Tianchi

Introduction

Tian Chi (Heaven's Lake)

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Just two and a half hours or 115 kilometres northeast of Urumqi, you'll find a small deep-blue mountain lake set in the midst of the surrounding snow capped peaks of the Tianshan Range. The lake is known to the locals as Tian Chi (天池) or Heavenly Lake (in Mandarin Chinese) and the whole place has the feel of the Swiss Alps.

Opening Hours

Cost

• Entrance Fee: RMB 100 (April to October); RMB 40 (November to March)
• Cable Car: RMB 35
• Barge Tour: RMB 30
• Electric Bus: RMB 10

Getting There

By Bus

Buses leave from 9:00am to 9:30am, returning at about 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Bus fare cost RMB 50 and leaves from the Xidaqiao Intersection end of the People's Park.

By Car

Eat

There are several restaurants located just about 5-minute walk from the lake selling the usual local fare consisting of handmade noodles, rice pilaf, mutton soup, and mutton kebabs.

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Overnight accommodation in Kazakh yurt's for RMB 40 per person including meals.

Mid-Range

There are also several hotels up by the lake, but these hotels are usually closed for the winter, and may not be opened until past mid-May each year.

Upscale