Changji, Xinjiang

The Guardian of the Jade Pool: The Myth and Magic of the Dinghai Shenzhen

📸Photography 🧗Adventure

Altitude

800m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Tianchi · Dinghai Shenzhen (The Needle That Calms the Sea) is not a piece of iron or stone, but a solitary, ancient elm tree standing resolutely on the northern bank of Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) in Fukang City, Xinjiang. Located at an altitude of approximately 1,910 meters, this natural wonder is a defining feature of the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. While elm trees are common in lower plains, it is incredibly rare to find one thriving at such a high altitude, making it a botanical miracle often referred to as a "living fossil" of the region,.

The tree's fame, however, transcends its botanical rarity; it is steeped in the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology. According to legend, the Heavenly Lake was the "Jade Pool" (Yaochi) where the Queen Mother of the West (Xi Wangmu) would hold her celebrated Pan Tao Hui (Peach Banquet). During one such feast, a malevolent Black Dragon emerged from the depths, churning the waters and threatening the immortals. In response, the Queen Mother pulled a jade hairpin from her hair and cast it into the lake. The hairpin pinned the dragon to the depths and transformed into this massive elm tree, forever calming the turbulent waters. Hence, it earned the name "Dinghai Shenzhen" (The Needle That Calms the Sea), symbolizing peace and protection,.

Visually, the tree creates a striking contrast against the azure waters of the lake and the snow-capped majesty of Bogda Peak in the distance. Even during times when the lake's water levels rise, the tree reportedly survives inundation, and during droughts, it remains lush, standing as a sentinel watching over the "Holy Mountain" and "Holy Water." It is considered one of the "Eight Wonders of Tianchi." Visitors standing by the tree can gaze across the shimmering lake to see the reflection of the snowy peaks, creating a harmonious picture of heaven and earth that embodies the spirit of Highland Aesthetics,.

1.Adjacent to the tree lies the West Queen: Mother Ancestral Temple (Xi Wangmu Zumiao), adding a layer of profound cultural significance to the site. This combination of unique ecology, breathtaking landscapes, and deep-rooted mythology makes Dinghai Shenzhen a must-visit spot for those exploring the mysteries of the Silk Road and the legends of the Western Regions. It stands not just as a tree, but as a spiritual anchor connecting the natural world with the realm of immortals,.

✨ Why Visit Tianchi · Dinghai Shenzhen

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The Ancient Elm Tree

Marvel at this botanical wonder, a solitary elm thriving at 1,910 meters, known as the "Needle That Calms the Sea" for its legendary ability to suppress the lake's waves.

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Legend of the Queen Mother

Immerse yourself in the myth where the Queen Mother of the West cast her hairpin to subdue a dragon, transforming it into this guardian tree.

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Panoramic Lake Views

Enjoy one of the best vantage points on the north bank, offering stunning views of the jade-green lake framed by the snowy grandeur of Bogda Peak.

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West Queen Mother Temple

Visit the nearby ancestral temple dedicated to the Queen Mother of the West, a hub of Taoist culture and ancient worship that complements the tree's spiritual aura.

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Photographic Contrast

Capture the unique visual contrast of the gnarled, ancient tree against the pristine blue water and white snow, a favorite composition for photographers.

Location & Nearby

📍 Changji, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 800m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Tianchi · Dinghai Shenzhen Travel Guide

Where is Dinghai Shenzhen located?

It is located on the northern bank of Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) in the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, Fukang City, Xinjiang.

What kind of tree is it? It is an ancient elm tree. Its growth at such a high altitude (1,910 meters) is considered a botanical rarity,.

Why is it called "Dinghai Shenzhen"? The name comes from a legend where the Queen Mother of the West threw her hairpin into the lake to subdue a water monster; the hairpin turned into the tree that "calms the sea" (lake).

When is the best time to visit? The best months are from May to October, with late summer and early autumn offering the most pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.

Is it close to other attractions? Yes, it is very close to the West Queen Mother Ancestral Temple and offers views of the entire lake and Bogda Peak.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Tianchi · Dinghai Shenzhen?

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.