Wenxian Tianchi Lake Forest Park in Longnan

🌄 Overview of Wenxian Tianchi (文县天池)

Wenxian Tianchi (文县天池), historically known as Yangtang Tianchi (洋汤天池) and Tianwei Qiu (天魏湫), is located in Tianchi Town, Wenxian County, Longnan City, Gansu Province (甘肃省陇南市文县天池镇). It is a National 4A-level Scenic Area, a National Forest Park, and one of the Four Great Tianchi Lakes in China.

Formed by an ancient earthquake that caused a mountain collapse and blocked the Yangtang River, Wenxian Tianchi is a spectacular high-altitude barrier lake. The lake has a unique gourd-like shape, featuring nine major bends and 108 smaller bays. The deepest point reaches 97 meters, while the lake surface sits at an elevation of 1,728 meters.

Surrounded by mountains, forests, and crystal-clear water, Wenxian Tianchi is often called the “Little Jiuzhai Valley of Longnan (陇上小九寨)”. Located near the border between Gansu and Sichuan, the area is also close to communities of the Baima Tibetan people (白马藏族), offering visitors both natural scenery and unique ethnic culture.

The entrance ticket costs 55 RMB. The sightseeing shuttle bus costs 30 RMB and is required for transportation between the visitor center and the lakeside walkway entrance. Students and seniors aged 60–69 can enjoy half-price tickets, while visitors over 70 years old and children under 1.2 meters can enter free of charge with valid documents.

The lake cruise costs 60 RMB per person and is an optional activity.

During the peak season from May to October, opening hours are 08:00–18:00, with the last admission at 17:00. During the low season from November to March, opening hours are 09:00–17:00.

🌿 Best Times to Visit Wenxian Tianchi

Seasonal Recommendations

June to August is the best summer visiting period. The average temperature is around 20°C, making it an ideal place to escape the summer heat. The lake becomes especially clear and turquoise, while morning mist often floats above the water, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

September to October is a beautiful autumn season. The forests around the lake turn colorful, creating rich layers of scenery. With fewer visitors, this period is excellent for photography.

November to April of the following year brings colder weather. The lake may freeze during winter, creating a quiet and unique landscape suitable for travelers seeking a less crowded experience.

Best Visiting Time

The best time for photography is 07:00–08:00 in the morning, when mist, reflections, and calm water create stunning views.

The sunset period from 16:00–18:00 is also recommended, as golden sunlight reflects across the lake.

A normal visit along the lakeside walkway takes around 2–3 hours. Travelers combining the cruise and Huanglingou Valley exploration should reserve approximately 4–5 hours.

🚗 How to Get to Wenxian Tianchi

By Self-Driving

Navigate to Wenxian Tianchi National Forest Park (文县天池国家森林公园).

The scenic area is about 74 kilometers from Wenxian County town, taking approximately 1.5 hours by car. It is around 2 hours from Wudu District of Longnan (陇南武都).

The final 20 kilometers involve many mountain bends, so drivers should slow down and drive carefully. Paid parking is available at the scenic area.

By Public Transportation

There are two daily buses from Wudu East Bus Station (武都汽车东站) to Tianchi Town. After arrival, visitors need to take another taxi or local vehicle to reach the scenic area.

Because bus schedules are limited and return times are fixed, private chartered vehicles are more convenient.

Recommended Travel Combination

Wenxian Tianchi can be combined with Bikou Ancient Town (碧口古镇) to create a two-day natural and cultural exploration route in southern Longnan.

⭐ Core Attractions and Highlights

💎 Tianchi Main Lake (天池主湖)

The main lake is the soul of Wenxian Tianchi.

This unique gourd-shaped barrier lake changes color depending on weather conditions. On sunny days, the water appears like a blue-green sapphire, while cloudy or rainy days create a peaceful ink-painting atmosphere.

The surrounding mountains, forests, and reflections on the water create one of the most iconic landscapes in Longnan.

🌲 Lakeside Wooden Walkway (环湖木栈道)

The western lakeside walkway stretches approximately 5 kilometers and follows a gentle route along the lake.

Along the way, visitors can see scenic spots including Elephant Trunk Point (象鼻咀), Fairy Stone (仙女石), Lion Peak (狮子峰), and Five-Finger Cave (五指洞).

Walking beside the lake while enjoying changing views of bays, cliffs, and forests is the main sightseeing experience. The route is suitable for families, elderly visitors, and travelers seeking a relaxed nature walk.

📸 Lover’s Peak Viewing Platform (情人峰观景台)

Lover’s Peak is the best panoramic viewpoint in the scenic area.

From here, visitors can capture the complete gourd-shaped lake surrounded by mountains, making it one of the top photography locations at Wenxian Tianchi.

🚢 Lake Cruise Experience (游船环湖体验)

The optional cruise takes approximately 40 minutes for a complete lake tour.

From the water, visitors can enjoy close-up views of lake bays, cliff formations, and mountain landscapes, offering a completely different perspective of this highland lake.

🌿 Huanglingou Valley (黄林沟峡谷)

Huanglingou is a peaceful primitive forest valley away from the main lake area.

The valley features flowing streams, small waterfalls, dense forests, and quiet natural scenery. It is ideal for deeper hiking experiences and requires additional time.

🏯 Tianchi Ancient Temple Site (天池古寺遗址)

Near the lakeside are remains of ancient temple structures.

Local legends about the Yangtang deity have been passed down here, allowing visitors to experience the historical traditions and folk culture of the region.

🏡 Baima Tibetan Culture (白马藏族民俗)

Villages around Wenxian Tianchi are home to the Baima Tibetan people (白马藏族).

Visitors can explore surrounding villages and experience unique Baima Tibetan traditions, costumes, and local customs.

🏨 Accommodation and Local Food

Visitors can choose lakeside guesthouses near the scenic area, especially those seeking sunrise and lake views. During the peak season, advance reservations are recommended.

Travelers can also return to Wenxian County town for more accommodation options.

Local specialties include Baima Tibetan Smoked Meat (白马腊肉), Potato Glutinous Rice Cake (洋芋糍粑), Pickled Vegetable Jiaotuan (酸菜搅团), and Wild Mushroom Soup (山野菌汤).

There are limited shops inside the scenic area, so visitors should bring enough drinking water and snacks before entering the mountains.

⚠️ Travel Tips and Safety Information

The mountain environment has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, visitors should bring a light jacket. Ultraviolet radiation is strong, so sunscreen is necessary. Mountain weather changes quickly, and rain protection is recommended.

Some sections of the lakeside walkway are close to the water and may become slippery. Wear anti-slip shoes. Swimming is strictly prohibited, and visitors should stay away from dangerous lake edges.

The mountain road has many sharp bends. Drivers should pay attention when passing other vehicles. The sightseeing shuttle bus is mandatory because the distance from the entrance to the lake area is relatively long.

For hiking in Huanglingou Valley, travel with companions and stay on established trails. Camping and outdoor cooking are prohibited within the protected area.

Please note the difference between Wenxian Tianchi in Gansu (甘肃文县天池), Tianshan Tianchi in Xinjiang (新疆天山天池), and Changbai Mountain Tianchi in Jilin (吉林长白山天池). These are different destinations and should not be confused when planning travel.