Heavenly Lake of Tianshan

Background

The Heavenly Lake of Tianshan lies in Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, on the northern side of Bogda Peak in the Tianshan Mountains, about 30 kilometres from central Fukang and about 45 kilometres in a straight line east of Urumqi. The lake sits 1907 metres above sea level, covers 4.9 square kilometres and is 105 metres deep at its deepest point; it is a high mountain moraine lake shaped by Quaternary glaciers. Spruce forest lines the shore, the snow-capped Bogda Peak is reflected in the water, and the lake area also holds sights such as the Western Lesser Heavenly Lake and the Dinghai Shenzhen (Sea-Stilling Needle). The lake was known in ancient times as Yaochi and has been called Tianchi since the Qing dynasty. The snow-mountain meadows by the lake are grazing land for Kazakh herders. In 1981 the Indian writer Vikram Seth set out from the lake and hitchhiked through Xinjiang, Qinghai, Tibet and Nepal back home to India; his first book, From Heaven Lake (1983), takes its title from the lake.

Local customs

• Stroll along the lakeside boardwalk to see Bogda Peak reflected in the water
• take a boat ride on the lake
• climb Maya Mountain for a view over the whole lake
• in winter, see the frozen lake and snowy plain.

Travel tips

• A visit takes about half a day
• ticket and shuttle prices are as officially announced by the scenic area. The lake area is cooler than the city, so please bring a warm jacket
• the summer sun is strong, so you will need sun protection.
• From Urumqi, travel by road via Fukang and follow Provincial Road 111 to the lake area, or join a one-day tour departing from Urumqi. Summer and autumn are the best times to visit, when the water is deep blue and the meadows are green
• in winter the lake freezes and you can see the snowy plain and frozen waterfalls.