The first stop on our journey is the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, which is the main gateway to this heavenly corner. This is where the real adventure of Heavenly Lake begins. The area, rated 4.7 stars by visitors, offers a comprehensive tourist infrastructure that allows visitors to comfortably explore and enjoy the surrounding natural wonders.

Upon arrival at Scenic Area, guests are greeted by professional staff who will help organize their visit. It's worth remembering to bring warm clothing, even on summer days, as the temperature in the mountains can fluctuate considerably. As one tourist noted: 'The scenery is very beautiful, but the temperature fluctuates considerably, so it is advisable to take a thicker jacket with you to keep warm.'

The area offers a variety of activities, including rides on eco-friendly buses that take you deep into the park. The journey is an unforgettable experience in itself, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Upon reaching the main vantage point, tourists can take a 10-minute walk on wooden piers leading to the lake shore.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area is its connection to Chinese mythology. According to legend, it is the place where the Queen Mother of the West - one of the most important deities in the Chinese pantheon - sang, danced and bathed. This mystical aura adds extra charm to the place and makes a visit here not only a natural, but also a cultural adventure.

It is worth noting that the area can be quite crowded, especially during the peak tourist season. One visitor remarked: 'A beautiful place, but I doubt if it's worth spending a whole day on it. I'd say its view is a bit inferior to other great places in Xinjiang.' Still, most tourists agree that the unique atmosphere and unforgettable views fully compensate for any inconvenience of crowds.

The centerpiece of our trip is Tianchi itself, or Heavenly Lake, which impresses with its extraordinary beauty and atmosphere. This alpine lake, located 1,910 meters above sea level, has an area of about 4.9 square kilometers and a shape resembling a calabash. Its crystal clear waters, surrounded by majestic mountains, create a picture that seems to be taken vividly out of a fairy tale.

Tianchi Lake has a rich history and is known by many names, such as 'Yaochi', 'Shenchi', 'Longtan' and 'Ice Pond'. Its depth reaches up to 105 meters in places, making it one of the deepest high-altitude lakes in the region. It is worth noting that the lake's water level fluctuates by 7-9 meters throughout the year, further emphasizing the dynamic nature of this ecosystem.

One of the most popular attractions is a cruise on the lake, which allows you to admire the surrounding peaks from a completely different perspective. As one tourist noted: 'We did the cruise to enjoy the scenic views, get closer to the surrounding mountains and take more photos, definitely worth the time!'

However, it's worth remembering that the experience can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. One visitor shared his autumn observation: 'In October, Tianshan Tianchi is beautiful like a fairyland. In autumn, the climate is cool, but when the cold wind blows from time to time, it is very cold. Growing up in the tropics, I really like the fresh autumn weather.

Tianchi offers not only beautiful views, but also the opportunity to interact with the region's unique flora and fauna. The surrounding forests and meadows are home to many rare species of plants and animals, making this place a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

However, as with many popular tourist attractions, Tianchi can be quite crowded, especially in high season. One tourist noted: 'Tianchi Lake, commonly known as Heavenly Lake, is a hot tourist spot, some say it's the Switzerland of China, but it's very crowded, it's certainly not easy to take a nice photo.' Still, most visitors agree that the charm of the place more than makes up for any inconvenience of crowds.

Our trip to the Tianchi region would not be complete without a visit to the Tianchi National Geopark and the remarkable site known as Dinghai Shenzhen. These two areas offer additional attractions and perspectives that enhance the experience of visiting Heavenly Lake.

Tianchi National Geopark, rated 4.4 stars, is a true paradise for geology and nature lovers. This park offers unique opportunities to observe the rock formations and geological processes that have shaped this fascinating region. Educational trails lead through diverse ecosystems, allowing close encounters with local flora and fauna.

One visitor shared a valuable tip: 'Don't use the last transfer to the lake (cost 10 yen), just take the wooden path through the natural jungle, as it is only 500 meters away.' This advice may be especially useful for those who appreciate a more intimate experience with nature and want to avoid the crowds.

However, it is worth remembering that, like the main Tianchi area, the Geopark can be crowded in high season. One tourist noted: 'I visited during the vacations and there were a lot of people and it was quite noisy (the guides of each group shouted at each other, and group members also shouted at their companions to take pictures).' Nevertheless, most visitors agree that the park's unique educational and natural values are worth the possible inconvenience.

Another fascinating place worth visiting is Dinghai Shenzhen. This place, rated 4.5 stars, offers a unique experience, combining elements of nature and culture. Although there is limited information about the site, it is known to be a tourist attraction that catches the attention of visitors.

One of the few comments on Dinghai Shenzhen mentions that 'Dinghaishenzhen is a tree.' This enigmatic information suggests that it may be a place associated with a unique specimen tree, perhaps of cultural or natural significance. Unfortunately, the lack of more information does not allow for a more detailed description of the site, which adds a certain mystery to the place and may be an added incentive for seekers of undiscovered attractions.

In conclusion, both Tianchi National Geopark and Dinghai Shenzhen are excellent additions to a visit to the Tianchi region. They offer additional perspectives on the beauty and diversity of the area, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique nature of the Tianshan Mountains and the surrounding ecosystem. Whether you're a geology enthusiast, nature lover or simply looking for unforgettable views, these sites are sure to enrich your experience of traveling to Heavenly Lake.