Tangbula Fairy Lake

Natural Alpine Lake in Deep Tangbula Grassland
Tangbula Fairy Lake

Fairy Lake is located deep in the Tangbula Grassland. It is a high mountain lake. Legend has it that fairies once danced here, hence its name. The scenery here is poetic and picturesque. It is a paradise for photography enthusiasts and a good place for tourists to get close to nature and feel the tranquility.

Quick Facts
  • Chinese name: 唐布拉仙女湖 Táng Bù Lā Xiān Nǚ Hú
  • Suggested time: 2 - 3 hours
  • Ticket: Around 10 yuan per person
  • Open hours: 8:00 - 22:30. Note that the opening hours may be adjusted during some special holidays. It's better to check in advance.
  • The best time to visit: All year around
  • Address: In the depth of Tangbula Grassland, Nilka County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. It can be accessed by navigating to "Kuorke Summer Resort", which is the starting point for hiking or horse - riding to the lake.
  • How to get there: There is no direct public transportation. It is recommended to drive by yourself or join a tour group. If driving, start from Nilka County and follow the signs to Tangbula Grassland. Once arriving at the grassland, you can find the starting point for horse - riding or hiking to the lake.

Highlights of Tangbula Fairy Lake

Fairy Lake

Tangbula SceneryTangbula Scenery

Tangbula Fairy Lake is located at an altitude of about 2,500 meters at the foot of Kuorke Snow Mountain. It is still a relatively natural scenic spot that has not been over-developed. Local herdsmen call it "Jiasilekule" (Green Lake) or "Kuorke Lake". The lake here is as clear as a mirror and as green as if washed. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with rare trees such as snow ridge spruces and firs growing around the lake, their reflections visible on the lake surface. In midsummer, colorful wildflowers bloom by the lake, making it look like a fairyland.

Around Fairy Lake grow dense rare trees such as spruces and firs, with tall, straight and graceful forms. The forest is lush and full of vitality. Wandering through it, you can feel the fresh air and the tranquility of nature. You can also see various rare animals and plants, making it an ideal place to get close to and explore nature.

Starry Sky Camp at Fairy Lake

Camp Night ViewCamp Night View

The Starry Sky Camp at Fairy Lake is located beside Tangbula Fairy Lake, offering a panoramic view of the lake from above. There is an independent grassland here to ensure your comfortable experience. Backed by snow-capped mountains and facing the lake, the surrounding forests are home to lovely small animals such as marmots and squirrels. On clear days, you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets and sunrises over Fairy Lake, as well as the stunning starry sky here. Of course, there are also the scenic views along the way while horse-riding. Listening to the rain outside the tent in the middle of the night, huddling warmly with your family inside the tent, you can feel the beauty of the journey.

Educational Value

Fairy Lake, located at an altitude of about 2,400 meters, is a typical alpine lake on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, replenished by glacial meltwater. Its formation is closely related to glacial movement and geological structures. The glacial relics around the lake (such as moraines and U-shaped valleys) are clearly visible, providing intuitive geological evidence for the study of Quaternary glacial activities and helping to understand the role of global climate change in shaping landforms.

Activities to do at Tangbula Fairy Lake

Horseback riding through the area: This is a popular activity for getting to Fairy Lake and exploring the surroundings. Visitors can contact local horse keepers at the Fairy Lake parking lot. During the ride, you can traverse grasslands and forests, and enjoy the views of continuous snow-capped mountains and flower seas.

Camping and stargazing: Camping is available at the Starry Sky Camp by Fairy Lake. With little light pollution, it is an excellent place to observe the Milky Way. You can bring your own tent or choose to stay in yurts by the lake. At night, lie outside the tent or near the yurts, look up at the starry sky, and enjoy a peaceful and beautiful night.

By Mia Li
Web Editor
Do you have a question or are you eager to begin your Chinese cultural journey?
Drop us a line and we'll connect you with the top China expert in no time!
What's your query?*
Contact Details