Tianchi Lake: An alpine pearl in NW China

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About 100 kilometers east of Urumqi City in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is a natural alpine lake.

Tianchi Lake literally means "Heavenly Lake" in Chinese. It lies on the north side of the Bogda Peak and has an elevation of around 1,910 meters.

Covering 4.9 square kilometers, the crescent-shaped water area is known for its beauty.

It is a typical continental arid climate, with an average annual temperature of 2.55 degrees Celsius. The lake area's average temperature in July is 15.9 Celsius, while the average temperature in January falls below negative 10 degrees Celsius. Winter snowfall lasts for six to seven months, and the freezing period lasts for five months.

From April to September every year, the water rises, and from September to April the next year, the water level drops. The annual average water temperature is maintained at 7.4 degrees Celsius.

The lake is classified as a highest level scenic area by China National Tourism Administration.

Now let's take a look at this magnificent lake through selected pictures.

Winter view of Tianchi Lake /VCG Photo

Tianchi Lake is surrounded by mountains. /VCG photo

The lake is in the shape of a half moon. /VCG Photo

Beautiful view of the lake. /VCG photo

Tianchi Lake means "Heavenly Lake" in Chinese. /VCG Photo

Tianchi Lake /VCG Photo