Heavenly Lake in Tianshan

　　   Renowned as the "Pearl of Tianshan," Heavenly Lake in Tianshan is a natural alpine lake. It sits halfway up the northern section of the eastern Tianshan Mountains, at the foot of Bogda Peak, at an altitude of 1,980 meters. The lake is crescent-shaped, stretching 3,400 meters in length, about 1,500 meters at its widest point, and covering an area of 4.9 square kilometers. Its depth ranges from several meters to 105 meters. The lake water is crystal-clear and as pristine as jade. Surrounded by rolling mountains, lush green grass, and vibrant wildflowers, the area is thickly covered with tall, verdant spruce and fir trees that stretch across the hills, blocking out the sunlight. To the southeast of the lake lies the majestic main peak of Bogda (in Mongolian, "Bogda" means Sacred Mountain or Spirit Mountain), which rises 5,445 meters above sea level. On either side of the main peak are two smaller peaks. Looking up from afar, the three peaks rise abruptly, piercing the clouds like a brush rack. The glaciers and snowcaps on the mountaintops shimmer with silvery light, complementing the sapphire-blue lake water, creating the stunning natural beauty of this high-altitude lake.

　　   Heavenly Lake is a moraine lake. Geologists believe that since the Quaternary period, the global climate has undergone numerous dramatic shifts between cold and warm. Over 200,000 years ago, during the Earth's third cooling period and the arrival of an ice age, the region around Heavenly Lake developed spectacular valley glaciers. Carrying gravel, the glaciers slowly moved down the valleys, intensely grinding and eroding the glacial bed, carving out various glacial landforms. The valley of Heavenly Lake became a massive glacier hollow, and the front edge of the glacier tongue, due to compression and melting, caused meltwater to flow downstream, depositing the carried rocks and boulders to form a terminal moraine ridge across the valley. Later, as the climate warmed and the glaciers retreated, water accumulated here to form the lake. This is the Heavenly Lake we see today. Historical records show that from the Song Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, the lake was known by various names such as Ice Pool, Dragon Pool, Dragon Pond, and Sacred Pool. However, there are few detailed descriptions of the lake’s actual appearance in these records—ancient people rarely had the chance to reach it.

　　   During the feudal era, the first person to actually visit Heavenly Lake and name it was Mingliang, who served as the Urumqi General 200 years ago. In the 48th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1783), he personally led a cavalry unit, climbed Bogda Mountain, discovered the lake, and opened a drainage outlet to channel water downhill for irrigating farmland. In his inscription “Record of the Digging and Channeling of the Water Canal at the Sacred Lake of Tianshan,” he named the lake using the phrase “seeing the divine pool vast and boundless, like a mirror floating in the sky.” It is said that later, some wealthy officials and nobles who worshipped the Sacred Mountain and Lake built eight temples near the lake, including Fushou Temple, Queen Mother Temple, Wuji Observatory, and Zhenren Shrine, for visitors to pray. Unfortunately, these ancient relics have long been destroyed, and the stone tablet of Qing official Mingliang has also been lost. Today, people can only learn about the general history from historical records. In the past, due to the high mountains and treacherous paths, only the brave, determined, and skilled horse riders could venture to explore Heavenly Lake.

　　   After the 1950s, the government specifically allocated funds to build a mountain highway leading directly to the lake and constructed unique pavilions, water features, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities by the lake, opening this famous scenic destination to both domestic and international tourists. In 1982, the State Council listed Heavenly Lake in Tianshan as one of the first batch of National Key Scenic Areas. The lake is 90 kilometers from Urumqi. Travelers taking a morning bus from Urumqi will reach the mountain pass in two hours. The vehicle winds its way up along the mountain road, with cliffs and bizarre rocks on one side and serene forests, winding streams, blooming flowers, and singing birds on the other. When reaching the deep mountains and valleys, a small, round, crystal-clear pool about tens of meters in diameter appears on the right side of the road, with a waterfall several meters high cascading down beside it, sparkling like pearls and splashing like jade. This is commonly known as the "Little Heavenly Lake." Continuing up the mountain and ascending the wide mountain ridge, Heavenly Lake suddenly comes into view. Visitors are always amazed by the magical lake and mountain scenery. Here, one can fully enjoy the gifts of nature. You can hike in groups, trek through dense forests, climb to the summit, and overlook the entire lake; or take a sightseeing boat, ride the waves, and experience the “seaside” vibe of this plateau; you can also sit by the lakeside restaurant, enjoy drinks by the window, admire the distant mountains and nearby waters, and paint or compose poetry to express your admiration. Over the years, this place has inspired many poets and painters. In September 1971, Guo Moruo visited Heavenly Lake and spontaneously wrote this vivid poem:

　　   Recalling my trip to Riga back then,

　　   This place’s scenery surpasses before.

　　   Songs and dances greet guests by the water,

　　   Cloud paper awaits new verses in the sky.

　　   A pool of dark ink fills the inkstone’s base,

　　   Countless trees stand like brushes on the tip.

　　   Even more delightful are the two roe deer this morn,

　　   Adding cheer to the feast with wine flowing like springs.

　　   Today, Heavenly Lake is not only a summer retreat for domestic and international tourists but also an ideal high-altitude ice-skating rink in winter. When the lake freezes, athletes from Xinjiang and other provinces gather here to train and compete under the bright sun and fresh air on the vast ice surface. The surrounding mountains of Heavenly Lake are also a resource-rich “treasure mountain.” There are lush pastures with sturdy livestock, logging sites with rhythmic sawing sounds, and artificially bred deer farms. Snow lotus and snowcocks grow above the snowline, roe deer roam the pine forests, mushrooms grow everywhere, and herbs such as codonopsis, astragalus, and fritillaria thrive. The mountain valleys are home to rare birds and animals, the lake area teems with fish and waterfowl, the mountaintops feature modern glaciers, and the foothills hide minerals such as copper, iron, and mica. The abundant resources and unique natural landscapes of the Heavenly Lake area hold great appeal for biologists, geologists, and geographers keen on field research. Truly, Heavenly Lake is a must-visit destination for those traveling to Xinjiang.

　　   Dragon Pool Moonlight

　　   The Dragon Pool refers to the “West Little Heavenly Lake,” located about 2 kilometers below Heavenly Lake, at an altitude of 1,660 meters, on the western side of the mountain road. Legend says it was the foot-washing basin of the Queen Mother of the West, but it is actually a deep pool formed by groundwater seeping through the thick moraine deposits of the dam and gathering in a lowland where mountain spurs meet. Towering spruces surround the pool, and the mountains are lush and green. When night falls and the moon shines brightly, the shadows of the peaks and trees, along with the blue moon, are reflected in the pool. The still images sink like jade, and the moon’s reflection trembles slightly. A poem praises it: “A pool of azure forms the Dragon Pool, green pines and white snow frame the emerald plate. The golden autumn osmanthus moon sinks to the bottom, as if Chang’e emerges from the Moon Palace.”

　　   Gazing at Snow from the Southern Mountains

　　   Standing on the moraine dam of Heavenly Lake and looking south toward Bogda Snow Mountain, visitors see “distant snow and nearby pines, wildflowers like brocades with green hugging red. The lake and mountain scenery is like an ink painting, blending the views of all four seasons” (Xie Yukang). Witnessing this breathtaking scene feels like entering a fairyland, captivating the soul.

　　   Heaven-Pacifying Divine Needle

　　   Legend has it that there was a water monster in Heavenly Lake that often caused havoc, stirring up waves and flooding nearby residents, leaving them homeless. One year, the Queen Mother of the West held a grand Peach Banquet in Heaven. She invited all the deities except the water monster of Heavenly Lake. Angry, the monster vented its fury, causing turbulent waves and widespread flooding. When the heavenly soldiers reported this to the Queen Mother, she was furious and immediately threw one of her jade hairpins into the water. Instantly, the waves calmed, the water receded, and stones emerged. The jade hairpin turned into a elm tree, which has since grown by the lake, becoming a treasure that calms the waters. This elm tree, transformed from the Queen Mother’s jade hairpin, is known as the “Heaven-Pacifying Divine Needle.”

　　   Viewing Pines on the Western Mountains

　　   The western side of Heavenly Lake has relatively gentle slopes on the shady side, composed of loose moraine and debris flow deposits, offering good water retention and ideal conditions for forest growth. Dense spruce forests here stretch across the peaks, providing ample shade and making it a perfect spot for tourism. The “Western Mountain Pines” are a delight to the eyes and soothe the spirit.

　　   Dawn at Sea Peak

　　   Watching the sunrise at Heavenly Lake in the early morning offers a unique charm compared to watching it at Mount Tai. In the dawn light, the icy peaks of Tianshan, the fir forests, and the colorful lake blend into one, making you feel as if you’re in a fairyland. A poem describes it: “Clouds and mist shroud the towering peaks, the first light of dawn brings fresh scenery. The colorful glow heralds the sunrise, and Bogda Peak smiles upon the magnificent view” (Xie Yukang).

　　   Hanging Pot Waterfall

　　   On the terminal moraine dam northeast of the downstream area of Heavenly Lake, an artificial sluice has been built, and the outflow from the lake forms a waterfall. The waterfall rushes down rugged rocks, a white silk ribbon hanging from the sky, its roar echoing through the valley. At the valley bottom, it crashes into a small azure pool, known as the “East Little Heavenly Lake.” This area is extremely secluded. On the north bank of the East Little Heavenly Lake is a steep cliff, and the outflow forms another waterfall, over 100 meters high, with water cascading like silver and jade. The thunderous sound of the falls, coupled with rainbows dancing in the sunlight, creates the spectacular “Hanging Pot Waterfall.” A poem reads: “Pearls of water hang mid-air, silver chains sway in the mist. The hazy smoke and radiant sun shine bright, while a long rainbow arches over the green peaks.”

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