Tianshan Mountains
» Urumqi, Xin Jiang

天山 明月出天山,苍茫人海间

The higher Tianshan Mountains region is covered with beautiful fir forest with alpine meadows at higher elevations. The lower zones of southern and southwestern Tianshan are areas of deciduous forests with walnuts and maples. There are many bushes and sea-buckthorn growing here as well as fruit trees in the Chatkal valleys.

Where they are

The Tianshan Mountains (Tianshan meaning celestial mountains) is situated in the territory of the former USSR and Eastern China, straddling a large part of Kyrgyzstan as well as small parts of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Geographers usually divide the Tianshan Mountains into four regions: Central, Northern, Western, and the Inner Tianshan Mountains.

Appreciating peaks & lakes

Here, you have chance to appreciate grant and beautiful peaks and lakes. The highest peak of the range is the Pobeda (Victory) Peak at 7493 meters which is the most northerly seven thousand meter peak on our planet. Khan Tengri (6995m), a gigantic pyramid, rises not far from Peak Pobeda. Both of these peaks are very popular among mountaineers and climbers. The Bogda Peak, which is to the east of Urumqi, also one of Tianshan's famous peaks, is 5445 meters.

High altitudes and complicated rock structures create great contrasts in temperatures and moisture levels. The average July temperature at the foot of the mountains is about 20-25 C. The high-altitude Lake Issyk-Kul (182 km long and almost 60 km wide) is the reason for the mild climate of the adjoining area.

Lake Issyk-Kul

Tianshan Mountain lakes, especially Lake Issyk-Kul, are amazingly beautiful. The Issyk-Kul is wonderful due to its greenish-blue color and picturesque surrounding mountains. The lake is 702 meters deep.

Heavenly Lake

Nestling high in the Tianshan Mountains, the superlatively beautiful Heavenly Lake is hemmed in by the towering snow-capped Bogda Peak. The natural paradise has a reputation of the Pearl on Tianshan Mountains for its fascinating scenery.

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.

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. It is charming for you to explore both in summer and winter.

Seeing Glaciers

Want to have a close look at the giant glaciers? Come to Tianshan Mountains! The Tianshan Mountains are China's biggest glacier zone. The largest is the South Ingylchek glacier at 60 km long. These glaciers and their melting snow are the source for the rivers of the Tianshan Mountains. Besides, the glaciers have formed ice wells, ice caves, ice underground rivers, seracs and other spectacular sights, these glaciers of all shapes and features make up tile biggest solid reservoir of Xinjiang.

Rafting

Most of the rivers flow into the desert lakes and many of them have dams. Almost all rivers are extremely interesting for rafting although the majority of them are very difficult. Each river has magnificent canyons. And the best rafting season is late August and September.

Attractions around » Urumqi, Xin Jiang

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

Mountain

Mountain

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

  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.


  • 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.


  • 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


  • 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.


  • 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.


  • 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


  • Avoid diarrhea

    Avoid drinking hot tea after eating fruits to avoid diarrhea.


  • Useful numbers

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


With their snow-covered ridges and lofty ice-capped peaks, the Tianshan Mountains gently slope from west to east. The amazing lakes are wonderful with the greenish-blue color and picturesque surrounding mountains. It is also a perfect place for you to appreciate glaciers and go skiing.



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