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Tianchi Lake, formerly known as "Yaochi," is located in Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a natural scenic area centered on an alpine lake and a famous tourist destination in Xinjiang. In ancient Chinese mythology, Tianchi Lake is also the bathing place of the Queen Mother of the West.
Tianchi Lake, at an elevation of 1,910 meters, is surrounded by spruce trees and framed by snow-capped peaks, creating a spectacular sight. It is a famous summer resort and tourist destination. It is believed to be a lake dammed by ancient glacial erosion, a terminal moraine, or a landslide or landslide. With its snow-capped peaks reflected in the water, spruce trees frame the lake, and its clear, mirror-like waters, it presents a picturesque scene.
The Tianchi Scenic Area comprises three water bodies. In addition to the main lake, there are two others on the east and west sides. The eastern section features the "Eastern Small Tianchi," also known as the Black Dragon Pond. Its distinctive feature is the hundred-foot-high cliff below, where a cascading waterfall cascades like a rainbow. The western section features the "Western Small Tianchi," also known as the "Yunv Pond." This moon-shaped pond is framed by towering pines, and its reflections cast into the water are even more breathtaking under a bright moon. Plank paths connect all scenic spots within the area, allowing for easy walking.
The area around Tianchi Lake is very cool and is a good place to escape the summer heat. Every year from mid-November to the end of March, the Tianshan Tianchi Ice and Snow Festival is held, during which the Tianshan Ski Resort is open for skiing and other ice and snow activities.
Recommended play time: 4-5 hours
105 yuan/person
Peak season: April 1st - October 31st: 9:00-19:30
Low season: November 1st - March 31st: 10:00-18:00.
Tianchi Lake, or Heavenly Lake, has been a sacred site in Chinese mythology and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is linked to ancient Silk Road history and Tianshan cultural traditions.
Located 110 km east of Urumqi in Tianshan Mountains. Visitors can take a bus or private car from Urumqi; tours are also widely available.
Open daily, typically 8:00–17:00. Best season is June–September for mild weather and clear views.
Entrance fee around 125–150 RMB; tickets available onsite or via official travel platforms.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak summer and holidays, but not strictly required.
Half a day to a full day, depending on whether you hike or take a boat ride.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and sometimes English via agencies. Audio guides may be rented onsite.
Start at visitor center → shuttle bus to lake → walk along wooden trails → boat ride or hike to higher viewpoints → return to visitor center.
No light shows; visits are usually daytime. Occasionally, cultural performances are held in nearby villages.
It can be crowded in summer and on holidays. Weekdays and mornings are less busy.
Visitor center has toilets, shops, and restaurants. Limited facilities around the lake itself.
Shuttle buses and wooden paths make it accessible, though some trails may be steep.
Mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) widely accepted; cash recommended in small shops.
Restaurants near the visitor center offer Xinjiang dishes, snacks, and tea houses.
Halal food is common; vegetarian options include noodles, bread, and vegetable stir-fries.
Basic guesthouses near the lake and more comfortable hotels in Fukang or Urumqi.
Shops near the visitor center sell Kazakh handicrafts, jade, dried fruits, and felt products.
Return by bus or car to Urumqi for flights or trains; onward travel to Turpan or Altay is common.
