Lake Tianchi (Heavenly Lake): there are many lakes in China called Tianchi, but the one in Xinjiang may be the most famous. The lake is not very large, only 3,000 meters long and 1,000 meters wide. The deepest area of the lake is about 100 meters.

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. A day in this fairyland promises restoration.

Heavenly Lake, a relic of the Quaternary Period Glacier and its surrounding geological relics, offers science lovers exploring opportunities.

As if the natural beauty of Heavenly Lake were not enough, legend adds a mysterious touch. It is said that the West Queen (Xi Wang Mu) entertained King Mu of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1100B.C.-771B.C.) at the Lake. The West Queen 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.

How to Get there: There are direct buses to Tianchi from Urumchi, whose distance is about 110 km.

Admission Fee:   80 (Excluding 15 for cable car and 20 for barge tour)