The first stop for family trips in Northern Xinjiang: Tianshan Tianchi 2-hour easy itinerary for kids on sunny days

Tianshan Tianchi is the perfect first stop for family trips in Northern Xinjiang! It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Urumqi. On sunny days, Tianchi is breathtakingly beautiful, with crystal-clear blue water and snow-capped mountains. You can easily explore it with kids in 2 hours without much effort, letting them experience the grandeur of nature~ Although there are many complaints online, the actual experience with kids is fantastic. As a warm-up for the Northern Xinjiang trip, it lets kids get a first taste of Xinjiang’s stunning scenery and kick off a joyful family trip~ 🩷 Quick family play guide (easily done in 2 hours) 1️⃣ After entering the scenic area, immediately queue for the shuttle bus. The shuttle ride takes 40 minutes and stops at the Folk Culture Garden—do not get off, stay on until the final stop to save time. 2️⃣ After getting off the shuttle, no need to buy the 10 yuan electric cart ticket. Walk up the wooden plank road; in about 10 minutes, you’ll see the full view of Tianchi. On sunny days, the lake looks like a sapphire—perfect for taking family photos with a 100% chance of great shots. 3️⃣ After photographing Tianchi, choose one of two options: if you have enough time, take the cable car up the mountain for a panoramic view (suitable for older kids to experience the aerial perspective); if short on time, walk along the wooden plank road on the left side of the lake to Feilong Pond, an easy route with excellent scenery. 4️⃣ The water in Feilong Pond is blue-green, crystal clear, and comfortably warm. Let the kids play by the shore, enjoy the water view, and explain the reason behind the lake’s color—fun and educational at the same time. 5️⃣ Follow the signs from Feilong Pond to the “Shopping Mall Shuttle Bus” station. Along the way, you’ll pass a waterfall that creates rainbows on sunny days—a romantic sight for kids. The small yellow flowers by the roadside will also catch their attention. 6️⃣ You’re very likely to encounter squirrels on the way. Prepare some nuts (peeled in advance) so kids can gently feed them (safety first, no forced contact), enjoying the fun of interacting with animals. 7️⃣ After photographing the waterfall, walk about 10 minutes (a few uphill steps, low difficulty) to the shuttle bus station, queue for the return trip. The whole trip takes about 2 hours, stress-free with kids. 8️⃣ It’s not recommended to take the Tianchi boat tour; it’s expensive and the viewing angle is not as good as walking. Walking allows more freedom to enjoy the scenery. 9️⃣ At the scenic area exit, there are Xinjiang specialty fruit stalls selling fresh and sweet watermelon and Hami melon—buy some for the kids to replenish water and energy. Family tickets and transportation - Tianshan Tianchi ticket + shuttle bus: 155 RMB/person; children under 1.2 meters free; children 1.2-1.4 meters half price - Cable car (round trip): 220 RMB/person; children get discounts based on height - Electric cart: 10 RMB/person; not recommended for kids, the walking route is short and scenic Family travel tips 1. Weather choice: Be sure to go on a sunny day; cloudy weather greatly reduces the scenery’s beauty. Sunny days make the lake and snow mountains more photogenic and improve kids’ experience. 2. Clothing: The temperature difference is big in the mountains morning and evening. Dress kids in thin jackets (easy to put on and take off) and wear non-slip sports shoes; avoid sandals (wooden plank roads have gaps). 3. Items to bring: Plenty of hot water (cold water is common on the mountain), snacks (cookies, fruit, etc.), sunscreen, hat, tissues, wet wipes, and some small change. 4. Safety tips: Hold kids’ hands on wooden plank roads and steps to avoid running and playing; keep away from the water edge near Feilong Pond to prevent accidents. 5. Time planning: It’s best to enter the scenic area before 10 a.m. when it’s less crowded, the light is soft, and photo and play experiences are better. Accommodation guide Recommended stay at Xinjiang Tianshan Tianchi Homestay · Shanshuijian, located near the scenic area. It features Chinese-style decor, a quiet environment, family rooms, and a children’s play area, allowing kids to relax fully after playing. The hotel also offers Xinjiang specialty breakfast to start the day energized.