Tianchi Lake (天池), or “Heavenly Lake,” is one of Xinjiang’s most famous natural attractions. Located 110 km east of Ürümqi, this alpine lake sits at 1,980 meters elevation, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and spruce forests.
The lake has a mythical reputation. According to legend, it’s the mirror of the Queen Mother of the West (西王母), a powerful goddess in Chinese mythology. Whether you believe the legend or not, the lake is undeniably beautiful – especially on a calm day when the water reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror.
I’ve visited Tianchi twice – once on a cloudy day (still beautiful) and once on a sunny day (absolutely magical). If you’re flying into Ürümqi, Tianchi makes for an easy day trip.
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Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|——|———|
| Elevation | 1,980 meters |
| Lake area | 4.9 km² |
| Best months | June-September |
| Entrance fee | ¥125 (April-October), ¥60 (November-March) |
| Opening hours | 9:00-19:30 (summer), 10:00-18:00 (winter) |
| Nearest city | Ürümqi (110 km, 1.5 hours) |
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How to Get to Tianchi Lake
Option 1: Day Tour from Ürümqi (Easiest)
Most hotels in Ürümqi can arrange a day tour to Tianchi.
– Cost: ¥200-400 per person (including transport and guide)
– Duration: Full day (8:00-18:00)
– Pros: Hassle-free, includes guide
– Cons: Less flexible, touristy
Option 2: Public Bus (Budget)
– Take bus from Ürümqi Nanshan Bus Station to Fukang City (1.5 hours, ¥15)
– Transfer to bus to Tianchi Scenic Area (1 hour, ¥10)
– Total cost: ¥25 one way
– Pros: Cheap
– Cons: Time-consuming, limited schedule
Option 3: Rent a Car or Hire a Driver (Recommended)
– Drive from Ürümqi: 1.5 hours via G216 highway
– Car rental: ¥200-400/day
– Private driver: ¥500-800/day (including waiting time)
– Pros: Flexible, comfortable
– Cons: More expensive
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Best Time to Visit
June-September: Best Weather
The lake is accessible and the weather is pleasant (15-25°C during the day). July-August are the warmest months, but also the most crowded.
October-November: Autumn Colors
The spruce forests turn golden. Fewer tourists, but it can be cold (5-15°C).
December-March: Winter Wonderland
The lake sometimes freezes over. Snow covers the surrounding mountains. Beautiful but very cold (-10 to -20°C). Some facilities may be closed.
April-May: Spring
The snow melts, wildflowers start blooming. Weather is unpredictable (can be warm or cold). Fewer tourists.
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Top Things to Do
1. Walk Around the Lake (2-3 Hours)
A well-maintained trail circles the lake (about 8 km). You can walk the entire loop or just do a portion.
Highlights:
– East shore: Best views of the lake with Bogda Peak in the background
– West shore: Quieter, more forested
– South end: Where the lake meets the mountain stream
Difficulty: Easy
Best time: Morning (fewer tourists, better light for photos)
2. Boat Ride (¥80-120/person)
Several boats operate on the lake. It’s a great way to see the lake from a different perspective.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Best for: People who don’t want to walk, photography
3. Hike to Maya Mountain (Half Day)
For a better view of the lake, hike up Maya Mountain (马牙山). The hike takes about 2-3 hours round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate (some steep sections)
Elevation gain: About 400 meters
Best for: Hikers, photographers
4. Visit the Queen Mother Temple (1 Hour)
A small temple on the west shore of the lake, dedicated to the Queen Mother of the West. It’s more of a cultural stop than a religious site.
Entrance fee: Free (included in park ticket)
What to see: Statues, murals, legend exhibits
5. Photography
Tianchi is one of the most photogenic spots in Xinjiang. Best photo spots:
– Lakefront on the east shore – classic view with Bogda Peak
– Boat pier – colorful boats against blue water
– Spruce forest – moody, atmospheric
– Sunrise/Sunset – the light on the mountains is magical
Pro tip: Bring a polarizing filter to cut the glare on the water.
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Where to Eat
Food options inside the scenic area are limited and overpriced. Most visitors bring their own food.
Inside the Scenic Area
– Lakefront restaurants: Chinese and Uyghur dishes, ¥60-120 per person
– Snack stands: Instant noodles, grilled corn, ice cream – ¥10-30
– Bring your own: Recommended (picnic by the lake)
In Fukang City (on the way)
– Uyghur restaurants: Laghman, mutton skewers – ¥30-60 per person
– Chinese restaurants: Various cuisines – ¥40-80 per person
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Where to Stay
Most visitors visit Tianchi as a day trip from Ürümqi. But if you want to stay overnight:
Inside the Scenic Area
Tianchi Hotel – Basic hotel with lake views.
– Price: ¥400-800/night
– Facilities: Simple but clean, restaurant, hot water
– Book: Ctrip or at the entrance
In Fukang City (30 minutes away)
Fukang Hotels – Several mid-range hotels.
– Price: ¥200-500/night
– Facilities: Modern amenities
– Book: Ctrip, Booking.com
In Ürümqi (1.5 hours away)
Stay in Ürümqi and visit Tianchi as a day trip. See our Where to Stay in Xinjiang guide.
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Practical Tips
What to Pack
– Layers – Temperature swings 10-15°C between day and night
– Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – UV is intense at 2,000m
– Comfortable walking shoes – The lake trail is paved but can be slippery
– Water and snacks – Food inside is expensive
– Camera – You’ll take a lot of photos
Money
– Entrance fee: ¥125 (April-October)
– Shuttle bus: ¥60 (included in some tickets, check when buying)
– Boat ride: ¥80-120
– Lunch: ¥60-120 per person
Payment: Cash and mobile pay (Alipay/WeChat) are accepted.
Best Time of Day to Visit
– Arrive by 9:00 AM – Avoid tour groups, better light for photos
– Avoid weekends – Especially in July-August
– Avoid Chinese holidays – The lake will be packed
Altitude Sickness
At 1,980m, altitude sickness is rare. But if you’re sensitive, take it easy on the hike to Maya Mountain.
Weather
– Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer – bring a rain jacket
– Strong wind can make the lake choppy – not good for boat rides
– Check weather forecast before visiting
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Nearby Attractions
1. Ürümqi City (110 km, 1.5 hours)
The capital of Xinjiang. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, Grand Bazaar, and Hongshan Park.
2. Nanshan Pasture (60 km from Ürümqi)
A grassland area south of Ürümqi. Less famous than Nalati but closer to the city.
3. Fukang City (30 km from Tianchi)
A small city on the way to Tianchi. Not a tourist destination, but has good restaurants and hotels.
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Sample Itinerary: Day Trip from Ürümqi
8:00-9:30
Drive from Ürümqi to Tianchi (1.5 hours)
9:30-12:30
Walk around the lake (east shore to south end)
12:30-13:30
Lunch at lakefront restaurant or picnic
13:30-15:00
Boat ride or hike to Maya Mountain
15:00-16:00
Visit Queen Mother Temple, relax by the lake
16:00-17:30
Drive back to Ürümqi
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Final Thoughts
Tianchi Lake is a must-visit if you’re in Ürümqi. It’s not as wild as Kanas Lake or as remote as Sayram Lake, but it’s easily accessible and undeniably beautiful. Come on a weekday, arrive early, and take your time walking around the lake. And if the weather is bad – come back another day. The lake needs sunshine to show its true colors.
More Xinjiang travel guides:
– Kanas Lake Travel Guide
– Sayram Lake Travel Guide
– What to Pack for Xinjiang Travel