The Tianshan Mountains are one of the largest mountain ranges in Central Asia. They begin in the middle of Xinjiang and run to the west, ending in Kazhakhstan. The Tianshan Mountains are 2500 kilometers long and 250 to 300 kilometers wide. The average altitude is 5000 meters but the highest mountain peak reaches 7435 meters above sea level.  Xinjiang's three longest rivers all begin somewhere in this mountain range. These peaks are all snow-covered and lie within China's boundaries. 

Tianshan Mountain

Tianchi Lake was once called the "Precious Jade Pool" and stretches over 3400 meters. Tianchi serves as the dividing line between the Taklamaklan and Zunghar deserts. Tianchi, located 1928 meters above sea level, is located on the eastern edge of the Tianshan mountains near the foot of Bogeda Peak. In 1982, the lake was listed as one of the first sites to receive government protection.  ianshan and Tianchi have beautiful, pristine mountain and water scenery.   The tourist area is over 380 square kilometers and has four mountain sections. The half-moon-shaped Tianchi Lake is full of clear, clean water and its surface takes up 4.9 square kilometers. Luscious, green plots of grass stretch out in all directions and the lake stands out as the "Pearl of Tianshan." The Tianchi Nature Conservation Area is split into 5 sections with each section further subdivided into 8 regions. 

Tianchi Lake

Snow Lotus

The deep waters of Tianchi lap up against the mountains forming a picturesque scene. The summer is the best time to come here as the temperature is just right and the boats go back and forth, blown by a cool breeze, full of the fresh mountain air. The mountains are also full of snow lotuses, also known as Tageyilisi in Uyghur. A perennial related to chrysanthemums, the snow lotuses are also used in herbal medicine and grow on steep cliffs as high as 4000 meters above sea level. At those altitudes, the snow rarely melts, yet the snow lotus thrives. The resilient flower can exist in subzero temperatures and grows in the thin mountain air despite lacking oxygen. Since it is able to live in such climates and has such value as a medicine, the snow lotus is also known as the "king of a hundred flowers."

How to get there:

Buses leave from the gate of Renmin Park in Urumqi between 9am and 9.30am every day and return from Tianchi lake between 4pm and 4.30pm. Travelling time around 2 hrs.

Read the original in Chinese here

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