Tianshan Tianchi (“Heavenly Mountain” and “Heavenly Lake”) National Park

When it comes to Xinjiang, do you think of big plate chicken or fragrant roasted naan bread first? In addition to these local specialties, there are also scenic spots that have not been overly commercialized. If you missed the spring season when flowers bloom in Xinjiang, then take advantage of the season from August to October when fruits and melons are fragrant and bring your friends who are on summer vacation to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Xinjiang. This article will list the top ten must-visit attractions in Xinjiang for you to see which one attracts you the most. 1. Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains is a national scenic area located on the lower slopes of Bogda Peak in Xinjiang. It is a 5A national scenic spot with an area of 160 square kilometers and four complete vertical natural landscape belts. It is famous for the myth of the Queen Mother of the West and is one of the top ten world natural heritage sites in China. It is composed of main attractions such as Xiaotianchi, Dengganshan, and Shixia. 2. Narat Tourist Scenic Area in Yili Naraty Scenic Area is one of the famous scenic spots in Xinjiang with an area of 960 square kilometers, located in the eastern part of the Ili River Valley. It consists of alpine grasslands, Kazakh folk customs, and tourist living areas, and has popular attractions such as the summer pasture and the Wantian Cave. The nationally renowned Duku Highway includes the section from Naraty to Dushanzi. 3. Koktokay Scenic Area in Fuyun, Altay Region This national geological park, which was approved as a national 5A-level tourist attraction in 2012, covers a total area of 788 square kilometers. It is composed of the first-class Muttahida and Karasangir earthquake fault zones, the Kekesuli and Erqis Grand Canyons, and is a large-scale tourist attraction that perfectly combines geological culture and ethnic customs. 4. Kanas Lake Scenic Area Kanas Lake, located in the Altay region, is a national geological park with the reputation of "God's Garden" and is one of the top ten lakes in China. It is also the deepest lake in China, with a maximum depth of 188.5 meters and a highest elevation of 1181.5 meters. It combines natural landscapes, historical and cultural relics, and unique folk customs in one ice-dammed lake. 5. Grape Valley Scenic Area Grape Gully Scenic Area is located in the Flame Mountain, famous for Journey to the West. It was officially approved as a national 5A tourism scenic spot from 2 to 7 years ago. The grape vineyards in the scenic area are connected together, making it feel like being in a green ocean. Various fruit trees are dotted around, and unique farmhouses are hidden under the shade of trees. In the summer, it is a paradise for avoiding the heat in the hot zone. 6. Zepu Jinhu Yang Scenic Area Located deep in the Gobi Desert in Zepu County, Xinjiang, this national forest park sits on the edge of the Yarkant River alluvial fan and boasts over 18,000 acres of natural poplar forests. The unique natural landscape, which combines poplar trees, water, desert and oasis, showcases a natural painting unique to the borderlands of the frontier to visitors. 7. Tianshan Grand Canyon Tianshan Grand Canyon is a national forest park located in Urumqi County, with a scenic area of 1038 square kilometers. It consists of several scenic spots such as Tianshan Dam, Zhaobi Mountain, Gasdaban, Swan Lake, and Snow Mountain Glacier. Among them, the unique pine trees, strange rocks, and sea of clouds are the most popular features among tourists. Visitors can also enjoy the most valuable view of the original snow ridge spruce forest on the north slope of Tianshan. 8. Lake Sairimu This is a national scenic spot located in the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang. It is one of the 100 magical northwest landscapes, consisting of six functional areas: grassland nomadic area, lake scenic area, ecological landscape conservation area, rare bird habitat, and more. It is known as the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean". 9. Lake Bosomtwe Bosten Lake is the largest inland freshwater lake in China, located in Bohu County, Xinjiang. As early as the "Western Regions" section of the "Book of Han", this national 5A-level tourist attraction with natural lake scenery as its feature can be seen. Due to the abundant sunlight and heat, it is rich in freshwater fish and has become the largest fishery production base in the province. 10. Kumtag Desert Scenic Area This national key scenic spot with a total area of 2500 square kilometers is known throughout the country for its well-defined sand dunes and diverse wind and sand landforms, offering a zero-distance encounter with the desert in the city. Located at the southern end of Laocheng in Shanshan, Xinjiang, visitors here can enjoy the magnificent and spectacular golden desert scenery.

Tianshan Heavenly Lake: A national 5A-level scenic spot, located in Changji, Xinjiang; The Heavenly Lake, formerly known as 'Yaochi', is said to be the residence of the Queen Mother of the West; The Heavenly Lake is located halfway up the Bogda Peak, it is a national scenic spot in China, and is recognized by the United Nations as a 'World Natural Heritage'. The Heavenly Lake in winter is frozen for thousands of miles, with a thick layer of ice on the lake surface, and the mountains are also covered with snow. Cedar, mountains, blue sky, white clouds, compose a beautiful picture scroll.

Tianchi Lake of Tianshan is located on the hillside under Bogda Peak in Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national scenic area and a national 5A-level tourist attraction in China. Looking up, you see the snowy mountains, and at your feet lies Tianchi Lake. Centered around Tianchi Lake, it extends from Shimen in the north to the snow line in the south, reaches Mayashan in the west, and Dadaogou in the east, featuring a complete set of four vertical natural landscape belts. The Bogda Peak of Tianshan has an elevation of 5445 meters, covered with snow all year round, while Tianchi Lake is located on the mountainside of Bogda Peak with a surface elevation of 1928 meters, hence the lakeside is surrounded by dense forests and lush green grass. Every viewing platform on Mayashan is picturesque, and the scenery along the way is beautiful! The feeling of being surrounded by snowy mountains and forests is too beautiful, and from the top of the mountain, you can also see the entire Tianchi Lake, which is blue. Tianchi Lake of Tianshan is the sapphire on the Tianshan mountain range, one of the three major Tianchi lakes in China. The beauty of Xinjiang's Tianchi is suitable for all seasons, and it can present different charms whether in spring, summer, autumn, or winter. Its beauty is like an eternal mystery, constantly drawing people to explore.

A paradise lost in the mortal world – the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan ||| It is said that this place is the Jade Pool where the Queen Mother of the West resided—"A wonderland so unique, not found anywhere else in heaven or on earth." Throughout history, scholars and poets have sung praises in their writings. "Eight steeds travel thirty thousand miles a day, why does King Mu not return?" This is a poem left by the great Tang Dynasty poet Li Shangyin; "A pool of thick ink at the bottom of the inkstone, thousands of trees like fine brush tips," this is a famous line composed by Guo Moruo while accompanying Prince Sihanouk on a visit to the Heavenly Lake in the early 1970s. Meeting for the first time does not disappoint, with a heart as calm as water, escaping the hustle and bustle, in this life, I would not exchange.

| If you haven't been here, you've missed out! | Finally, my passion for flower viewing has awakened! Tianshan Tianchi Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area belongs to Fukang City of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, and is not located in Urumqi. It takes just over an hour to drive there smoothly. The moment I saw Tianchi against the backdrop of the Tianshan Mountains, the crystal-clear and boundless sky, the rippling lake surface, and the snow-capped peaks reflecting each other took my breath away. Taking a boat to see different scenery is definitely worth it, it's quite magical, and it's rare to have the grandeur of the north and the elegance of the south blend together in one photo. In the end, I still went to Urumqi to have a Uyghur meal, and the salty milk tea is really the favorite of those who can't tolerate sweetness~! The restaurant's decor is also brightly retro, and any casual snapshot is full of character~ Personally, I think it might be more fun to visit when it's a bit hotter~! Tianshan Tianchi Hongshan New Century Shopping Plaza Changji City·Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture

🌟【Ili 3-Day Travel Guide】✨ Let me introduce you to the beauty of Ili!💖 Hey, dear friends! Today I'm going to share a super heartfelt guide for a three-day and two-night trip to Ili!🎉 Want to visit a place with a strong Northwestern vibe but don't know where to choose? Then quickly follow my lead, and let's enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ili together!🌄 Day1️⃣: Starting the Ili Journey 😍 First, we arrive at the main city of the Ili region—Yining City. It has unique natural scenery and a rich cultural history that will definitely make you linger and forget to return!✨ I recommend visiting the Ili Museum first to understand the rich cultural heritage of this land and feel the sediment of history.🏛️ Then, head to the beautiful Poplar Forest, where the ginkgo trees are a perfect photography spot. Be sure to capture a wonderful photo of yourself with the golden ginkgo trees!📸 Day2️⃣: Experience the Charm of Nature 🐎 In the morning, we set off on a journey to explore the magical desert! The first stop is the Taklamakan Desert, where we can fully experience the thrill of sand sliding and the spectacular dunes!🏜️ Next, we come to the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, a natural lake that is refreshing and heartwarming, with fresh air and blue waters, it's simply a paradise on earth.🌊 Finally, don't forget to taste the local specialties, such as hand-grabbed mutton, beef noodles, and more that you shouldn't miss!🍲 Day3️⃣: Deeply Experience Ili Culture 💃 In the morning, we come to the local market in Yining City, stroll through the traditional folk market, taste the local lifestyle, and feel the strong ethnic cultural atmosphere.🛍️ Next, we visit a melon base to personally pick fresh melons and taste the sweetness of the land!🍈 Lastly, we go to a pleasant park square, dance to the wonderful music, and feel the enthusiasm and generosity of the people of Ili!💃 This is the three-day Ili travel guide I've prepared for you! I hope it brings you a unique travel experience!💫 Quickly tap👆 to follow me for more exciting travel guides and food recommendations!🌈 Remember to leave your expectations and thoughts about Ili in the comments section! See you next time!💋

We made it! After a couple of hours of trekking through snow, over frosty paths and by frozen waterfalls, we made it to the top to see the Heavenly Lake and boy...was it worth it. ⠀ ⠀ The view of this lake was simply stunning. With melted snow as it’s source of water, the lake sits in the middle of Bogda Peak on Tianshan Mountain.⠀⠀ ⠀ 📍Heavenly Lake, Urumqi, Xinjiang Province, China.⠀ #leaveyourmark

✈️Flying over 2700 kilometers, finally came to the winter of Xinjiang, the scene in front of me is shocking: 🌞The clear sky reflects the deep blue lake water, the snowy forest🌲 and the beautiful sunset sunset, the sun shines on the golden mountain🏔️, the sun and the moon shine together🌙, everything looks so romantic and magnificent. 【Travel Guide】 ✡️After the scenic area shuttle bus arrives at the scenic area, you can see Tianchi after walking about 800 meters. It is recommended that everyone must walk over. On the way, I found a small forest covered with heavy snow on the side, which is super out of the picture, undisturbed and free to shoot, and friends who are traveling together can have a hearty snowball fight☃️ when they come back. Also, it's nice to take pictures on the curved road and the cedar forest next to it. ✅After everyone sees Tianchi, it is recommended to start shooting from above, and then to the viewing platform below. When you are tired, you can take a boat to the opposite side of the lake for 100 yuan. Going up on the opposite side is the Temple of the West Queen Mother, or you can walk for about an hour. ✳️You can see the beautiful scenery of the sun shining on the golden mountain at the viewing platform. The snow-capped mountains by the lake are very pure, everything is so romantic, beautiful and shocking, and the sunset near the road ditch on the way back is also very unique. 【Location + Transportation】 📍Navigate from Urumqi to the parking lot of Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, 70-80 kilometers, about 1 hour, free parking. 🎫Walk a few steps to the ticket hall, you can use your ID card to buy tickets at the self-service machine, the ticket + section car (must buy) is a total of 105 yuan. 🚎Take the section car for about 40 minutes, now it is winter play time until 6:30 (🚨be sure to catch the last section car back). 🌟If you only have half a day, you can rush to it with confidence, not far from the city, just calculate the time, it is colder in winter and not suitable for playing for too long. 【Clothing Equipment】 🧥The temperature in Tianshan Tianchi in winter is relatively low, it is recommended to wear cold-proof and warm clothing down jackets, sweaters, plus velvet warm underwear, gloves, snow boots, warm babies, etc. ✨In addition, it is necessary to bring some food if you play for a long time. 📲The weather on the mountain is cold and the phone loses power very quickly, so you must bring a power bank. 🏔️In general, the winter scenery of Tianshan Tianchi in Xinjiang is so beautiful and shocking, but at the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to keeping war

In Northern Xinjiang, you can appreciate the scenery, while in Southern Xinjiang, you can explore the culture. Northern Xinjiang boasts forests, grasslands, and lakes~, especially the grasslands of Yili----Nalati, Qiaxi, Qiongkushitai, Sayram Lake, and the Hemu and Kanas areas of Altay. 10-Day Grand Northern Xinjiang Tour Day 1: Departure place - Urumqi Stay: Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - Tianchi - Buerjin Stay: Buerjin County Day 3: Buerjin - Kanas Stay: Kanas Scenic Area Day 4: Kanas - Hemu Stay: Hemu Scenic Area Day 5: Hemu - Multicolored Beach - Devil City - Wuerhe Stay: Wuerhe Day 6: Wuerhe - Sayram Lake - Yining Stay: Yining City Day 7: Yining - Nalati Stay: Nalati Town Day 8: Nalati - Bayanbulak Stay: Bayanbulak Town Day 9: Bayanbulak - Duku Highway - Urumqi Stay: Urumqi Day 10: Urumqi - Departure place ✅ Purely fun small group, convenient and free travel, everyone is taken care of ✅ Selected hotels + local drivers + brand new vehicles, butler-style service. ✅ Reasonably planned routes, ample time for sightseeing, and an in-depth experience of the Northern Xinjiang landscape. ✅ Vehicles within 5 years, business/SUV/various models available

Heavenly Lake of Xinjiang is located on the hillside of Bogda Peak in Fukang County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, about 110 kilometers away from Urumqi City, with an altitude of 1980 meters. It is a unique natural alpine lake. The lake surface is in a beautiful crescent shape, with a length of 3400 meters, the widest part is about 1500 meters, the total area reaches 4.9 square kilometers, and the deepest part reaches about 105 meters. The lake water is clear and transparent, shining with a crystal-like luster. Surrounded by majestic peaks, the snow-capped peaks shimmer in the sunlight. The green grass at the foot of the mountain, the water birds on the lake, and the reflected snow mountains form a peaceful and beautiful picture. Known as the 'Pearl of Tianshan', it not only attracts countless tourists, but is also a leisure resort for local residents and citizens of Urumqi. On the southeast side of the Heavenly Lake is the majestic main peak of Bogda, with an altitude of 5445 meters. There are two peaks connected to the main peak on the left and right, and the scene of the three peaks rising together is like a pen holder standing between the sky and the earth. The glaciers and snow on the top of the peak shimmer with silver light, reflecting the clear lake water of the Heavenly Lake, forming a beautiful scene of high mountains and flat lakes. Heavenly Lake of Xinjiang is not only a beautiful natural landscape, but also a precious natural resource treasure. Around the Heavenly Lake, there are rich animal and plant resources, including rare wild plants and animals such as snow lotus and snow chicken. In the forest, there are pine trees, codonopsis, astragalus, fritillaria and other plants growing, adding vitality to this land. In the mountains, there are activities of rare birds and animals, bringing vitality to this natural environment. In addition, there are rich fishery resources and water resources in the Heavenly Lake of Xinjiang, providing abundant production and living resources for the local people. There are a large number of fish and water birds in the lake area of the Heavenly Lake, which are important economic and ecological resources for local residents and citizens of Urumqi. There are also rich natural landscapes and cultural resources around the Heavenly Lake. It is one of the important nodes of the Silk Road and was an important channel for trade and cultural exchanges between China and the West in history. In today's Heavenly Lake scenic area, tourists can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Bogda Peak and the surrounding natural scenery, and can also visit local folk culture and historical relics. In general, Heavenly Lake of Xinjiang is a tourist attraction that integrates natural beauty, natural resources, and historical culture. Not only does it have beautiful natural landscapes and magnificent scenery of alpine lakes, but it also has rich animal and plant resources and natural cultural heritage. Heavenly Lake of Xinjiang has become a summer resort for Chinese and foreign tourists and a high-altitude skating rink in winter, attracting more and more tourists to visit and travel.

I. Pre-departure Information Climate Change: Xinjiang is vast and has diverse climates. You may experience all four seasons in one day. Therefore, check the weather forecast before you travel and take measures to protect against sun, cold, and rain. Transportation: The main modes of transportation in Xinjiang are by road and rail. Some areas have poor transportation, especially in remote areas of southern and eastern Xinjiang. It is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive or charter a car to better cope with complex road conditions. Language and Culture: Xinjiang is a place where many ethnic groups live together. Different regions and ethnic groups have different languages and cultural customs. During the trip, respect local customs and religious beliefs. Safety Issues: Xinjiang has a good public security situation, but you still need to stay alert. During the trip, pay attention to personal and property safety, and do not carry a large amount of cash and valuables. II. Accommodation Recommendations Urumqi: Choose hotels with convenient transportation, such as the "Xinjiang Grand Hotel" or "Hilton Hotel Urumqi" in the city center. Hemu Village: Choose characteristic homestays in the scenic area to better experience the local customs. Nalati Town: You can choose hotels or homestays in the scenic area, which are relatively expensive but have a beautiful environment. Yining and Qingshui River: There are many choices for urban accommodation, and the prices are relatively affordable. III. Recommended Tour Routes Northern Xinjiang Loop: Pass through famous attractions in northern Xinjiang such as Urumqi, Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas Lake, and Hemu Village. Southern Xinjiang Loop: Pass through famous attractions in southern Xinjiang such as Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Hotan, and Korla. Eastern Xinjiang Route: Pass through famous attractions in eastern Xinjiang such as Turpan, Hami, and Shanshan. Ili River Valley Route: Pass through famous attractions in the Ili River Valley area such as Yining and Horgos. IV. Must-Visit Attractions Wulong Lake: The lake is clear and the lakeside scenery is beautiful, making it a good place for photography. Five-Color Beach: Rocks of different geological structures are intertwined, forming a colorful spectacle, which is very spectacular. Hemu Village: The original Tuvan village, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, is a good place to experience the local customs of Xinjiang. Kanas Lake: The lake and mountains reflect each other, making people linger. Devil City: The peculiar landform is amazing. Sailimu Lake: The lake is as green as jade, and it is one of the largest alpine lakes in Xinjiang. Guozigou Bridge: The extra-large bridge spanning the canyon is spectacular. Qiongkushitai Village: The original Kazakh village, with beautiful scenery, is a good place to experience the natural scenery of Xinjiang. Nalati Sky Prairie: The vast prairie with a wide view is a good place to experience the grassland style of Xinjiang. Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery: The picturesque canyon area is a good place to experience the beauty of Xinjiang's mountains and rivers. V. Precautions The road conditions are complex and changeable. Self-driving tours need to be familiar with local road conditions and driving skills; if you charter or carpool, you need to communicate with the driver about the itinerary and precautions. The daylight hours in Xinjiang are long, and the ultraviolet rays are strong in summer. You need to take sun protection measures before you travel. At the same time, pay attention to food hygiene and safety.

The night before, I arrived in Urumqi by plane✈️. Because it was quite late, I took a taxi to the Huazhu VIP Hotel I had booked in advance, Urumqi Youhao Mingyuan Hotel. I think it's quite convenient to live here. There are provincial museums and art galleries a few hundred meters away, and it's not too far to take a taxi to the Urumqi City Museum, a few kilometers away, no more than half an hour. There are also many delicious foods around. I booked a one-day tour package of Tianshan Tianchi on Ctrip in advance, and then the driver will call you the night before to communicate the time. The working time in Urumqi is generally 10 am, so there is no need to get up too early. Although I didn't know that the alarm clock I set was more than eight o'clock, it was still dark when I got up haha. Then it takes about an hour to get to the scenic spot, and I agreed with the master about the time to go down the mountain and then took the scenic area bus into the scenic area. There is also a teacher who explains along the way. The journey takes about half an hour, and it doesn't feel boring. Along the way, you can see that the plants are slightly different with the altitude. There is also a small Tianchi. Those who like to climb need to buy a cable car ticket separately, and it takes about 10 minutes to walk from the drop-off point to the cable car station. Those who don't want to walk can take a shuttle bus. You will see the Tianchi scenic spot first, but it is best to go to Tianshan first because it takes a long time, and there is a saying that you don't go back. Due to the winter, there is snow on the mountain, so only the second viewing platform is open, which is almost close to an altitude of more than two thousand meters. The scenery is also very beautiful and spectacular. There are food and water at the cable car station, and snacks can be sold to tourists, so you don't have to worry about being thirsty or hungry, just bring enough money haha.