Tianchi of Heavenly Mountains, located within the city of Fukang in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a high mountain barrier lake formed by ancient glacial mudflows blocking the river channels. The lake takes on a crescent shape, stretching 3.5 kilometers from north to south, and ranging from 0.8 to 1.5 kilometers in width from east to west, with the deepest point reaching 103 meters and an area of 4.9 square kilometers. Surrounded by towering mountains, snow-capped peaks, clear lakes, and vast grasslands, it forms a magnificent natural picture scroll.
Tianchi of Heavenly Mountains is a natural alpine lake and is also a national scenic area of China, a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a national geological park, a national forest park, and a national water conservancy scenic spot. It has been honored with titles such as ‘Famous Taoist Cultural Mountain in China’, ‘Famous Fitness Mountain in China’, ‘National Human Settlements Example Award’, and ‘China Smart Tourism Innovation Demonstration Scenic Spot’. In 2013, the Bogda Peak of Tianchi was listed as part of the ‘Xinjiang Tianshan’ World Natural Heritage, and in 2024, the ‘Myth of the Western Queen Mother’ was selected into the fourth batch of national intangible cultural heritage.
Tianchi is situated on the northern slope of the Bogda Peak (Mount Bogda), which stands within the territory of Fukang City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with an altitude of 5445 meters, and is the highest peak in the eastern section of the Tianshan Mountains.The Bogda Mountains are a branch of the eastern section of the Tianshan Mountains, starting from the Urumqi fault zone, extending eastward to the territory of Barkol, with a total length of more than 300 kilometers. Bogda means ‘sacred mountain’, ‘holy mountain’, or ‘spiritual mountain’ in Mongolian, and it was the grazing area of the Mohe Xi Mongolian and the Shuotuo tribe during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The main attractions of the Tianchi scenic area include Xiao Tianchi, Denggan Mountain, the northern slope of Tianchi, and Lishu Cave, among others.
Xiao Tianchi, at an altitude of 1600 meters (some say 1660 meters), is located to the northwest of the main lake (Da Haizi). Approximately two kilometers to the northwest side at the foot of the main lake, below the third turn of the Wushipan Highway on the right, the lake water seeps from the southwest of the Tianchi dam, cascades into the pool, and flows into the Sangong River; it was historically known as Yu Nu Tan, and is said to be where the Western Queen Mother washed her feet. The scenic spot is named ‘Foot Basin of the Queen Mother’, also known as Xiao Longtan, hence also called ‘Dragon Pool and Jade Moon’.
Dong Xiao Tianchi is located 500 meters to the east of the main lake of Tianchi and is formed by the outflow of the main lake. It is said to be the lair of the Little Flying Dragon, hence also known as Fei Long Tan. It is also said to be the place where the Western Queen Mother bathed and groomed, so it is also called ‘Shu Xi Jian’ and ‘Yu Xian Pen’.The small Tianchi is nestled in a dense primeval forest, with shrubs growing around the pool and large rocks scattered around. The pool water is dark green and often ripples.
Walking into the Tianchi of Heavenly Mountains, you can see the majestic Bogda Peak towering in the distance, surrounded by clouds and mist; the nearby lake water is as green as jade, shimmering with light. Here, you can feel the magic and beauty of nature, and also appreciate the tranquility and depth of the alpine lake.
It is said that the ancient name of Tianchi was ‘Yao Chi’, which is the place where the Western Queen Mother entertained King Mu of Zhou in legend. The Tang Dynasty poet Li Shangyin once wrote: ‘The Queen Mother of Yao Chi opens the carved window, the song of Huangzhu moves the earth with sorrow, the eight fine horses travel thirty thousand miles a day, why does King Mu not come again?’ By the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Taoism rose, and Taoist followers revered the Western Queen Mother as the leader of the Taoist heaven, worshiping and offering sacrifices. The temple of the Queen Mother of Tianchi was once grand and thriving, but was destroyed by war in 1932. In 1999, it was rebuilt on the original site of the temple.
The Tianchi of Heavenly Mountains in Xinjiang is a moraine lake created by ancient glacial movements. During the third glaciation of the late Pleistocene in the fourth period, the glacial action in the Tianchi area formed a glacial erosion depression. As the glaciers retreated, the moraine accumulated in the depression, forming a barrier dam, blocking the river and eventually forming a lake.The surrounding mountains of Tianchi have experienced landslides and collapses during geological history, with a large amount of rocks and soil accumulating in the valley, forming a barrier, blocking the water flow, and forming a lake.
The surface of Tianchi in Heavenly Mountains is crescent-shaped, 3400 meters long and about 1500 meters wide at its widest point. The lake water is clear and crystal-like jade. Surrounded by mountains, with green grass like a carpet, wildflowers blooming like a brocade, it has the reputation of ‘Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains’. Here, visitors can enjoy the magnificent snow mountains, clear lake water, dense forests, and vast grasslands, feeling the magic and grandeur of nature.
A gentle breeze passes, and the lake surface ripples, as if nature is whispering softly, telling a legend of a thousand years. Walking along the lakeside, you will be amazed by the surrounding scenery. The mountains undulate, the forests are dyed in layers, various plants grow in competition, forming a colorful world. In the distance, the snow mountains stand tall, covered with snow, forming a sharp contrast with the green lake water, making Tianchi even more serene and beautiful.
The best time to visit Tianchi of Heavenly Mountains is from July to September when the weather is cool, the lake water is clear, and the scenery is charming. In addition, the Tianchi of Heavenly Mountains in winter has a unique charm, where you can enjoy the frozen and snowy northern secret realm.When visiting Tianchi of Heavenly Mountains, it’s important to consider the following:
1. Altitude and Temperature: Due to the high altitude, temperatures are lower, so it’s advisable to bring warm clothing to stay comfortable.
2. Sunlight: The sunlight in the scenic area is intense, so be sure to take precautions for sun protection to avoid sunburn or other related issues.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: It’s also important to respect the local religious and cultural customs to ensure a harmonious experience with the local community.
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