Nestled amidst the博格达峰 mountains in Fukang City, Xinjiang, lies the stunning Tianchi Lake, a national 5A-rated scenic spot. Open daily from 08:00 to 19:00, it offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
🎫 Tickets: For students and those traveling by shuttle bus, the fare is 107.5 yuan per person (prices vary depending on the season, and the shuttle bus is mandatory for the 40-minute journey up the mountain. The last bus departs at 19:00).
🚗 Transportation: Chartering a car in Urumqi costs around 340 yuan per day.
- Tianchi Lake: Anciently known as the ‘Jade Pool’, this alpine lake is said to be the bathing place of the Queen Mother of the West.
- West Xiao Tianchi Lake: Legend has it that this was where the Queen Mother washed her feet. It can be seen from the right-hand window of the shuttle bus, and the lake’s color even changes!
- East Xiao Tianchi Lake: Legend claims that the Queen Mother once washed her face here, hence its nickname ‘Combing and Washing Creek of the Queen Mother’.
- Dinghai Shenzhen: A unique white elm tree growing at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters, believed to be the Queen Mother’s hairpin transformed into a tree. Amazingly, no matter how high the water level rises, it never淹reaches the tree’s roots.
- West Queen Mother Temple: Situated halfway up the mountain east of Tianchi Lake, this temple attracts many followers of Taoism from both home and abroad. Admission is 10 yuan per person.
- Fushou Guan: Dubbed the ‘Highest Taoist Temple in the Northwest’ due to its elevation, it is said that when Genghis Khan visited, he invited the Taoist master Qiu Chuji to give a sermon here.
- Maya Mountain: Offers breathtaking views of Tianchi Lake and the snow-capped mountains. You can either hike (a three-hour roundtrip) or take the cable car (220 yuan roundtrip, 20-minute ride) to reach the observation deck and see the博格达峰 in all its glory.
- Haixi Celebrity Garden: A hidden gem within Tianchi Lake, this peaceful place is often overlooked. Many historical figures such as Li Bai, Li Shangyin, Qiu Chuji, and Ji Xiaolan have left their literary legacies here.
💡 Travel Tips:
- While some may find the Tianchi Lake tickets pricey, it’s worth noting that with limited opening hours, a full day is often not enough to explore the entire scenic area. However, a visit to Maya Mountain is highly recommended, especially on sunny days when you can witness the breathtaking ‘Sunshine on the Golden Mountain’. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your visit!
- With a forest coverage rate of over 40%, Tianchi Lake is a designated forest fire prevention zone. Kindly refrain from carrying lighters.
- UV radiation is strong on the mountain, so please ensure adequate sun protection.
- Despite the altitude, there is no risk of altitude sickness as the oxygen supply from the snow-capped fir trees is ample.
- During your journey up the mountain, each shuttle bus is accompanied by a tour guide who provides informative commentary.
From weekend getaways to recommended travel destinations, Tianchi Lake offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and embark on this journey to discover the wonders of Xinjiang!
#WeekendEscape #TravelRecommendations #TianchiLake #Urumqi #HikingAdventures #XinjiangJourney #TravelScenery #TheJourneyLivesOn
