Tianchi Lake
Heavenly Lake (Tian Shan Tianchi), nestled in Xinjiang’s Tian Shan Mountains, is a glacial crater lake formed 190 million years ago. At 1,910 meters above sea level, it spans 4.9 square kilometers with a maximum depth of 105 meters. Fed by Bogda Peak’s glaciers, the lake’s turquoise waters, with 12-meter visibility, sustain trout and rare waterfowl. Designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2013, it merges natural splendor with Scythian tombs, Silk Road relics, and Tang Dynasty legends.
Historical Overview
The lake’s name derives from a Tang Dynasty myth where a goddess bathed here. Archaeological discoveries include 2,500-year-old Scythian horse burials and Buddhist carvings. In 1980, it became China’s first alpine national park, later gaining UNESCO status for its geological significance. The 2016 opening of the Bogda Peak cable car enhanced accessibility, while winter ski resorts expanded its appeal beyond summer tourism.
Structural Layout
The lake is divided into three zones:
- Core Lake Area: The central basin with "Marble Beach" and diving platforms.
- Forest Zone: Spruce-fir forests surrounding the lake, home to red deer and snow leopards.
- Mountain Zone: Glacial valleys and peaks like Bogda (5,445m) and Dabanzhu Peak (4,010m).
Key landmarks include the Heavenly Lake Dam, Xianren Cave (immortal’s cave), and the Silk Road Museum.
Major Attractions
- Marble Beach: A 200-meter-long white sand shoreline with crystal-clear waters.
- Bogda Peak Cable Car: A 2.8-km aerial tram offering panoramic views of glaciers.
- Xianren Cave: A limestone cave with Buddhist statues and ancient inscriptions.
- Silk Road Museum: Displays artifacts from the lake’s role as a caravan rest stop.
- Dabanzhu Peak Trail: A 6-hour hike to a 4,010-meter summit with alpine meadows.
- Zhao Shan Temple: A 19th-century Buddhist temple overlooking the lake.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Visitor Center → Marble Beach → Xianren Cave → Silk Road Museum → Return
Highlights: Beach relaxation and cultural exhibits. -
Extended Route (5–6 hours):
Visitor Center → Marble Beach → Bogda Peak Cable Car → Dabanzhu Peak Trail → Zhao Shan Temple → Sunset at Heavenly Lake Dam
Highlights: Cable car ride and summit views. -
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Visitor Center → Bogda Peak Cable Car → Dabanzhu Peak Trail → Xianren Cave → Silk Road Museum → Marble Beach → Night Camping
Highlights: Full hiking and cultural immersion.
Ticket Purchase
- Entrance Fee: ¥155 (peak season: June–Oct), ¥105 (off-season: Nov–May). Includes cable car.
- Guided Tours: ¥300–500/group (up to 10 people).
- Online: Book via Ctrip or WeChat 3 days in advance.
- On-Site: Limited tickets; queues average 1 hour.
Transportation
- From Urumqi: 2-hour bus (¥50) or taxi (¥200) to the visitor center.
- Self-Drive: Follow G216 from Urumqi to Fukang (1.5 hours), then 30-minute drive to the lake.
- Local Transport: Electric carts (¥20/ride) and horse rentals (¥100/hour) available.
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Season: June–September (wildflowers, mild temps).
- Avoid Crowds: Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM.
- Essentials:
- Warm clothing (temps drop 10°C after sunset).
- Hiking boots, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
- Prohibited Items: Drones (require permit), swimming (except designated areas).
- Eco-Tip: Use refill stations; plastic waste reduced by 40% since 2020.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
