[2025 Urumqi County Attraction] Travel Guide for Swan Lake (Updated Mar)

The Tianshan Grand Canyon, like a hidden jewel, radiates breathtaking charm across the vast landscape of Xinjiang. Stepping into the canyon, the first thing that catches your eye is the range upon range of towering peaks. Some soar into the clouds, seemingly piercing the sky; others boast unique shapes, resembling sharp swords thrusting skyward or colossal beasts lying dormant. The rocks, weathered by time, display a variety of peculiar textures and colors, shimmering under the sunlight in a dreamlike, kaleidoscopic display. Following the winding canyon trails, you'll be accompanied by the gentle murmur of crystal-clear streams. The water dances and weaves between the rocks, creating a crisp, melodious sound, like a beautiful symphony. Reach down and touch the water, and a refreshing coolness will instantly invigorate you. Occasionally, small fish and shrimp can be seen darting through the water, adding a touch of life and vitality to the canyon. The vegetation on both sides of the canyon is another highlight. Lush forests teem with towering spruces and cedars that reach for the sky, standing like loyal guardians protecting this mystical land. A profusion of wildflowers in vibrant hues of red, yellow, and purple bloom freely in the forest, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. Strolling through this vibrant landscape, breathing in the fresh air, and immersing yourself in nature's embrace feels like stepping into a fairytale. Venturing deeper, you'll encounter unique natural wonders. Tian'e Lake, for instance, boasts emerald green waters that shimmer under the sunlight. Graceful white swans glide across the lake's surface, sometimes dipping their heads to feed, sometimes singing their melodious songs, adding a touch of dynamic beauty to the tranquil scene. Another marvel is Zhaobi Mountain, whose surface resembles a giant screen, smooth and gleaming as it reflects the sunlight, creating a truly magnificent spectacle. The Tianshan Grand Canyon not only possesses stunning natural beauty but also a rich cultural heritage. As a vital section of the ancient Silk Road, it bears the marks of history, with numerous historical relics and legends. Walking through the canyon, you can almost hear the camel bells of ancient traders and sense the passage of time. As evening approaches, the setting sun casts a golden glow over every corner of the canyon, draping it in a veil of gold. At this hour, the canyon's beauty is poetic and picturesque, captivating visitors and making them reluctant to leave. The Tianshan Grand Canyon, with its magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, is a precious gift from nature. It awaits every nature lover and explorer to unveil its mysteries and experience its unparalleled beauty.

The Tianshan Grand Canyon, a hidden natural gem in Urumqi, boasts the most complete and lowest-altitude primeval Schrenk’s spruce forest on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains. Characterized by its unique pines, strange rocks, and sea of clouds, it combines the beauty of earthly canyons with the wonders of the Tianshan Mountains, making it a truly exceptional tourist destination. Follow this guide to embark on a fantastic journey through the Tianshan Grand Canyon! 1. Travel Guide🚗 - Transportation: - Self-driving: Depart from downtown Urumqi, take the Wu-Kui Expressway and transfer to the Lianhuo Expressway. Exit at the Banfanggou exit and follow the national highway to reach the destination. The entire journey takes approximately 1 hour. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and you can stop to admire it at any time. Self-driving allows for flexible itinerary planning, but pay attention to driving safety on mountain roads and check the vehicle condition in advance🚙 - Bus: Take a bus from Urumqi South Suburban Bus Station to Banfanggou, and then transfer to a local shuttle bus to the scenic area. Buses operate on a fixed schedule, so check the departure times in advance to avoid delays🚌 - Best time to visit: June to October is ideal🍃🍂 The climate is pleasant, the vegetation in the canyon is lush, and the scenery is breathtaking. Wildflowers bloom on the grasslands in June, July and August offer cool weather perfect for escaping the summer heat, and the mountain foliage gradually changes color in September and October, creating a paradise for photographers. Try to avoid weekends and holidays to escape the crowds. 2. Must-See Attractions🎈 - Natural Landscapes: - 🌄Zhaobi Mountain: The landmark attraction of the scenic area, the mountain resembles a giant screen with a smooth surface that shimmers under the sunlight. Stand at the foot of Zhaobi Mountain, look up at the towering peak, and feel the magnificence of nature. It's a perfect spot for photos📸 - 🌳Swan Lake: A clear lake nestled among the mountains, often frequented by swans, hence its name. The crystal-clear water reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and surrounding green mountains and trees, creating a picturesque landscape. Here, you can quietly admire the elegant swans and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature🦢 - Cultural Landscapes: - 🛖Kazakh Folk Customs Park: Delve into the traditional culture and customs of the Kazakh people. Visit traditional Kazakh yurts, savor their specialties like hand-pulled lamb and naan bread, and enjoy captivating folk performances, immersing yourself in the rich ethnic atmosphere🍖 - 🎨Grand Canyon Painting and Calligraphy Academy: Showcasing numerous calligraphy and painting works themed around the Tianshan Grand Canyon, strolling through the academy allows you to appreciate the beauty of art and experience the canyon's charm from different perspectives. A must-visit for art enthusiasts. 3. Itinerary Planning🗺️ - Morning: Upon entering the scenic area, head to Zhaobi Mountain, climb to the viewing platform, overlook the magnificent canyon, and take photos. Then, proceed to Swan Lake and stroll along the lakeside path, admiring the scenery and the swans🦢 - Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant in the scenic area, savor Xinjiang specialties like Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken) and Banmian (mixed noodles), and experience the unique flavors of Xinjiang cuisine🍜 - Afternoon: Visit the Kazakh Folk Customs Park, experience Kazakh folk culture, and participate in some folk activities. Finally, go to the Grand Canyon Painting and Calligraphy Academy and appreciate the fusion of art and nature. 4. Important Notes⚠️ - Mountain weather is changeable with significant temperature differences between day and night, so bring warm clothing such as thick coats and sweaters🧥 - Take sun protection measures, and prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. Xinjiang's ultraviolet rays are strong, so avoid sunburn. - Respect local religious beliefs and customs. When visiting the Kazakh Folk Customs Park, follow the park's rules and do not touch exhibits or damage facilities. - Some sections of the scenic area are rugged. Pay attention to your footing while hiking and wear comfortable athletic shoes👟 - Protect the environment, do not litter, and maintain the beauty and cleanliness of nature🌳 The Tianshan Grand Canyon, like a shining pearl, exudes unique charm. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, connect with nature, and experience its grandeur and magnificence. Embark on this unforgettable canyon journey!🌈

#ChinaTravel #Urumqi #SwanLake Swan Lake in the Tianshan Grand Canyon of Urumqi transforms into a tranquil snowy landscape in winter. The lake, located in the alpine meadow at an altitude of 2,449 meters, is completely frozen, like a white North Pole created by nature. It is an especially special experience to be able to walk directly on the frozen lake. The snow-covered mountains surrounding it and the magnificent coniferous forests create a fantasy of a winter kingdom. The feeling of the cold ice and the clear air on your feet as you walk on the lake will be an unforgettable memory. It is the best place to take pictures in the pure white winter landscape and enjoy the tranquility and peace that nature has given you.

#traveldiaries Coming to Urumqi I think I have prepared enough and researched enough but I still felt so surprised and delighted with all the things and scenery that I saw. I was pleasantly surprised. This is Swan Lake located inside the Tianshan Grand Canyon. There are multiple scenic spots inside the grand canyon and I this is the top of it all. This about 40 minutes away from the main entrance of the canyon which is at the foot of the mountain. Shuttle busses are included in your ticket price. When you reach Swan lake there is an opportunity to ride horses for extra cash. We did’t try it as we just enjoyed walking around and taking it all in. The view of the scow capped mountain, the lake, the grassland and everything that is in this place makes you feel calm! So , I highly recommend for you to visit the grand canyon. Trip app offers tickets , just have a look at the list of what scenic spots they offer for Urumqi. Enjoy! Tip: we went in October and it is freezing up there. It was -3 so wrap up and keep warm. #urumqi #grandcanyon #scenicspotguide #china #chinatrip #chinatravel #xinjiang

🍁Autumn in southern Xinjiang is the perfect time to visit Tianshan Grand Canyon. Explore the steep canyon and discover its beauty! 🍁You can drive your own car in the scenic area, but it must be an SUV. Small cars are not allowed. You can apply for a pass at the visitor center for CNY 150. You can drive all the way to an altitude of over 3,000 meters, where you can see the snow-capped mountains. 🏔️ 🍁If you don't drive, you can take a shuttle bus. Ask the front desk for a map of the scenic area. Swan Lake and Zhaobi Lake are must-see attractions. 🍁Here, you can get up close and personal with nature. Every photo you take is a masterpiece. Xinjiang is truly beautiful!