Heavenly Lake

» Urumqi, Xin Jiang

Heavenly Lake Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Nestling high in the Tianshan Mountains, 115 kilometers west of Urumqi, the superlatively beautiful Heavenly Lake lies 1980 meters above sea level and is hemmed in by the towering snow-capped Bagda Peak. Heavenly Lake is a natural paradise with intoxicating scenery. The four hour drive from Urumqi through the seemingly endless desert may seem tiring but Heavenly Lake will provide travelers an exciting experience of the Heavenly Lake that makes the drive worthwhile.

The lake has a reputation of the Pearl on Tianshan Mountains for its fascinating scenery and was listed among the first group of the national key scenic spots in 1982. The climate here is moist with plenty of rainfall. In summer, the Heavenly Lake is a perfect resort in the sweltering desert. One can enjoy the pure and fresh air as well as the cool and pleasant weather.

The origin of the lake

The name of the Heavenly Lake can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). It comes from two words, "Tianjing," meaning the heavenly mirror, and "Shenchi," meaning the pool of immortals. The lake water is crystal blue, just like a bright mirror.

What to appreciate

The area is one of the few unspoiled places in China. The crystal water reflecting the snow-topped peaks, fluffy white clouds and blue sky create a breathtaking view. Lying at the mountainside of the snow-crowned Bogda Peak, the Heavenly Lake is surrounded by numerous towering verdant dragon spruces, tall and straight. The lake also has various waterfalls with constantly changing cloud and mist, forming a splendor and open plateau landscape.

The beautiful legend

As if the natural beauty of Heavenly Lake were not enough, legend adds a mysterious touch. It is said that the Heavenly Empress (the Leader of the Goddesses) entertained King Mu of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100 B.C. - 771 B.C.) at the Lake. The empress fell in love with the king and asked him in her poem, "The white clouds drift while the mountains reach the blue sky. Passing thousands of mountains, crossing ten thousands of rivers, you come to us from a faraway place. If you are still strong and fine, would you like to come back to us again?" The king answered in his poem, "After I go back to central China and lead the people to a prosperous life, I will come to you again." We do not know why the king never returned. Only the placid lake and the silent mountains witnessed the lovesickness of the West Queen.

Another local legend says that the Heavenly Empress would hold a gala at this lake whenever a local peach tree bore fruit. As this only happened about once every 3000 years, the banquets were understandably grand affairs. All the mortals would gather for such a long-awaited occasion, making the lake area into something of a Little Heaven, so hence the name, Heavenly Lake.

According to fairy tale, pure Heavenly Lake is the summer palace of the famous Heavenly Empress and so many places in the Heavenly Lake Scenic Area are related to her. The venerable elm standing beside the lake is said to be the avatar of the Heavenly Empress's hairpin. The deep Dragon Pool, which is just under the Heavenly Lake, is said to be her swimming pool. Waterfalls, rocks, and even pine trees are all connected with the Heavenly Empress.

What to enjoy

The beauty of Heavenly Lake has attracted throngs of visitors from all over the world. Visitors can climb the magnificent mountains and walk leisurely in the forests to enjoy the beauty of nature. A two to three hours hike along shore will take you to peaceful coves and grassy hills. Flowers richly bloom around the lake making it an excellent place to come and relax.

In summer, the beautiful lake is an ideal cool resort. Boaters on the lake see the ever-changing silvery mountains soaring into the blue sky, their slopes highlighted with verdant pasture and flamboyant wild flowers. Fishing at dusk has its own special charm when the lake is particularly still.

In snowy winter, visitors can come to the icebound lake and try their hand at skating. A day in this fairyland promises restoration.

Something to remind you

You are reminded considerately to bring warm clothing even in summer because highland weather is changeable and unpredictable. Besides, the area is one of the few unspoiled places in the world, so please protect the natural environment here. Cable cars or buses are available taking travelers up to the lake. Those who want to challenge to their physical strength can hike up to it.

Attractions around » Urumqi, Xin Jiang

Natural Scene

• Tianshan Mountains
• Heavenly Lake
• Nanshan Pasture
• Red Hill

Shopping & Leisure

• Grand Bazaar

Heavenly Lake Highlights

Lake & Spring in Great China

• West Lake
• Lake Kanas
• Lake Namtso
• Lake Qinghaihu
• Lake Yamdrok
• Huaqing Pool
• Crescent Spring
• Lake Qiandaohu
• Lake Xuanwuhu
• Lake Taihu
• Slender West Lake
• Lake Hongfenghu
• Lake Dianchi
• Lake Luguhu
• Heavenly Lake
• Butterfly Spring
• Lake Erhai
• Longsheng Hot Spring National Park
• Lake Bitahai
• Lake Shuduhu
• Lake Napahai
• Red Carp Pond
• Hupao Spring
• Black Dragon Pool
• Lake Karakuli
• Tianhe Pool
• Lake Dongtinghu
• Baotu Spring
• Lake Daminghu
• Yuquan Park
• Lake Bosten
• East Lake Scenic Area

Heavenly Lake FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. Some tips for Urumqi weather
2. When is the best time to visit Urumqi?

  Customs

1. What are some interesting festivals?
2. No-nos in Urumqi
3. Cherish your bread

  Other Hints

1. A note on the time difference
2. Avoid diarrhea
3. Useful numbers

• Some tips for Urumqi weather

  Dress warmly even when traveling in the hottest month (July and August) for the temperature differences between morning and night. Be sure to bring a sweater and trench coat in May, June, September and October. During the cold winter (November to March), you will need heavy winter wear.

- Top -



• When is the best time to visit Urumqi?

  The best period for visiting Urumqi is from May to October when flowers are in full bloom and the melons and fruits smell sweet and are ripe for the picking.

- Top -



• What are some interesting festivals?

  Corban Festival is one of the most important festivals. It is also known as 'Sacrifice Festival', which is hosted every December 10th by Islamic population.

  In preparation, all Muslims should clean and dress up to attend the ceremony at the Great Mosque. During the three-day holidays, people go door to door to exchange greetings in their best ethnic costumes.

  All homes serve the visitors delicious mutton. The thumping singing and dancing parties will be held in both urban and rural areas. Some sports activities: such as horse races, wrestling and sheep snatching are most popular among the Kazaks, Ozbeks and Tajiks nationalities.

  Lesser Bairam is also called 'Fast breaking Festival'. It is the New Year festival of the Hui nationality as well as other groups. Every adult Muslim fasts one month every year. During the Ramadan, the Muslims eat either before sunrise or after sunset. The last day of Ramadan is a holiday.

  The annual Silk Road Snow Folk Festival (Sichou Zhilu Bingxue Fengqing Jie) is a rising tourist festival in Urumqi. The grand opening ceremony is held in December and the festival usually lasts till the following March offering tourists a different travel experience

- Top -



• No-nos in Urumqi

  • 1. Do not shake water off your wet hands in public.
    
  • 2. Do not irritate Muslims by eating pork and by speaking about pigs in their presence.
    

- Top -



• Cherish your bread

  In all most Islamic cultures, naan (bread), is very important. It is not a good idea to throw it away. If you drop it, pick it up and carry it with you. Do not step on naan--It is important to treat it with some respect. Also, if you decide to eat naan while walking, break off a piece, and eat that. Do not bite into the whole loaf.

- Top -



• A note on the time difference

  Though the 'clock time' in Xinjiang is just the same as the rest of China, in fact there is a two hour difference in longitude between Urumqi and Beijing. For this reason the daily working hours are: 10:00 - 14:00, 15:30 - 19:30.

  While in Urumqi, you should modify you rest and dining times to be two hours later than if you were in a city in Middle China, otherwise you might feel out of step with local life. But don't forget that bus, train and flights all adopt Beijing Time. If you booked a flight to arrive or depart Urumqi at around 08:00, then you may find it is quite dark at that time. Please keep this in mind when making reservations

- Top -



• Avoid diarrhea

  Avoid drinking hot tea after eating fruits to avoid diarrhea.

- Top -



• Useful numbers

  • Ambulance: 120
    
  • Emergencies: 110
    
  • Fire: 119
    
  • Tel No. Enquiry: 114
    
  • Police: 110
    
- Top -