The Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) is
located at the mountainside of the Bogda Peak, the highest peak in the east
range of Tianshan Mountain (Heavenly Mountain), about 110 kilometers to Urumqi
of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The lake has a reputation of the Pearl
on Heavenly Mountain for its fascinating scenery and was listed among the first
group of the national key scenic spots in
1982.
In ancient times, mud-rocks that
flowed down from the glaciers and blocked the river course formed the Tianchi
Lake. About 1,980 meters above sea level, the lake has a shape of half-moon and
covers an area of 4.9 square kilometers. The climate here is moist with plenty
of rainfall. In summer, the Tianchi 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 name of the Tianchi 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. Lying at the mountainside of the
snow-crowned Bogda Peak, the Tianchi 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.
Tianshan Mountain is abundant in snow lotus
and snow chicken as well as a number of medicinal materials such as mushroom,
root of Co donopsis Pilosula, membranous milk vetch and fritillaria. Moreover,
there are also rich mineral resources such as copper, iron and mica. The
Tianshan Lake is attractive to geologists, geographers and tourists with its
rare birds and beasts, glaciers, special landscape and rich
resources.