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Tian Shan Tian Chi (Heavenly Mountain Heavenly Lake)天山天池
Heavenly Lake of Tian Shan lies in Fukang, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, on the northern slopes of Bogda Peak at 1,980 m. Celebrated for its alpine lake, snow peaks and glaciers, forests and meadows, it is the most famous scenic spot in the Tian Shan range. Known in ancient times as the Jade Pool, legend holds it was where the Queen Mother of the West bathed. The water is limpid, ringed by mountains whose snow peaks reflect on the surface — a magnificent sight.
Urumqi · Visitor Guide2026-10-19
Quick Answer
Is Tian Shan Tian Chi (Heavenly Mountain Heavenly Lake) worth visiting?
An alpine lake in the Tian Shan at 1,980 m, covering 4.9 sq km with depths to 105 m. Admission CNY 155 with shuttle; about 120 km from Urumqi. Best May-October; allow 4-6 hours.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Adults CNY 155 (including the shuttle bus); half price for students and seniors |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:30-18:30 (April to October); 10:00-18:00 (November to March) |
| Recommended duration | 4-6 hours |
| Best time to visit | May-October; winter brings its own snow scenery |
| How to get there | Direct tourist coaches from Urumqi's Nianzigou bus station; by car, take the Tu-Wu-Da expressway to Fukang, then the Tianchi road |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Elevation | 1,980 m |
| Lake area | 4.9 sq km |
| Maximum depth | 105 m |
| Fed by | Glacier meltwater from Bogda Peak |
| Rating | National 5A-level scenic area |
| Distance from Urumqi | About 120 km |
What to expect
Heavenly Lake — in ancient times the Jade Pool — sits on the northern slopes of Bogda Peak in the Tian Shan range of Xinjiang. The lake is half-moon shaped, about 3.4 km long north to south and 1.5 km wide east to west, plunging to 105 m at its deepest. The water is clear and green, ringed by snow peaks with spruce forests spreading below — an alpine lake scene found nowhere else.
The lake was carved by glaciers: meltwater from Bogda Peak gathered in a hollow to form this high alpine pool. Other sights in the scenic area include Horse-Tooth Mountain, Hanging Stone Pass and the ancestral temple of the Queen Mother of the West. Horse-Tooth Mountain, west of the lake, takes its name from its jagged, tooth-like rocks; the temple is said to be a shrine to the Queen Mother herself.
The scenic area's natural setting is superb and its ecosystems intact. Elevations run from 1,980 m up to 5,445 m, crossing several natural belts — from desert lowlands to alpine glaciers — in one complete vertical sequence. Summer at the lake is cool and pleasant, a classic escape from the heat; in winter it turns silver-white, with the snow peaks and glaciers at their most dramatic.
How to get there
Tourist coaches to the scenic area leave from Nianzigou bus station in Urumqi (about 2.5 hours); by car, take the Tu-Wu-Da expressway (G7) to the Fukang exit, then road S111 to the lake.
Best photo spots
- The lake observation deck (best panoramic viewpoint)
- The lakeshore path on the east shore
- The terrace in front of the Queen Mother of the West Temple
- The Horse-Tooth Mountain viewing platform
Tips
- The lake sits high (about 2,000 m) — take it slowly; those with heart conditions or high blood pressure should take care
- A shuttle bus is required inside the scenic area; buy tickets in advance
- Mountain weather changes fast — always carry a jacket and rain gear
- UV is intense at altitude; use sun protection in summer
Scams to avoid
- No notable scam risk — this is a properly run attraction
Frequently asked questions
Are Tian Chi and Tian Shan the same place?
No. Tian Shan is the vast range that spans Xinjiang; Tian Chi is the alpine lake beneath Bogda Peak in that range.
How long should I allow?
Plan on 4-6 hours, including the shuttle bus and a boat ride.
Is the lake open in winter?
Yes, though some areas may close; check ahead before you go.
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Heavenly Lake Tianchi
Alpine lake at 1,980 m in the Tianshan Mountains, 110 km from Urumqi. Kazakh yurt stays. ¥125 entry. Half-day boat or full-day hike. Best June–September.
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
Alpine moraine lake at 1,980 m on the north slope of Bogda Peak (5,445 m), 110 km east of Urumqi. Plan a full day — 2 hours each way by road plus 4–6 hours at the lake; entry is ¥125 plus a mand.
Shanshan Ancient City
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Taklamakan Desert Edge
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Xinjiang Grand Bazaar
One of the world's largest bazaars, opened in 2003 in Urumqi with 3000+ shops and about 100,000 visitors a day; free entry, shops 10:30-23:00, 100-metre Silk Road tower.
Xinjiang Museum
Xinjiang's largest comprehensive museum, with more than 50,000 artifacts telling the story of the region's history and Silk Road civilizations.
Xinjiang Regional Museum
The Xinjiang Regional Museum in Urumqi holds the 3,800-year-old Tarim mummies — the Beauty of Loulan and the Beauty of Xiaohe — alongside Silk Road textiles, Tang silk, Persian glass, and Uyghur.
Museums in Urumqi
Xinjiang Regional Museum
China's westernmost major museum — the definitive collection of Silk Road Buddhist art, Uyghur culture, and the ancient Kucha and Khotan kingdom archaeology. Free; 2–3 hours.
Xinjiang Silk Road Museum
Silk Road crossroads: Tarim mummies (3,800-year-old Caucasoid bodies preserved in desert sand), Sogdian letters, Buddhist cave art, and Uyghur textiles — all in central Urumqi. Free.