alpine and subalpine belt (2,800–3,800m), a mountain coniferous forest belt (1,500–2,800m), and a low mountain belt (below 1,500m), forming a complete ecological landscape sequence. 2. Core Attractions: • Tianchi Main Lake Area: The lake water is clear, reflecting the snow-capped top of Bogda Peak. You can take a boat trip or hike along the lakeside trail (requiring 2–3 hours). • Sea-Stabilizing Needle Peak: A landmark landscape, said to be a magic tree used by the Queen Mother of the West to suppress the water. • Small Tianchi: East and West Small Tianchi are waterfalls and deep pools, respectively, with West Small Tianchi also known as the "Queen Mother's Bath Tub". • Maya Mountain Cableway: Opened in 2014, it offers a panoramic view of Tianchi and the Bogda Peak Glacier. 3. Biodiversity: It has 14 species of national key protected animals, such as snow leopards and Siberian ibexes, as well as rare plants such as alpine snow lotus, and is known as a "natural gene bank". III. Culture and History • Myths and Legends: Formerly known as "Jade Pool", it is closely related to the myth of the Queen Mother of the West. Legend has it that King Mu of Zhou met the Queen Mother of the West here. In 2015, the "Myth of the Queen Mother of the West" was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list. • Historical Evolution: In the Tang Dynasty, the "Yaochi Duhufu" (Yaochi Protectorate) was established. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, canals were surveyed and opened. In 1982, it became one of the first national-level scenic spots in China, and in 2013, it was selected as a World Heritage Site. IV. Travel Information (Updated in 2025) • Tickets and Opening Hours: ◦ Peak Season (Apr 1–Oct 31): Ticket price is CNY 220, shuttle bus is CNY 60, and opening hours are 10:00–19:00. ◦ Off Season (Nov 1–Mar 31): Ticket price is CNY 180, and opening hours are 09:30–18:00. ◦ Discount Policy: Discounts for student ID, free admission for seniors over 70 years old. • Transportation: ◦ Self-driving: About 2 hours from Urumqi via the Duku Highway. The road conditions are good, but pay attention to the mountain curves. ◦ Public Transportation: Take a express bus (CNY 50/person, 2.5 hours) or charter a car (CNY 300–500/car) from Urumqi South Station. ◦ One-Day Tour Group: Gather in Urumqi city center, including tickets and transportation, from CNY 59.9 (shuttle bus at your own expense). • Recommended Itinerary: ◦ Classic One-Day Tour: Hike in the main lake area + boat trip + Sea-Stabilizing Needle Peak check-in. ◦ In-Depth Two-Day Tour: Visit the lake on the first day, and explore Kazakh villages or hike Maya Mountain on the second day. ◦ Winter Experience: Ice and snow landscape + ski resort activities (some areas may be closed, need to confirm in advance). V. Precautions 1. Equipment Recommendations: In summer, you need sunscreen (SPF50+) and a windproof jacket; in winter, you need non-slip shoes and warm clothing; it is recommended to bring a thermos cup throughout the year. 2. Altitude Sickness: Some areas are at higher altitudes, so you can prepare altitude sickness medicine and avoid strenuous exercise. 3. Environmental Protection Regulations: It is forbidden to trample on vegetation, carry drones, and garbage must be taken away by yourself. 4. Folk Customs Respect: The surrounding area is inhabited by Kazakhs, and you must abide by local customs, such as not taking portraits without permission. VI. Unique Value • World Heritage: Listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2013, with both geological and ecological protection value. • Cultural and Tourism Integration: The Kazakh nomadic culture experience (such as horse milk wine, singing and dancing performances) is combined with the natural landscape to form a unique attraction. With its three-dimensional landscape of "one pool and four belts" and thousands of years of mythological heritage, Tian Shan Tianchi has become a landmark destination for tourism in Xinjiang. The latest tourism services have been optimized in 2025. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance to avoid peak hours and deeply experience the magnificent picture of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and cultural integration.