Don't Visit Tianshan Tianchi Lake in March Because...

Complete Guide to a Day Trip to Tianshan Tianchi Lake - A Hidden Gem in Xinjiang 🏞️ Hey friends! If you're planning a trip to Xinjiang, Tianshan Tianchi Lake is an absolute must-visit destination. Today, I'm bringing you a detailed guide for a day trip to Tianshan Tianchi Lake to make your journey perfect. ## 🚗 Transportation Guide The journey from downtown Urumqi to Tianshan Tianchi Lake Scenic Area is like embarking on an exciting adventure. It takes only 1 - 1.5 hours by car, with constantly changing scenery along the way, setting the stage for the beautiful views ahead. When you arrive, note that while parking is free, private vehicles aren't allowed inside the scenic area. You'll need to park your car in the parking lot and take the shuttle bus to start your tour. Imagine sitting on the shuttle bus, excitedly chatting with your companions about what awaits at the lake - it's like being about to unveil a mysterious veil. ## 💰 Tickets and Other Fees - **Scenic area ticket + shuttle bus**: CNY 155 per person 💸. This is your pass to this beautiful landscape and the start of your encounter with Tianchi Lake. - **Second section blue electric cart**: CNY 10 per person. You can actually walk the 800m distance - it's up to you. If you want to save energy, take the cart; if you prefer a leisurely stroll to enjoy the scenery, walking is a great choice 🚶‍♂️. - **Lake cruise**: CNY 100 per person 🛳️. Sitting on the boat, feeling the gentle breeze as you drift along, the world seems peaceful and beautiful. - **Queen Mother's Ancestral Temple**: CNY 10 per person 🏯. This temple has rich cultural heritage - entering it is like stepping into an ancient legend. - **Queen Mother Ferry**: CNY 40 per person 🛥️. Take the ferry for a different perspective of Tianchi Lake - you might discover something new. - **Mayashan Cable Car**: CNY 220 per person. Riding the cable car feels like flying, offering a bird's-eye view of Tianchi Lake's magnificent scenery. ## ⏱️ Opening Hours - **Peak season (April 1 - October 31)**: 8:00 - 19:00 ⏰. During this time, the area around the lake is lush with trees and the water is crystal clear - perfect for sightseeing. - **Off-peak season (November 1 - March 31)**: 9:30 - 19:00 ❄️. In winter, Tianchi Lake is covered in snow, like a fairy tale world with its own unique charm. ## 👏 Recommended Visit Duration Recommended visiting time is 6 - 7 hours 🕒. This gives you enough time to savor every beautiful view and experience the unique charm of Tianchi Lake. ## Visiting Order ### Parking Lot When you arrive at Tianshan Tianchi Lake Scenic Area, first park your car in the entrance parking lot. Then, with excitement, purchase your tickets and go through security. This series of steps is like a ceremony marking the official start of your Tianchi Lake journey 🚗. ### Shuttle Bus - Kazakh Folk Custom Park Take the shuttle bus to the Kazakh Folk Custom Park - the 15-minute ride is like a cultural journey through time. You can share your expectations with friends on the bus. At the folk custom park, you can fully experience Kazakh culture. Here, you can learn some simple Kazakh phrases and experience their unique linguistic charm; admire the exquisite horse culture displays and understand the ancient wisdom they contain; and see craftsmen's carefully made embroidery, each stitch filled with cultural emotion. There are also folk dance performances where the dancers' joyful steps and warm smiles will make you want to move to the rhythm. If you're brave enough, you can even try camel riding and experience that unique, leisurely sensation 🐫. ### Shuttle Bus - Tianchi Lake Continue on the shuttle bus to Tianchi Lake - the 30-minute journey is a visual feast. The vehicle travels along 5 kilometers of mountain roads, with picturesque views like a moving painting. The guide will detail the stories behind each scenic spot - try to sit on the right side for the best views. Imagine watching the mountains and waters through the window while listening to the guide's stories - it's like being in a fairyland 🏞️. ### Lakeside Upon reaching the lakeside, you have two choices. You can walk 800 meters, slowly approaching the lake and feeling the ground beneath your feet, or take the blue electric cart (CNY 10 per person) for a quick arrival. The lakeside is perfect for photos - the water sparkles in the sunlight, with distant mountains reflected in the water like a natural ink painting. You can also rent ethnic costumes here for CNY 18 per set - wearing beautiful traditional clothing and taking photos by the lake will definitely be a wonderful memory of your trip 👗. ### Must-Visit Spots - **West Queen Mother Temple**: This temple is full of mystical charm. Inside, the burning incense creates an atmosphere of ancient devotion to the Queen Mother of the West. Making wishes here is said to be especially effective - perhaps your wishes will come true. - **Sea-Calming Needle**: Be sure to touch the Sea-Calming Needle for blessings. It stands like a guardian by Tianchi Lake, witnessing the passage of time. - **Flying Dragon Pool**: The water in Flying Dragon Pool is crystal clear, surrounded by green trees, creating a captivating scene. Here, you can quietly listen to the sound of flowing water and feel nature's peace and beauty. - **Fushou Temple (Iron Tile Temple)**: Located about 700 meters from the lakeside, you can experience the profound Taoist culture here. The temple's architecture is classical and elegant, exuding a unique charm. - **Mayashan Scenic Area**: If you have the energy, climb up for a view from Mayashan Scenic Area. You can also take the mountain cable car (5 - 6 minutes to the summit) and then walk 20 - 40 minutes to reach the highest point. Standing at the peak, overlooking Bogda Snow Mountain, the breathtaking view will stay with you forever 🏔️. ## 🔔 Tips - The earlier you arrive, the fewer people there are, making for a better experience! Tianchi Lake in the early morning is peaceful and beautiful, without the crowds, allowing you to better experience its tranquility and mystery 🌞. - Sit on the right side of the shuttle bus on the way up and the left side on the return for different views. This way you won't miss any spectacular scenery from any angle 👀. - The air quality at Tianshan Tianchi Lake is excellent, rich in negative ions - remember to take deep breaths of the fresh air! Let the clean air fill your lungs and wash away the city's noise and fatigue 🍃. - While Tianshan Tianchi Lake is definitely worth visiting, weather conditions greatly affect the experience. Be sure to check the weather forecast and choose a sunny day to visit. Under the sunlight, the lake water appears more blue and the mountains clearer, creating unforgettable views 🌈. I hope this guide helps you have an unforgettable journey at Tianshan Tianchi Lake!