Urumqi Glacier No. 1

Historical Overview

1958: Chinese scientists established the first glacial research station here, studying climate change and water resources.

1980s: The glacier became a tourist attraction, with cable cars and trails constructed.

2000s: Declared a protected zone due to rapid retreat (shrank by 22% from 1962–2009).

2013: Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its unique high-altitude ecosystems.

2021: Restricted access imposed to preserve fragile ice; eco-tours now require guided permits.

Structural Layout

The park spans 25 km² and is divided into three zones:

• West Zone (Research & Adventure)

Glacier Observation Station: Interactive exhibits on climate science and glacial retreat.

Ice Crevasse Trail: A 1.5 km guided hike through icy tunnels (helmets/crampons provided).

Meltwater Lake: A turquoise pool fed by glacial runoff, surrounded by wild roses and edelweiss.

• Central Zone (Nature & Scenic)

Alpine Meadow: A 3 km boardwalk through pastures with yaks and Tibetan prayer flags.

Snow Leopard Viewpoint: Remote cameras sometimes capture endangered cats (rare sightings).

Skywalk Bridge: A 200m suspension bridge over a glacial valley (altitude 4,200m).

• East Zone (Cultural & Eco-Leisure)

Tibetan Nomad Camp: Visit yurts, taste yak butter tea, and learn traditional herding.

Herbal Garden: Tibetan medicinal plants like snow lotus and rhodiola.

Sunset Overlook: A 360° viewpoint of the Tianshan peaks and Gobi Desert horizon.

• Supporting Structures

Glacier Shuttle: A 4x4 bus to the base camp (4,080m; oxygen available for altitude sickness).

Research Café: Serves local qima (roasted barley tea) and glacier-themed desserts.

Emergency Shelter: For sudden weather changes (equipped with satellite phones).

Major Attractions

Glacier No. 1: Trek 2 km to touch the ice wall (150m thick in places).

Ice Cave: Explore a 30m-long natural tunnel (seasonal; closes in winter).

Tianshan Peak: Summit hike (5,289m) for advanced climbers (permit required).

Nomad Song Festival: Held in July, featuring traditional throat singing and horse races.

Suggested Itineraries

• Half-Day Glacier Adventure (4–5 hours)

Morning: Glacier Shuttle → Ice Crevasse Trail → Meltwater Lake → Lunch at Research Café (yak burgers).

Afternoon: Skywalk Bridge → Tibetan Nomad Camp → Sunset Overlook.

Highlights: Glacier trekking, alpine meadows, and cultural interactions.

• Full-Day Science & Nature Tour (7–9 hours)

Morning: Glacier Observation Station → Ice Cave → Tianshan Peak Viewpoint.

Afternoon: Herbal Garden Tour → Nomad Camp → Sunset Overlook.

Evening: Stargazing at the research station (telescopes provided).

Highlights: Climate science, herbalism, and night skies.

• Two-Day Summit Expedition

Day 1:

Morning: Base camp hike → Glacier trekking → Altitude acclimatization walk.

Afternoon: Tibetan medicine workshop → Lunch at Nomad Camp (yogurt soup).

Evening: Moonlit glacier photography.

Day 2:

Morning: Summit climb (guided) → Glacier ice sampling.

Afternoon: Research station tour → Astronomy session.

Evening: Campfire at base camp (Tibetan folk dances).

Highlights: Mountaineering, glacial research, and cultural immersion.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via WeChat (search "Urumqi Glacier Park") or Ctrip (7 days in advance).

On-Site: Tickets at the base camp (queues peak 9 AM–12 PM).

• Prices:

Peak Season (June–September): Adults ¥280, Students/Seniors ¥180.

Glacier Shuttle: ¥150 round-trip.

Guided Trek: ¥300 (includes gear).

Off-Season (October–May): 50% discount (glacier access restricted).

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and scientists (with ID).

Transportation

By Car: 2.5-hour drive from Urumqi (rental cars available at the airport).

By Bus: Take the "Glacier Express" from Urumqi South Station (¥50, 3 hours).

By Taxi: ¥400 one-way from Urumqi (negotiate return trip).

Departure: Exit via East Zone to Heavenly Lake (Tianshan) or West Zone to Gobi Desert tours.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–1 PM (tour groups); visit 8–10 AM or 4–6 PM.

Crowds: Weekends and Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day) are packed; weekdays are calmer.

Weather: Summer (June–August) is best for trekking; winter (December–February) for ice art festivals.

• Essentials:

Wear thermal layers and crampons (trails are icy).

Bring sunscreen (UV levels are high at altitude).

Photography allowed (no drones near research zones).

Prohibited Items: Open fires, plastic bottles, and drones.

Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Heavenly Lake (1-hour drive) for Tibetan monasteries or Turpan (3-hour drive) for ancient Silk Road ruins.