Angel's Backyard

Here is the latest 2025 travel guide for Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) in Xinjiang, covering transportation, attractions, ticket policies, and important notes to help you plan your trip efficiently: I. Best Time to Visit* -Summer (June-September): Pleasant temperatures (around 15°C-25°C), clear lake water, mountain flowers in bloom, ideal for hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities. -Fall and Winter (October-May): Snow-covered landscapes, serene lake surface, perfect season for photography enthusiasts. In winter, you can also experience the ski slopes at Tianshan Tianchi International Ski Resort. II. Transportation Guide 1. From Urumqi Bus: Direct buses available from the International Bus Station opposite Urumqi High-Speed Railway Station (journey takes about 1.5 hours, round-trip fare approximately 155 yuan, including shuttle bus). Self-driving/Private car: About 1.5 hours driving time, free parking at the scenic area; private car hire costs about 500-800 yuan per day. 2. Transportation within the Scenic Area Shuttle bus: Requires taking buses in segments, with a walk through the "Folk Village" in between (avoid commercial promotions), then transfer to a second shuttle bus to the main Tianchi scenic area. Electric cart: Option to take a 10 yuan/person short-distance cart or walk 800 meters to the lakeside. III. Tickets and Discount Policies (2025) Regular prices: Peak season (April-October) 155 yuan (including shuttle bus); Off-season (November-March) 45 yuan. Discount policies: Free admission: Medical staff (May), teachers (September), Fukang City residents, visitors on their birthday (with ID). Discounts: 50% off admission with partner hotel vouchers (April-October). Group discounts: Groups of 50+ receive "16 pay, 2 free" ticket exemption. IV. Must-Visit Attractions and Activities 1. Tianchi Lake Core attraction with mirror-like blue waters; take a boat ride (about 80 yuan) or hike along the lakeside boardwalk (12.5 kilometers total) to capture reflections of Bogda Peak. 2. Mayashan Cable Car Take the cable car to the summit (about 220 yuan) for panoramic views of Tianchi and snow-capped peaks, with distant views of stone forest formations. 3. Queen Mother of the West Cultural Sites Ancestral Temple: Taoist holy site, legendary meeting place of the Queen Mother and King Mu of Zhou, housing ancient bells, murals, and other relics. Sea-Calming Spirit: A thousand-year-old elm tree on the north shore, legendarily transformed from the Queen Mother's golden hairpin, with high ecological value. 4. Flying Dragon Pool Waterfall Recommended hiking route featuring cascading waterfalls surrounded by forest, perfect for photography. 5. Kazakh Cultural Park Experience Aken singing, ethnic dancing, and taste hand-pulled rice, grilled lamb skewers, and other local delicacies. V. Accommodation and Dining Recommendations Accommodation: Tianchi Resort hotels (such as Tianchi Grand Hotel) are convenient for sightseeing, or return to Urumqi city for more options. Dining: Haibei Visitor Center in the scenic area offers affordable simple meals; nearby restaurants feature Xinjiang specialties like Big Plate Chicken and hand-pulled lamb. VI. Important Notes 1. Climate and Clothing: Elevation 1,910 meters with large temperature differences between day and night; bring sun protection clothing and sunglasses in summer; down jackets and non-slip shoes needed in fall/winter. 2. Altitude Sickness: Some visitors may experience mild symptoms; bring common medications and avoid strenuous activities. 3. Warning Tips: Be cautious when shopping in the Folk Village; newly built attractions like Fushou Temple may promote merchandise, consider bypassing. 4. Environmental Requirements: Littering and fishing are prohibited to protect the ecosystem. VII. Suggested Itineraries One-day tour: Tianchi Main Lake → Flying Dragon Pool → Queen Mother's Ancestral Temple → Mayashan Cable Car. In-depth tour: Lake circuit hike → Geological Museum → Bogda Mountain Temple Ruins → Nighttime stargazing.