Arxan Tianchi (Heaven Lake)
阿尔山天池
A high crater lake about 1,330 m above sea level, reached by climbing about 500 steps. The lake never overflows or dries up.
Arxan Tianchi is a high volcanic crater lake with a surface about 1,332 m above sea level. Shaped like an oval jade gem, it is surrounded by birch and larch trees. Legend says the lake never overflows or dries up, and whether it contains fish is debated, giving it a mysterious air. From the car park to the lake's edge, you climb about 500 steps, so visitors with mobility issues should take it slowly. After reaching the top, you can walk a stretch of the wooden boardwalk along the lakeshore and then go to the observation deck for a view over the whole lake. In autumn the trees along the shore turn yellow and red, and the reflections in the water make Arxan's most classic postcard view. Summer is cool by the lake but has many mosquitoes, so wear long sleeves. Tianchi is a point within the forest park, and you reach it by taking the shuttle bus with your scenic area ticket.
Opening hours
Open with the forest park
Nearby sights
- Budong River (Unfrozen River)
- Santan Gorge
- Wusulangzi Lake
- Arxan Dichi
- Shitanglin Lava Field
- Arxan National Forest Park
- Luming Lake
- Guibei Rock