Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area is located within Fuhai City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is 37 kilometers away from the urban area of Fuhai City and 97 kilometers away from Urumqi City. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The planned area of the scenic area is 548 square kilometers, and the core scenic area covers an area of 158 square kilometers. It is a natural scenic area centered around a high mountain lake.
The scenic area centers around Tianchi Lake. The snow-capped peaks are reflected in the water, surrounded by spruces. The clear blue water is like a mirror, and the scenery is picturesque. It has natural landscapes such as high mountain lakes, snowy mountains and glaciers, forested grasslands, and Gobi deserts. It combines the grandeur of Mount Tai, the beauty of Mount Heng, the tranquility of Mount Emei, and the steepness of Mount Hua. The scenic area is rich in vegetation, with various trees such as spruces on the snowy ridges and larch trees. It is also a habitat for many wild animals, such as snow leopards and argali sheep. In addition, there are several sub-scenic spots in the scenic area, including the West Small Tianchi Lake and the East Small Tianchi Lake, as well as unique landscapes like the "Magic Needle Stabilizing the Sea."
Historical Culture
The historical culture of Tianchi Lake on Tian Mountain has a long history. As early as in "The Biography of King Mu of Zhou," there is a record of King Mu of Zhou's westward tour to Kunlun and his meeting with the Queen Mother of the West. Tianchi Lake is considered to be the "Jade Pool" of the Queen Mother of the West. There are many legends and cultural relics related to the Queen Mother of the West preserved here, adding a mysterious color to the scenic area.
In ancient times, Tianchi Lake on Tian Mountain was an important religious and cultural activity place in Xinjiang. During the Tang Dynasty, Taoism began to spread around Tianchi Lake. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Buddhism also developed here, leaving behind ancient architectural relics such as the Iron Tile Temple. These religious cultures blended with the local nomadic culture, forming a unique cultural atmosphere.
Since modern times, Tianchi Lake on Tian Mountain has gradually become a famous tourist destination. In 1982, the Scenic and Historic Interest Area of Tianchi Lake on Tian Mountain was approved by the State Council as one of the first batch of national key scenic and historic interest areas, further promoting the spread of its culture and the development of the tourism industry.
Main Scenic Spots
Tianchi Lake on Tian Mountain
Tianchi Lake on Tian Mountain is in the shape of a half-moon. It is 3,400 meters long, about 1,500 meters wide at its widest point, and reaches a maximum depth of 103 meters, with an altitude of 1,980 meters. The lake water is clear and as translucent as jade. Surrounded by mountains, the lakeside is covered with green grass and blooming wildflowers. It enjoys the great reputation of the "Pearl of Tian Mountain." Spruces surround the lakeside, and the snow-capped peaks reflect in the water, which is very spectacular.
West Small Tianchi Lake
The West Small Tianchi Lake, also known as Yunu Lake, is located about two kilometers northwest of Tianchi Lake. The lake is in the shape of a full moon, with clear and deep water. Spruces surround the lake. A waterfall cascades down, like a white silk hanging in the air, forming an interesting contrast with Tianchi Lake.
East Small Tianchi Lake
The East Small Tianchi Lake, commonly known as Heilongtan Lake, is located 2.5 kilometers northeast of Tianchi Lake. Below the lake is a sheer cliff hundreds of feet high. A waterfall rushes down, just like a rainbow descending from the sky. The drop is about 100 meters, and it is known as the "Hanging Spring and Flying Waterfall."
Mayashan Mountain
Mayashan Mountain is located 4.5 kilometers southwest of Tianchi Lake, at an altitude of about 3,000 meters. The cliffs at the top of the mountain are towering, and huge rocks stand in clusters, resembling a row of huge horse teeth, hence the name. Standing on Mayashan Mountain, you can overlook the entire view of Tianchi Lake and Bogda Peak, and the scenery is magnificent.
Magic Needle Stabilizing the Sea
The Magic Needle Stabilizing the Sea is a lush and leafy ancient elm tree by the lakeside of Tianchi Lake. According to legend, it was transformed from the hairpin of the Queen Mother of the West. This ancient elm tree is about 15 meters high and has an age of over 300 years. No matter how the lake water rises or falls, it never floods the roots of the tree, which can be called a great wonder.
Delicacies
Big Plate Chicken
Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken is a classic local delicacy. It is made by cutting a whole chicken into pieces and cooking it with ingredients such as potatoes, green peppers, and wide noodles. The chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft and waxy, and the wide noodles soak up the soup, with a chewy texture. The portion is substantial. Generally, one serving of Big Plate Chicken can serve 3 to 4 people, and the price is around 80 to 120 yuan.
Handheld Mutton
Handheld mutton is made from fresh mutton, simply cooked to retain its original flavor. When eating, you directly pick it up with your hands. The meat is tender and not greasy. It is usually served with onions and dipping sauce. The price per kilogram is between 120 and 150 yuan.
Nang (Xinjiang Traditional Flatbread)
Nang is a traditional Xinjiang pasta. It has various flavors, such as sesame nang and onion nang. The nang is round, with a crispy and fragrant taste. It is easy to carry and store, and the price is affordable. An ordinary nang costs 3 to 5 yuan each.
Baked Buns
Baked buns are filled with mutton dices, onions, etc. They are wrapped into a square shape with dough and baked in a nang pit. The outer skin is golden and crispy, and the filling is tender and juicy. Each bun is sold at about 5 to 8 yuan.
Milk Tea
Xinjiang milk tea is generally brewed with brick tea and mixed with milk, salt, etc. It has a rich and mellow taste, with a strong milk fragrance and tea aroma. It can quench thirst and satisfy hunger. The price of a bowl of milk tea is between 8 and 15 yuan.
Tickets
Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): 95 yuan
Off-season (November 1 - March 31 of the following year): 45 yuan
Scenic Area Shuttle Bus (Round Trip): 60 yuan
Scenic Area Battery Car (One Way): 10 yuan
Scenic Area Cruise (Route 1): 40 yuan
Scenic Area Cruise (Route 2): 100 yuan
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "天山天池之窗", to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): 08:00 - 19:00
Off-season (November 1 - March 31 of the following year): 09:30 - 19:00
You can get the latest updates on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Classic One-day Tour Route: After entering the scenic area, tourists take the shuttle bus to reach the lakeside of Tianchi Lake. Walk along the lakeside path to enjoy the panoramic view of Tianchi Lake and the surrounding snowy mountain scenery. Then visit the Magic Needle Stabilizing the Sea scenic spot. Next, you can choose to take the cable car or hike up Mayashan Mountain to overlook Tianchi Lake and Bogda Peak. After going down the mountain, go to the East Small Tianchi Lake to admire the "Hanging Spring and Flying Waterfall" landscape. Finally, go to the West Small Tianchi Lake to feel its serene beauty, and then take the shuttle bus back to the scenic area gate.
In-depth Two-day Tour Route: Follow the one-day tour route to visit the main scenic spots on the first day. On the second day, you can go to areas such as Baiyanggou around the scenic area to experience the grassland scenery and the folk culture of the Kazakh ethnic group and feel the local customs.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Urumqi City, take the Turpan-Urumqi-Dahuangshan Expressway, get off at the Fuhai exit, and then follow the signs to the scenic area. The whole journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The scenic area has a large parking lot, and the parking fee is 10 to 20 yuan per day.
- Tourist Special Line Bus: There are tourist special line buses to the Scenic and Historic Interest Area of Tianchi Lake on Tian Mountain at places such as People's Park and Hongshan Hotel in Urumqi City. They depart around 8:00 - 10:00 every day. The one-way ticket price is about 35 yuan, and the journey takes about 2 hours.
- Chartered Car: You can charter a car in Urumqi urban area to go there. The charter fee varies according to the vehicle type and itinerary, generally ranging from 500 to 800 yuan per day, which is suitable for groups of people traveling together.
Must-visit Scenic Spots
- Tianchi Lake on Tian Mountain: As the core of the scenic area, it has beautiful lake and mountain scenery. The lake, snowy mountains, and forests set each other off, making it an excellent place for sightseeing and photography.
- Mayashan Mountain: With a high altitude and a broad view, it allows you to overlook the entire view of Tianchi Lake and Bogda Peak, experiencing the grandeur and magnificence of nature. Moreover, the unique stone forest landscape on the mountain top is distinctive.
- East Small Tianchi Lake: The "Hanging Spring and Flying Waterfall" is majestic. The waterfall has a drop of about 100 meters, with a roaring sound of water, and the scenery is shocking. It is a great place to feel the power of nature.
Tour Tips
- Check the ticket prices, opening hours, and weather conditions in advance through the official website or WeChat public account of the scenic area, and arrange your itinerary reasonably.
- Since the distance between some scenic spots in the scenic area is relatively far, it is recommended to take the shuttle bus or cable car to save energy and time.
- The weather in the mountain area is changeable. Even in summer, situations such as temperature drops and rainfall may occur. It is recommended to bring warm clothes and rain gear.
- The hiking route on Mayashan Mountain has a certain degree of difficulty. Tourists with poor physical strength or lacking hiking experience can choose to take the cable car.
- When tasting local delicacies, you can choose regular restaurants around the scenic area to ensure food quality and experience the authentic flavor.
Notes
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not litter or damage the vegetation and wildlife habitats.
- When playing around Tianchi Lake, do not go beyond the scope of the safety warning signs. Avoid approaching the dangerous areas by the lake to prevent falling into the water.
- When taking the shuttle bus and cable car, follow the order, listen to the arrangements of the staff, and fasten your seat belt.
- Respect the customs and habits of the local ethnic minorities and do not casually violate taboos.
- The ultraviolet rays are strong in high-altitude areas. Remember to apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a sun hat when going out, and take good sun protection measures.