Atlas of China
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan 天山天池Tiān Shān Tiānchí
An alpine lake beneath snowy Bogda Peak, a day trip from Ürümqi
- Best time
- Jun–Sep
- Time needed
- 1 day
- Days to budget
- 1 day
- Stay in
- Ürümqi
- Region
- Xinjiang
- Type
- Nature
- Listed as
- 5A scenic area
Why go to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
Lying at about 1,900 metres in the Tian Shan, Tianchi is a long, clear lake framed by dark spruce forest and the glaciated peaks of the Bogda range. Take a boat, walk the lakeshore paths or climb to a viewpoint, and look out for Kazakh herders' yurts on the summer pastures.
The story
Chinese legend makes this the Jade Pool where the Queen Mother of the West, goddess of immortality, held a banquet for King Mu of Zhou, a ruler who lived some three thousand years ago.
What to see at Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
- Stone Gate 石门一线: A narrow rock gap on the approach, one of the area's classic sights, that the road squeezes through on the way into the scenic area.
- Western Small Tianchi 西小天池: A small pool on the way up, nicknamed the Queen Mother's footbath and counted among the lake's eight classic views as 'Dragon Pool, Jade Moon'.
- Dinghai Elm 定海神针: A single old elm on the north shore, roughly two centuries old and the only elm around the lake, known as the 'sea-fixing needle' (it is a tree, not a pillar).
How to visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
Buy a real-name reservation online, then ride the park shuttle from the gate up to the lake. The classic loop takes in Western Small Tianchi on the way up, then the lake shore and the Dinghai Elm; a half-day is enough for the lake and the boardwalks. A full day lets you add a longer walk. Some lakeshore sections have been closed for repairs, so check which trails are open.
How to get to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
The scenic area is about 1.5–2 hours' drive from Ürümqi; buses run from the city to the gate, where park shuttles climb to the lake.
Where to stay
Most visitors do Tianchi as a day trip from Ürümqi; Fukang town, about 30 km away, is the nearer base if you want an early start. Look for lodging in the town rather than at the lake.
What to eat
- Lamb skewers 羊肉串: Cumin-dusted lamb grilled over charcoal, sold in Fukang and Ürümqi on the way; the lake itself has little local cooking.
- Hand-grabbed lamb 手抓肉: Boiled lamb on the bone, eaten with the hands, often served at Kazakh-style restaurants near the lake and in Fukang.
Tips for visiting Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
- Bring a warm layer; the lake is much cooler than the city.
- Walk away from the boat pier for a quieter shoreline and clearer views of Bogda.
- Keep your passport handy for tickets and checkpoints.
Trips with Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
- The Silk Road by train: Xi’an to Dunhuang, Turpan and Ürümqi 11 days · Xi'an, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan and Ürümqi
- Xinjiang: Ürümqi, Turpan, Kashgar, Karakul Lake and Kanas 11 days · Ürümqi, Turpan, Kashgar and Burqin
On the map
Open Heavenly Lake of Tianshan on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Heavenly Lake of Tianshan on the map