Exploring Tian Chi: A Day of Nature, Culture, and Culinary Adventures

We started our morning at 9:00 am and headed down to the lobby where we enjoyed the hotel breakfast. At 9:30 am we left our hotel to meet our guide Adele. We took a car ride to Tian Chi, then took a shuttle bus to reach the mountain where we would start our hike in nature, along the lake, among the trees. On our walk we observed many different flowers and enjoyed the beautiful landscape with the crystal clear lake. Walking along the wooden pathway we were amused by the traditional Uighur robes that Chinese tourists wore, while dancing along to traditional music. 

We journeyed a bit further to explore the temple of the Queen Mother of the West, where there was a big Yin Yang sign outside. Chinese people travel from across the country to pray here and place down wish tokens asking for money, love, help with their studies and even falling pregnant. 

Outside the temple of Queen Mother of the West

We walked down near rapids to see the view then headed to lunch across the lake by ferry. Papa, mommy and I enjoyed chicken and mushroom udon-like noodles, while Ben and Max ate K.F.C. We enjoyed the food and even learned that you can refill your bowl with noodles as many times as you want. The same applies to rice. Music to my ears.

Our family on the ferry across the lake

We left Tian Chi and then took the bus and car back to the hotel. In the evening the family went to the mall to have dinner. We ate a plater of different assortments of raw meat and veggies to place on a hot plate to cook ourselves. We enjoyed this interactive dinner as a family. Later I went to play football with local Chinese men on the Urumqi olympic football pitch to close out our second day.

Found one person who could speak English