Situated
in the Heavenly Mountain
(Tianshan) range, 115 km
(71 miles) northeast of
Urumqi, Heavenly Lake (Tianchi
Lake) is one of the main
tourist attractions in
China. Used to be known
as Yaochi (Jade Lake),
the lake is particularly
refreshing for those
arriving in Urumqi from
the barren deserts
elsewhere in Xinjiang or
from China’s numerous
granite cities. It is
hemmed in by majestic
snow-crowned peaks west
of Bogda Mountain and it
is geologically a
moraine lake 3,400
meters (1,1125 feet)
long, 1,500 meters (4920
feet) wide, 1,980 meters
(6494 feet) above sea
level. Covered firs,
pines and cypresses and
white snow, it boasts a
spectacular sight-
reminiscent of
Switzerland or the Rocky
mountains but somehow
with more vibrancy and
color. Amidst fields of
wild flowers grow morel
mushrooms, while
peppermint and rhubarb,
while higher up the
mountain are edelweiss
and the rare, creamy
Snow Lotus (Saussurea
involucrate), which
grows from rock crevices
and is believed to have
magical powers as
medical cure.
Tourists usually spend
one day, take a boat
ride on the lake, ride
or walk along the lake
shore. The wild and
tranquil scene is
stunning and pristine.
You can also stay in one
of the many yurts owned
by locals, with a mat on
the floor and a bowl of
milk in the morning.
Buses leave daily from
the bus station and the
Hongshan Park in Urumqi. |