Heavenly Lake of Tianshan: Boating, Hiking & More

With sky-blue waters and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan in Xinjiang, also known as Tianchi Lake, looks like something out of a dream. It stands at 1,910 meters above sea level and is an ideal place perfect for boating, hiking, and taking some great pictures. Learn all about how to visit this natural Chinese wonder for yourself with this comprehensive guide.

Tianchi Lake in Xinjiang

Travel Essentials of Heavenly Lake of Tianshan

• Ticket Prices: 155 RMB for shuttle bus and entry.
• Travel Time: Between 1.5 and 2.5 hours from Urumqi, depending on if you take private or public transportation.
• Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Who Will Love This Site: It is for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and people who want to get off the beaten path and see something new.

You'll also enjoy views of Tianshan Mountain's Bodga peak from Tianchi Lake. This massive mountain range stretches across several Central Asian countries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's well-known for its stunning glaciers, multiple ecosystems, and ancient geological features that date back to the Pliocene Era. You can hike around the base of the peak and even do a multi-day trek to the summit of the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. We can help you plan an additional adventure in Tianshan Mountain that suits your needs and fitness level.

Best Time to Visit

Beautiful view of Tianchi Lake

The best time to visit the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan is in the spring and summer for pleasant temperatures that range from 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F). This time of year is ideal for boating on the lake, taking leisurely hikes around the perimeter, and enjoying the glorious mountain wildflowers that bloom all along the lake's shores.

Early autumn is another excellent time to see the changing leaves and enjoy crisp but not too cold weather. Ski lovers will definitely want to visit in the winter, when you can hit the slopes at Tianshan International Ski Resort, a world-class spot that's less than an hour by car from the lake itself.

Highlights of Tianchi Lake

Scenery of Tianshan Mountain

If you love the outdoors and want to experience some very unique culture and history, the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan is the place to do it. Below are some top highlights of Tianchi Lake that we recommend to every visitor.

Take a Cruise

One of the best ways to experience Tianchi Lake is by getting out on the water. Cruises run from mid-spring to early autumn and last between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on what route you take. This activity is excellent for photographers because you can get stunning pictures of Bodga from the water.

Visit Temples Nearby

There are also some fantastic, ancient temples near the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, perfect for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture. The Xiwangmu Ancestral Temple, also known as the Queen Mother Temple, is roughly 45 minutes from the lake's shore. The hike up is steep, covering 300 steps, but you'll be rewarded with amazing views and see incredible relics that date back to the Yuan Dynasty. The Fushou Temple, or the Iron Tile Temple, is another great option that's just a 20-minute walk from the shore and contains stunning bricks and tiles from the Yuan Dynasty.

Hike Around the Lake

If your idea of a fun adventure is exploring the great outdoors on foot, lace up your boots for a hike around Tianchi Lake. This 14-kilometer loop takes several hours and requires plenty of endurance, but the payoff is excellent. You'll pass the Feilongtan Waterfall, lovely valleys full of conifer trees, and see Bodga from all different angles.

How to Get to Heavenly Lake From Urumqi

The Heavenly Lake of Tianshan is 115 kilometers from Urumqi, and it takes anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours to get there. You can take the public bus, which runs to Fukang, and then a minibus to Tianchi Lake. The total journey is just over 2 hours, including the minibus trip.

A faster, easier option is going by private car. This method takes you directly to the lake and takes about 1.5 hours. We can arrange this service for you. Plus, you'll be able to visit Tianchi Lake whenever you choose, without having to deal with the logistics of changing transportation or waiting for the bus.

Travel Tips

Your trip to Tianchi Lake is bound to be memorable no matter what, but you can enhance your trip with these simple insider tips and tricks.

• If you want to hike around the lake and have ample time to see everything, arrive when the park opens at 8 a.m.
• The Silk Road Museum is an excellent spot to visit to learn more about the lake's history and its cultural importance.
• Avoid weekends and holidays if you want more of the lake to yourself.
• Visit the Lakeside Boardwalks for the best pictures of Bogda Peak's reflection. It's especially lovely in the early morning, when the light is golden.
• Xiwangmu Ancestral Temple is an exceptional place to take pictures of Tibetan stone carvings and Yuan Dynasty relics, but avoid taking photos of other visitors or monks.
• The Feilongtan Waterfall is a magnificent spot for photos during the spring months when the surrounding area is full of lovely wildflowers.
• If you want some good aerial shots, take the Maya Mountain cable car up the side of Bodga's peak.

Discover the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan

The Heavenly Lake of Tianshan is one of China's most unique, unspoiled places, and it deserves a spot on your bucket list. Let us help you craft the ultimate itinerary for the vacation of your dreams. Get in touch with our team today through our contact page or at trip@odynovotours.com and get started on your trip today.