The Heaven Pool is dotted on the mountainside of the Bogda Peak, the highest peak in the east chain of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang Province. The average sea level elevation there is 1928 meters. Renowned for its cultural value and picturesque lake scene, the Heaven Pool was named as one of the first main scenic spots of China in 1982.
The Heaven Pool scenic region consists of four natural scenic belt and forty attractions, with a total area of 380.69 hectares. And the main attraction, the Heaven Pool, is situated in the Tianchi scenic belt. The surface of the pool has the shape of a half moon. It is 3,400 meters long, and the widest part reaches 1,500 meters. It is surrounded by several elegant hills. In spring and summer, they are covered by verdant grass and colorful flowers. Their comely reflections on the clear water surface, with the setting of the azure sky, make together a breathtaking picture. The Heaven Pool looks just like a pearl within the magnificent Bogda Peak if you look down to it from the air. Since the water in the pool comes from the snow on the Bogda Peak, the temperature of it is relatively lower than its surrounding. Thanks to the cool water and the gentle breeze, it is very comfortable to boat on the lake in hot summer. But remember not to swim in the pool because it is actually quite deep. The deepest part of it reaches amazingly 105 meters.
To the southeast of the Heaven Pool is the towering Bogda Peak. The sea level elevation of it is 5445 meters. The main peak of it is related to two relatively lower peaks to the east and the west. The three peaks look like three sharp pens thrusting into the sky. They are all covered by gorgeous permanent snow. At the foot of them, you can find sparse trees like spruces and pines.
The Heaven Pool scenic region has become one of the most popular summer resorts in China now. Nestling on the mountainside, the glorious lake welcomes a great many visitors every day.
The Heaven Pool Attractions
The Temple of the Mother Queen of the West
The Heaven Pool Story
1. The Legend of the Bogda Peak
It is said that, once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl named Glailis lived in the village where the Bogda Peak is located today. A ruffian in her village was fascinated by her gorgeous appearance, and harassed her every day. He even wanted to force the girl into marrying him. Glailis was so afraid that she turned herself in to a high mountain, which is the main peak of the Bogda Peak today. But the ruffian continued his evil deed; he tried to climb the mountain and kissed the girl’s face. Glailis’ two brothers then turned themselves into 2 peaks in front of the main peak, so that the road to get to the top of the main peak was blocked and the ruffian could not reach the top. However, he figured out another solution— climbing the mountain from the other side of it. When five kind-hearted young men in Glailis’ village heart about this, they were so angry that they decided to protect the girl. So they stopped the ruffian on the mountainside and fought for 49 days. The ruffian was seriously injured in the end. He turned into a wolf and ran away. But the five young men were too tired to go back to the village. They turned themselves into peaks that surround Glailis and her two brothers.
If you visit the Bogda Peak today, you will notice that there are two peaks located closely in front of the main peak. They form the famous view of “the three peaks in the Snowland” together. The three peaks are surrounded by five relatively lower peaks. They are the incarnations of Glailis, her two brothers, and the five young men. The ruffian is still wandering in that area, waiting for an opportunity to harass the girl.
2. Yunu and the Spruce on the Western Hill
The Heaven Pool is known as a residence of the Queen Mother of the West. Rumor has it that, the Queen Mother took baths in the Heaven Pool every day. Because the limpid water in the lake comes from the snow on the Bogda Peak, it is very good for people’s skin. Thanks to the baths, the Queen Mother became slightly prettier every day. A maid of the Queen Mother called Yunu envied her beauty, and desired to bath in the Heaven Pool. One morning, the Queen Mother got up a little late than usual, and Yunu caught that opportunity. She took off her clothes and jumped into the pool. However, her furtive deed was soon discovered by the Queen Mother. She was so afraid that she picked up her clothes and tried to run away. But it was too late. The furious Queen Mother used her power to turn her into a spruce on the Western Hill beside the pool forever.
3. The Three Rocks that Hold up the Sky
It is said that the Heaven Pool used to be the residence of many ghosts and monsters. The water in it was black and the whole pool was shrouded by dark frogs. When the Queen Mother of the West first visited the place, these ghosts and monsters were not aware of her power. They kept on stirring the lake and even broke the sky. The Queen Mother was so angry that she took off one of her shoes and threw it into the Heaven Pool. All the ghosts and monsters were locked in the shoe immediately. She then took them back to the Heavenly Palace. But before she left, she took out one of her hair clasp and broke it into three pieces. Each of the three pieces was turned into a giant rock. Together they held up the collapsed sky, and the earth became peaceful and quite again. The Three Rocks were now on the top of the Denggan Hill beside the Heaven Pool.
Related posts:
