Tianchi, Tianshan Mountains

After several days immersed in historical and archaeological wonders, Day 9 (31.05.2025) brought a much-welcomed change of pace. Following our breakfast at the Hoi Tak Hotel in Urumqi, we set off towards Tianchi - or Heavenly Lake - nestled high in the majestic Tianshan Mountains. The promise of crisp mountain air, pristine nature, and alpine serenity felt like the perfect contrast to the dusty ruins and ancient cities that had filled the earlier part of our journey.

Upon reaching the base station of Tianchi, we transferred to a shuttle bus that would take us up to the lake itself. The 40-minute scenic ride slowly ascended through a breathtaking landscape of towering rocky cliffs, plunging valleys, and dense coniferous forests. Each twist and turn of the road offered new, dramatic vistas, heightening our anticipation of seeing this legendary lake with our own eyes.

Tianchi, meaning “Heavenly Lake” in Chinese, is an alpine jewel set at an elevation of 1,907m (6,257 feet) above sea level. It rests quietly within the Bogda Shan range - part of the greater Tianshan Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance. The lake covers an area of approximately 4.9 Sq. Km and curves gracefully like a crescent moon. Its waters are fed year-round by glacial melt from the surrounding peaks, most notably Bogda Peak (博格达峰), the highest summit in eastern Tianshan, which soars to a majestic 5,445m (17,864 feet).

Once we reached the lakeside, we were presented with three activity options:

• Option 1: A leisurely boat cruise across the tranquil waters, offering sweeping views of the lake and its surrounding alpine scenery.

• Option 2: A refreshing trek along the lakeshore footpath, perfect for soaking in the crisp mountain air while admiring the landscape at a slower, thoughtful pace.

• Option 3: A cable car ride up Maya Mountain, promising an unforgettable panoramic view of the entire Tianshan range.

Practically, all members of our group opted for Option 3. But my wife and I chose Option 1, opting for the peaceful boat cruise to fully appreciate the stunning natural setting from the lake surface.

As the boat gently glided across the lake, the crystal-clear turquoise waters shimmered under the bright late-morning sun, perfectly mirroring the jagged, snow-dusted peaks and the thick spruce forests blanketing the steep mountain slopes. The cool, invigorating air was a welcome relief - a stark contrast to the dry, oppressive heat we had endured in Turpan and Urumqi just days earlier.

Along the shores, the alpine meadows were waking to spring, carpeted in fresh greens and sprinkled with the soft colors of newly blossoming wildflowers. The entire scene felt almost dreamlike, imbued with a quiet, mystical beauty. It became easy to understand why ancient Chinese legends revered this place as the sacred abode of Xi Wang Mu (西王母) - the Queen Mother of the West - a powerful Taoist goddess believed to dwell in this celestial paradise among the immortals.

As the boat glided along the lake, with the distant snow-capped peaks reflected in the shimmering waters, I couldn't help but be reminded of our visit to Lake Louise at the Canadian Rockies during our driving tour back in August 2017 (Read here). For a moment, it felt as if we had been transported back to that breathtaking alpine landscape.

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Once the boat reached the jetty at the western end of the lake, we decided to disembark and climb the long and steep staircase - said to have more than 800 step - to see the temple dedicated to Xi Wang Mu (西王母). The effort was rewarded by the spectacular panoramic vistas of Tianchi and the Tianshan range.

As I took in the surrounding landscape of Tianchi, my thought drifted back to another Tianchi I had visited in Inner Mongolia during June/July 2017 (Read here). The familiarity of the name stirred memories of that distant yet equally serene mountain lake.

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We strolled along the lakeside after the boat ride. We encountered other visitors - families, young and elderly couples. The weather could not have been more perfect - brilliant blue skies with just a few lazy clouds drifting by, casting fleeting shadows over the water. A soft breeze carried the scent of pine and fresh mountain grass, adding to the freshness of the day and lifting our spirits even further.

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Our visit to Tianchi left a deep and lasting impression. It was far more than mere sightseeing; it felt like a timeless pause - a rare opportunity to reconnect with the untouched beauty of nature. After days filled with the weight of history and human achievement, Tianchi offered something profoundly different: space to breathe, think, and simply be.

As we made our way back to the shuttle bus station that afternoon, I felt a quiet sense of gratitude for this unexpected highlight of the journey - a gentle reminder that amid all the legacies of civilization, nature’s quiet majesty still holds its own enduring, unmatched power.

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After lunch at Tianchi, we continued our journey westward, covering nearly 610Km to reach Fuhai County. Upon arrival, we checked into Yilong Hotel for an overnight stay.