Solo Travel in Xinjiang: First Stop - Heavenly Lake of Tianshan

Day one of solo traveling in Xinjiang, and the beauty of Heavenly Lake left me speechless! Who says public transportation can't handle Xinjiang? Here's a detailed guide you must save👇 🚄 Starting from Urumqi: Transportation Guide Accommodation Tip: Staying near the high-speed rail station is super convenient! The railway and bus stations are together. How to get to Heavenly Lake: ✅ Search for "Tianshan Xing Xinjiang Road Transport" on WeChat to book tickets in advance. ✅ Round-trip ticket costs 60 RMB, with departure times at 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM (1.5-hour journey). Board at the high-speed rail passenger station. Return times are 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. ✅ The tour guide on the bus can help purchase tickets (entry ticket + shuttle bus + cable car for 365 RMB; cable car is pricier. Just entry ticket + shuttle bus costs 155 RMB, depending on your preference). ❗️Key Tip: The shuttle bus is a must! A 30-minute drive on winding mountain roads takes you to Heavenly Lake, with lush green forests along the way that are soothing to the eyes🌲. 🏞️ Hiking at Heavenly Lake: From Scenic to Stunning Act One: First Glimpse of the Lake After getting off the bus, walk for 10 minutes and climb a small slope. Suddenly, the emerald-green lake comes into view! The lake surface ripples like green silk blown by the wind, paired with blue skies and white clouds—it's breathtaking📸. Act Two: Perseverance on the Boardwalk Take the cable car to the first viewing platform for a bird's-eye view of Heavenly Lake. It truly looks like a turquoise gem embedded in the mountains! Climbing further up, you'll encounter snow in shaded areas. The boardwalk is long and steep, making you want to give up... I met a fellow exhausted traveler, and we encouraged each other, saying, "The flat path is just ahead"💪. Act Three: The Majestic Summit Reaching the fourth viewing platform, the sight of Bogda Peak is awe-inspiring— The snow-capped mountain punches through the clouds like a giant's fist, with layers of green trees on its slopes. The view is so stunning, it leaves you speechless! (The cable car ticket was totally worth it!) 🌙 Night Adventures in Urumqi: Foodie Street Guide Hetian Second Street: A Barbecue Paradise Grilled buns, red willow kebabs, and lamb skewers are so aromatic, you can't resist stopping! Every restaurant is a safe bet, and grilled lamb liver paired with naan is heavenly🔥. Consulate Lane: Hidden Gems ✅ Fresh milk stalls: Drink freshly squeezed milk right on the spot; the rich flavor lingers. ✅ Aliman Supermarket: Must-buy yogurt cheese! The sweet version is easier to enjoy than the salty one. ✅ Ice cream shop: Only 5 RMB for a big scoop—super cost-effective. Grand Bazaar: A Must-Visit Landmark ❗️The spicy naan shop at the entrance is worth the queue! Crispy crust with spicy filling. ❗️Zhengfei Milk: Pasteurized milk that tastes like childhood memories, and milk candies that are addictive as snacks. ⚠️ Solo Travel Tips Tips: If you join a one-day tour, the playtime might be shorter than taking the bus. If you plan to hike the boardwalk, the time may not be sufficient. Decide based on your ability. Safety Tips: Xinjiang has strict security checks, so always carry your ID. Clothing Advice: Wear a short-sleeve shirt + jacket during the day, and a fleece sweatshirt at the mountain top (there's still snow in June!). Always check the weather—perfect scenery needs good weather! "The world is so big, and Xinjiang's first stop is already a winner!"