Hong Ma
Quick Jump
I’ve guided over 200 groups to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. And honestly? I’ve had clients cry — from joy, and from frustration. So let’s cut the fluff: is Heavenly Lake of Tianshan worth visiting?
Here’s my short answer: Yes, but only if you go prepared. Most tourists show up at noon, pay way too much for souvenirs, and leave wondering why they fought traffic for 2 hours. I’ll show you how to avoid that.
The Quick Verdict: Yes, But Only If…
Let me break it down for different travel styles:
| Traveler Type | Worth It? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Nature photographers | ✅ Yes | Sunrise and sunset light on the lake is stunning. Bring a tripod. |
| Family with kids | ✅ Yes (with caveats) | Kids love the cable car and yak rides. But plan for toilet breaks. |
| Solo backpackers | ⚠️ Maybe | Entry fee is steep (CNY 155). If you’re on a tight budget, skip it. |
| Cruise-ship tourists | ❌ Not really | Too crowded, overpriced. Go to Sayram Lake instead. |
How to Get to Heavenly Lake Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Wallet)
First, the basics. Heavenly Lake (also called Tianchi) is about 110 km from Urumqi. You have three main transport options:
Option 1: Join a Group Tour (Easiest)
Most hotels in Urumqi offer a day trip for around CNY 400–500 per person (including entrance, bus, and lunch). Convenient, but you’ll be herded like sheep. I’ve seen guides rushing people through in 2 hours. Not ideal.
Option 2: Public Bus + Shuttle (Cheapest)
From Urumqi’s South Suburban Bus Station (南郊客运站), take a bus to Fukang (阜康). Buses run every 30 minutes, cost CNY 25, and take 1.5 hours. From Fukang, a local minibus (CNY 10) or taxi (CNY 50) gets you to the scenic area entrance. Then you must buy the scenic shuttle bus (CNY 60 round-trip) up to the lake.
Option 3: Didi / Taxi (Flexible)
From Urumqi city center, a Didi (Chinese Uber) costs about CNY 250–300 one-way. Negotiate with the driver to wait for you (add CNY 100–150). Total around CNY 700 for the day. Worth it if you want freedom – you can skip the scenic shuttle and hike instead.
What to Expect: The Real Scenery vs. Instagram Filter
Let’s be honest. The lake is beautiful – crystal clear turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped peaks, pine forests, and a view of the Bogda Glacier. But here’s what Instagram won’t show you:
- The boat traffic: Dozens of motorboats churn the water. The iconic “mirror reflection” shot? Only possible before 9 AM.
- The “sacred” yak rides: Yaks are parked near the lakeside, and they smell. The ride costs CNY 80 for 5 minutes. Skip it.
- The Western Queen Temple: A small temple with a sad history (burned down in the 1930s, rebuilt in the 1990s). Not worth the entrance fee (CNY 20).
My favorite spot? The Matsuoka Pavilion (马松亭) – hike 20 minutes uphill from the main pier. Almost no tourists go there, and the view of the lake framed by pine branches is breathtaking.
Tips Only a Local Guide Would Tell You
Best Time to Visit
June to August – warm weather, green landscapes. Late September – autumn colours, fewer crowds. Avoid Chinese public holidays (May Day, National Day) – you’ll spend hours queuing for the shuttle.
Time of day? Arrive at the lake before 9 AM or after 4 PM. The tour buses roll in from 10 AM to 3 PM. I once waited 40 minutes for the shuttle because of the crowd at 11 AM. Not fun.
What to Bring
- Cash (many small vendors don’t accept cards or international apps)
- A light jacket – even in summer, the lake is at 1,900m elevation and can get chilly
- Sunscreen (the UV is intense on the water)
- Power bank (your phone battery drains fast with photos)
Toilet Warning
The public toilets near the lake entrance are… memorable. They flush with buckets. If you can, use the paid toilet inside the scenic area (CNY 2) – slightly cleaner. The best one is near the parking lot of the shuttle drop-off.
Is It Worth It for Different Types of Travelers?
For Families with Kids
Worth it if your kids are old enough to walk. The cable car (CNY 100 round-trip) is fun, but the queues can be long. There’s a small “zoo” with eagles and deer – cringe but kids like it. Budget at least 5 hours at the lake.
For Photographers
Absolutely. The early morning light on the snow peaks is magical. Bring a wide-angle lens and polarizer. The cable car ride offers aerial views of the lake. Best spot: the wooden staircase on the east side of the lake, right after the first bridge.
For Budget Travelers
If you’re counting yuan, think twice. Total cost per person: entrance CNY 155 + shuttle CNY 60 + lunch CNY 50 + transport ~CNY 80 = CNY 345 minimum. That’s a week’s food budget for some. Alternatives: Red Hill Park in Urumqi (free) gives a nice city view, or visit the Xinjiang Museum (free) for ancient mummies.
FAQ About Visiting Heavenly Lake of Tianshan
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Honestly, I was pretty disappointed. We drove 2 hours from Urumqi and when we got there, it was so foggy you could barely see the lake. The cable car was packed and we waited over an hour. Once at the top, it was cold and windy with zero visibility. Paid a fortune for tickets and got nothing but a gray wall. Maybe on a clear day it's nice, but I wouldn't risk it again.
Overall a solid 4 stars. The scenery is gorgeous — clear lake, dramatic mountains, and even some wildflowers in July. However, the sheer number of selfie sticks and tour groups can be overwhelming. Also, the restrooms near the lake were dirty. If you go early (before 9am), you'll have a much better experience. Beautiful, but not as tranquil as I'd hoped.
Took my wife and two kids (ages 7 and 10) here last summer. They were blown away by the boat ride on the lake. The staff was super friendly and helped us with a stroller on the shuttle. Yes, it's a bit touristy and the entrance fee is steep, but seeing the whole family happy made it worth every penny. Highly recommend for a family day out.
If you love peaceful nature escapes, this is it. I visited on a weekday and it wasn't too crowded. The walk along the boardwalk is easy, and the view of the lake with the mountains behind is surreal. I spent an hour just sitting on a rock, breathing in the silence. My only regret is not bringing more snacks — the on-site food is overpriced and average. Still, the experience itself is priceless.
Absolutely stunning! The turquoise water against the snow-capped peaks is something you have to see in person. We took the cable car up and then walked around the lake — every angle is a postcard. The air is so crisp and fresh. Definitely one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. A must-do if you're in Xinjiang!