Heaven Lake (Tianchi) of Tianshan Mountains in Urumqi

Tianchi, 115 km northeast of Urumqi at an elevation of 1980m, the small deep-blue lake is surrounded by hills covered with fir trees and grazed by horses. Scattered around are the yurts of the Kazakh people who inhabit the mountains; nearby are the 5445m-high Bogda Peak and some other snow-covered ones in Tianshan Range.

Often listed among the most beautiful lakes in China, Tianchi in Xinjiang is more than just a scenic spot; it is a sacred place in Chinese mythology, known as the “Jade Mirror of the Queen Mother of the West.” Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a culture lover, or a photographer looking for that perfect shot of a snow-capped mountains lake, this destination offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Central Asia’s wilderness.

Xinjiang Heavenly Lake Facts

What to See in Heavenly Lake of Tianshan

The Main Heavenly Lake

This is the centerpiece of the park. It is 3.5 km long and 0.35 to 1.5 km wide, with a maximum depth of 105 m and a large area of 4.9 square kilometers. Natural precipitation and melting glaciers flow through valleys and join with some underground water, forming this radiant lake.

There are lots of legends say it was the looking glass of Queen Mother of the West, thus, gets its title of “Floating Sky Mirror.” From the viewing platform, you can capture splendid Tianchi Lake like a jade mirror and layered green-covered mountains around and distant Bogda Peak.

>> Explore the most beautiful lakes in China

Maya Mountain (Maxueshan)

Mount Maya in southwest bank of Tianchi Lake is the highest mountain among all the peaks wrapping around Tianchi Lake. Seen from afar, the mountain looks very like the horse’s teeth. In the north hillside, there are many columnar effusive rocks eroded by wind and water into a grotesque rock forest.
It is accessible via a cable car, costs CNY 200 per person, you’ll reach at the best spot for aerial photography. From the top (3,000 meters), you can look down at the crescent-shaped Tianshan Tianchi below, surrounded by vast snow-capped mountains.

Dragon Pool (Feilongtan)

Located on the way up to the main lake, this is a smaller, picturesque waterfall pool known for its thundering sound and lush green surroundings. The lake sits about 1,875 meters above sea level and its depth is around 6 to 11 meters. In the inlet and outlet, there are magnificent waterfalls drops with ethereal moisture, like a flying white dragon from the sky.

Things to Do at Tianchi Lake

Boat on Tianchi Lake

Around all the activities in the Heaven Lake scenic area, one of the most popular activities is taking a boat ride on the lake. Here, you can choose from two types:

Sightseeing Cruise (Tour Boat)

This boat offers you a quieter, slower ride (about 30-40 minutes) that allows you to sit back and absorb the serenity of the lake while listening to the guide explain the legends of the West Queen Mother. The cost about tour boat is CNY 40 per person and is perfect for a travel to Urumqi with family.

Speedboat

For those seeking a bit of thrill, speedboats zip across the lake, offering a different angle of the snow-capped mountains. It costs approximately CNY 100 per person.

Easy Hiking

For outdoor enthusiasts, Tianchi is also well worth the visit. You can start from the wooden boardwalk by Tianchi and head along the path, allowing you to visit Feilong Pool and the Temple of West Queen Mother along the way. This route is about 10 kilometers in total and takes around 4-5 hours, making it ideal for light hiking.

>> Related reading: Best 8 Hiking Destinations in China-Places for Hiking & Trekking

Kazakh Culture Experience

Around the Heaven Lake of Tianshan, you can visit the Kazakh Folk Custom Village where you can step inside a traditional felt yurt and try fermented mare’s milk (Kumis) and freshly baked naan bread.

Moreover, here you can spend CNY 20 to try on traditional Kazakh clothing and dance with local residents accompanied by the traditional instrument dombra. It is definitely a novel experience.

Photography Best Spots

The cable car viewing platform on Maya Mountain is an excellent spot for photographing Tianshan Tianchi. Here you can capture panoramic views of Tianchi and the snowy mountains.

>> Discover China Photography Tours

How to Get to Tianchi from Urumqi

By a private car or take a taxi is the most convenient way for you. The drive takes about 1.5 hours via the Wuxin Expressway (Wufu Expressway). Drivers can take you directly to the Visitor Center at the foot of the mountain.

Also, by a tour bus from Urumqi is also wise choice. you can purchase bus tickets from Urumqi High-Speed Rail Bus Station to Tianchi round trip on the “Tianshan Travel” (天山行) WeChat public account. The ticket price is CNY 60 per person, with four departures daily at 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, and 11:00.

Tianchi Weather & Best Time to Visit

The Tianchi weather varies dramatically by different season.

Summer (June to August) is the peak season for Tianshan Tianchi. The weather is mild, the meadows are green, and wildflowers bloom. It is the best time for your Xinjiang tour.

Besides, autumn (September to October) is argued this is the best time by many photographers. The birch and larch forests turn gold, creating a stunning contrast with the blue lake and white snow caps.

>> Learn more about Urumqi Weather

Travel Tips for Visiting Heavenly Lake

>> Learn more about Urumqi Travel Tips

Explore Urumqi’s Wonders with Easy Tour China

Heavenly Lake is just the beginning of the wonders waiting for you in Xinjiang. After your lake tour, with Easy Tour China, let’s return to Urumqi to explore the bustling Erdaoqiao Market or the The Museum of Xinjiang, which houses the famous Loulan Beauty mummies. Here are some recommended Xinjiang itineraries.