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Tianshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area

Location

Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China

Reasons to visit

Wonderful nature view in Urimqi

Our Ratings

Opening Hours

  • All day.

With the snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows, glaciers and deep valleys, Tianshan Mountains is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Xinjiang. Stretching over 2,500 kilometers, Tianshan Ranges form a natural barrier between the arid deserts and green northern regions of China. Tianshan Mountains are home to diverse wildlife including snow leopards, ibex and rare alpine plants.

Located in the Tianshan Mountains, Tianchi Lake is one of the most famous freshwater lakes in China. Tianchi Lake is located half way up Bogda Peak in Fukang County, 110km east of Urumqi City. As a natural alpine lake, it has an elevation of 1,980 meters. In the shape of a half moon, the lake is 3,400 meters long, about 1,500 meters wide, and 105 meters at the deepest point. With limpid water, the lake shines like a sapphire under the sun and is surrounded by green mountains. At the southeast end of the lake is the magnificent Bogda Peak, meaning “Sacred Mountain” in the Mongolian language.
 

What to See at Tianshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area

Tianchi Lake

The Tianchi Lake scenic area can be divided into four natural view belts: lower mountain belt, mountain coniferous forest belt, alpine and subalpine belt, and ice and snow belt. Riding a horse, one can, within one day, arrive at the foot of 5445-m high Bogda Peak that is the highest peak of the eastern Tianshan Mountains. Bogda is a Mongolian word, meaning “God”. The 5445-m high Bogda Peak was covered by ice and snow all the year round and thus like wearing a body armor, so ancient Mongolians thought that this was “God” and named it “Bogda”. The Bogda Peak is one of the mountain peaks chosen by Chinese and foreign mountain climbers for climbing sports.

Tianchi literally means ' Heaven Lake ' or ' Heavenly Lake ' (in Mandarin Chinese) and can refer to several lakes in China and Taiwan.) Formerly known as Yaochi (Jade Lake), it was named Tianchi by Mingliang in 1783, the Qing Dynasty Commander of Urumqi Command.


 

Mount Bogda

Elevation: 5,445 meters
Location: East of Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, China

Mount Bogda, also known as Bogda Peak, is one of the most iconic summits in the eastern Tianshan Mountains, which is a magnet for climbers, hikers and photographers. Bogda originates from Mongolian, which means gods. Mount Bogda is located in the heart of the Tianchi Lake and the water in the Tianchi Lake comes from Mount Bogda. Mount Bogda boasts glaciers, snow peaks, forests, streams, grasslands and waterfalls. Mount Bogda is not the highest peak of Tianshan Mountains, but it is one of the mountains that are most difficult to climb.
 

Maya Mountain

Maya Mountain in the Tainshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area is one of the best places to have a panoramic view of the Tianchi Lake and the surrounding snow mountains. Please note that you may need to wait in line for some while especially in the peak season of Xinjiang(June to August) at the cableway for the Maya Mountain.

And there are several viewing platforms at Maya Mountain, where you can have a panoramic view of the Tianchi Lake and the Mount Bogda. And some of the viewing platforms at Maya Mountain are with high altitudes, which needs your physical strength to hike at the high elevation.

There is a huge pictographic stone in the west of the Maya Mountain, Kazakhstan herdsmen name it with the name of a herder, who is a wealthy herder in the Maya Mountain because they think that the herder is like the huge stone, who guards the pasture, flocks and herds here.
 

Things to Do at Tainshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area

Have a Panoramic View of Tianchi Lake
Maya Mountain is the best place to have a panoramic view of the Tianchi Lake and view the Mount Bogda in the distance. At the viewing platforms of Maya Mountain, you will see the stunning view of the Tainchi Lake and its surrounding mountains, forests and snow mountains. The color of the Tianchi Lake is breathtaking with beautiful emerald. At some viewing platforms of Maya Mountain, you can view the Mount Bogda in the distance, which is one of the most iconic peaks of Tianshan Mountains.

Boating on the Tianchi Lake
Boating on the Tianchi Lake is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Tianchi Lake. With the boat operating, you will gradually get to the heart of the Tianchi Lake, you can enjoy the wonderful scenery of the crystal water, lush greenery and the snow mountains in the distance.
 

Best Time to Visit Tainshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area

The best time to visit the Tainshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area is summer and autumn. In May and June, the meadows at Tainshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area start blooming and the snow mountains are still beautiful in the distance. July to August are the warmest months in Tainshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area, which is suitable for hiking, boating and photography. From September to October, you will see the golden autumn foliage with clear skies and less crowds. November to April in Tianshan region is really freezing and the Tainchi Lake may be frozen, when you can see the snowy landscapes and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
 

How to Get to Tainshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area

Xinjiang is a vast region and attractions in Xinjiang are dispersive. The best way to get to Tainshan Mountains and Tianchi Lake Scenic Area from Urumqi is by car.
 

Recommended Route

Tianshan Tianchi scenic area is laying asphalt pavement, sand-gravel surface, and tourist vehicles can reach attractions inside through this road. And there are also the sidewalks, riding track s leading to any attractions in the scenic spot.

One-day tour route
Morning starting from Urumqi to Tianshan, first you can visit west small Tianchi- Tianshan Picea Schrenkiana-Tianshan scenery-big Tianchi-Bogda Snow Mountain- Viewing pine in South Mountain-Tiewa Temple (feel the Taoism culture) - boat trip to enjoy Tianshan scenery - return to Urumqi.

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