Ili, Xinjiang

The Emerald Tear of the Tianshan: Horseback Trekking to Tangbula’s Fairy Lake

📸Photography 🏕️Camping 🧗Adventure

Altitude

650m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Tangbula Fairy: Lake, locally known as "Kuoerke Lake" (阔斯勒库勒湖), is a breathtaking alpine lake hidden deep within the Tianshan Mountains of Nileke County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters, this shimmering jewel is the crown of the famous Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery, a scenic corridor renowned for its rolling grasslands, dense spruce forests, and rugged rock formations,.

2.The journey to Fairy: Lake is an adventure in itself. Unlike many accessible roadside attractions, this hidden gem is typically reached by a horseback trek that takes about 40 minutes to an hour from the main road of the Tangbula Grassland,. As you ascend the winding mountain paths, you leave the bustling world behind and enter a realm of pristine wilderness. The scenery transforms from lush river valleys to high-altitude meadows carpeted with wildflowers—golden globeflowers, tulips, and poppies bloom in vibrant profusion during the summer months, creating a "Garden of the Gods" beneath the snowy peaks,.

Upon arrival, the lake reveals itself as a stunning expanse of water that changes color with the shifting light, ranging from deep indigo to brilliant emerald green. It is cradled by the majestic Tianshan snow peaks, including the towering Yi Lian Ha Bi Er Ga Mountain, whose snowy reflection dances on the lake's surface,. The landscape is a masterpiece of "Highland Aesthetics," combining the softness of the grassy slopes with the ruggedness of the glaciers and the tranquility of the water,.

The lake's name is steeped in romantic legend. Local Kazakh folklore tells of a celestial fairy who fell in love with a brave Kazakh shepherd. Forbidden to stay in the mortal world, she transformed into this lake to remain forever by his side, her tears becoming the crystal-clear water and her dress turning into the surrounding fields of flowers,. This story adds a layer of mystical romance to the already enchanting scenery.

For travelers, Fairy Lake offers more than just visual beauty; it is a place to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature. Visitors can camp by the lakeside to witness a dazzling starry sky unpolluted by city lights, or wake up early to see the "golden mountain" effect as the sunrise illuminates the snow peaks,. Whether you are a photographer chasing the perfect reflection or an adventurer seeking the raw beauty of the Silk Road's hinterlands, Tangbula Fairy Lake provides an unforgettable experience of Xinjiang's "Wetland of the Sky",.

✨ Why Visit Tangbula Fairy Lake

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Horseback Adventure

Experience an authentic trek on the back of an Ili horse, ascending through forests and meadows to reach the hidden lake, a signature experience of the Tangbula grasslands.

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Alpine Lake Scenery

Marvel at the lake's changing colors, from jade green to deep blue, set against a dramatic backdrop of snowy Tianshan peaks and dense spruce forests.

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Sea of Wildflowers

Visit in summer (June-July) to see the surrounding high-altitude meadows explode into a colorful carpet of golden globeflowers and wild poppies.

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Romantic Folklore

Discover the touching legend of the fairy and the shepherd that gives the lake its name, adding a layer of cultural depth to the natural beauty.

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Starry Camping

Spend a night by the lake to witness the Milky Way stretching across the clear highland sky, offering a serene escape from the modern world.

Location & Nearby

📍 Ili, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 650m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Tangbula Fairy Lake Travel Guide

is located in the Tangbula Grassland, Nileke County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, on the north side of the Kash River,. How do I get to the lake?

The most common way.

is to hire a horse from local Kazakh herdsmen at the trailhead along the road. The ride takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour. Hiking is also possible but strenuous,. When is the best time to visit?

The best time.

is from June to August for green grass and wildflowers. September offers beautiful golden autumn colors,. Is there an entrance fee?

The lake itself.

is a natural site, but there is usually a fee for the horse rental and guide service provided by local herdsmen. What is the altitude?

The lake sits at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters,.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Tangbula Fairy Lake?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.