Located south of the city of Fukang in Xinjiang, 90 kilometres away from theeast of Urumqi, the Heavenly Lake stands at an elevation of 1,900 metres. It is a world-famous mountain lake.

The Heavenly Lake, a barrier lake, was formed after its river courses were blocked up by mud- rock flow of glaciers in ancient times. Although it encompasses more than 4.9 square kilometres, ninety metre-deep, the lake enjoys a remarkable favour, which other famous mountains and great rivers inland could not enjoy. Legend said that it was the Fairyland Pool that the Queen Mother of the West (a mythological figure, usually described as a beautiful immortal, who dwells at Jaspel Lake in the Kunlun Mountains and in whose huge palace grow the magic peach trees which bear the fruits of immorality once every three thousand years) met King Mu of the Zhou Dynasty and gave a banquet in his honour in those remote days. Another story said that it was a silver mirror of the Queen Mother of the West''s inlaid on her dressing table. All this is farfetched, but it covers the renowned scenicspot-the Heavenly lake, with a more charming and mysterious colouring.

Over the centuries, many celebrities and schklars made trips to the Heavenly Lake with curiosity. Exclaimed with admiration by the unique, charming and wonderful sight, some people felt a strong urge to write poems and some could not help drawing pictures, and others celebrated in song in high spirits. Although mant works written or drawn by the scholars or celebrities reached the height of prefection, they could not surpass the beautiful scenery created by nature.