Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
1. Karakul Lake
Known for its stunning turquoise water and dramatic mountain backdrop, Karakul Lake offers a unique opportunity to explore underwater beauty in a high-altitude lake.
- High-Altitude Diving: Diving at over 3600 meters above sea level presents unique challenges due to reduced oxygen levels.
- Cold Water: The lake's cold water requires specialized gear to ensure comfort and safety during dives.
- Unspoiled Wildlife: Encounter unique underwater species native to the region, such as the Karakul trout.
2. Bohan Tarbagatay National Park
With its crystal-clear lakes and rich biodiversity, Bohan Tarbagatay National Park offers diverse snorkeling opportunities.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Explore various ecosystems ranging from freshwater lakes to saltwater lakes.
- Abundant Marine Life: Enounter a variety of fish, water plants, and even the rare Siberian Crane.
- Hiking Opportunities: Combine snorkeling with hiking to explore the park's stunning landscapes.
3. Fuyun County
Fuyun County is known for its hot spring lakes that provide warm water diving experiences.
- Warm Water Diving: Dive in comfort with the county's warm, geothermal heated waters.
- Unique Thermal Phenomena: Observe unique thermal phenomena such as boiling hot springs and steam vents.
- Culture and History: Explore the area's rich history and culture, including ancient Kazakh tombs.
4. Kanas Nature Reserve
Kanas Nature Reserve offers a mix of snorkeling and hiking in its pristine lakes and scenic mountains.
- Pristine Lakes: Explore clear, unpolluted lakes teeming with aquatic life.
- Scenic Mountain Ranges: Hike through dramatic mountain landscapes for stunning views of the reserve.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot rare wildlife such as snow leopards, argali sheep, and various bird species.
5. Haba River
The Haba River offers a unique opportunity to snorkel in a fast-flowing river and explore its rich aquatic life.
- Fast-Flowing River: Navigate the river's strong currents for an exciting snorkeling experience.
- Rich Aquatic Life: Discover various fish species and aquatic plants in the river's clear waters.
- Adventure and Excitement: Experience the thrill of exploring a fast-flowing, untamed river.
6. Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Pool)
Tianchi Lake offers a chance to snorkel in a high-altitude, glacier-fed lake with breathtaking views.
- High-Altitude Diving: Dive at over 3000 meters above sea level, taking in the stunning mountain vistas.
- Glacier-Fed Waters: Explore the unique underwater landscape created by glacial runoff.
- Rare Aquatic Life: Encounter rare species of fish and other aquatic life found only in this region.
7. Napashe Mountain Lake
Napashe Mountain Lake offers a chance to snorkel in a remote, pristine lake surrounded by towering mountains.
- Remote and Pristine: Experience the tranquility of a secluded, untouched lake.
- Mountain Vistas: Take in stunning views of towering mountains surrounding the lake.
- Rare Aquatic Life: Discover unique species of fish and other aquatic life found only in this region.
8. Kul Tagh Mountain
Kul Tagh Mountain offers a chance to snorkel in its glacier-fed lake and explore the surrounding mountains.
- High-Altitude Diving: Dive at over 4600 meters above sea level, taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas.
- Glacier-Fed Waters: Explore the unique underwater landscape created by glacial runoff.
- Rare Aquatic Life: Encounter rare species of fish and other aquatic life found only in this region.
9. Kara-Irtysh River
The Kara-Irtysh River offers a chance to snorkel in a wide, fast-flowing river and explore its rich aquatic life.
- Fast-Flowing River: Navigate the river's strong currents for an exciting snorkeling experience.
- Rich Aquatic Life: Discover various fish species and aquatic plants in the river's clear waters.
- Adventure and Excitement: Experience the thrill of exploring a fast-flowing, untamed river.
10. Tekesu Lake
Tekesu Lake offers a chance to snorkel in a pristine lake surrounded by the stunning Tian Shan Mountains.
- Pristine Lakes: Explore clear, unpolluted lakes teeming with aquatic life.
- Scenic Mountain Ranges: Hike through dramatic mountain landscapes for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot rare wildlife such as snow leopards, argali sheep, and various bird species.
11. Karatau Lake
Karatau Lake offers a chance to snorkel in a high-altitude lake surrounded by striking mountain scenery.
- High-Altitude Diving: Dive at over 3600 meters above sea level, taking in the stunning mountain vistas.
- Clear Waters: Explore the lake's clear waters teeming with fish and other aquatic life.
- Scenic Mountain Ranges: Hike through dramatic mountain landscapes for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
12. Temur Lake
Temur Lake offers a chance to snorkel in a high-altitude lake surrounded by the striking Borohoro Mountains.
- High-Altitude Diving: Dive at over 3700 meters above sea level, taking in the stunning mountain vistas.
- Clear Waters: Explore the lake's clear waters teeming with fish and other aquatic life.
- Scenic Mountain Ranges: Hike through dramatic mountain landscapes for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
13. Karakul River
The Karakul River offers a chance to snorkel in a fast-flowing river and explore its rich aquatic life.
- Fast-Flowing River: Navigate the river's strong currents for an exciting snorkeling experience.
- Rich Aquatic Life: Discover various fish species and aquatic plants in the river's clear waters.
- Adventure and Excitement: Experience the thrill of exploring a fast-flowing, untamed river.
14. Kyzyl Suu Gorge
Kyzyl Suu Gorge offers a chance to snorkel in its pristine lake and explore the stunning gorge.
- Pristine Lakes: Explore clear, unpolluted lakes teeming with aquatic life.
- Stunning Gorge: Hike through the dramatic gorge for breathtaking views of its canyons and waterfalls.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot rare wildlife such as snow leopards, argali sheep, and various bird species.
15. Mumuku Lake
Mumuku Lake offers a chance to snorkel in a high-altitude lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
- High-Altitude Diving: Dive at over 3600 meters above sea level, taking in the stunning mountain vistas.
- Clear Waters: Explore the lake's clear waters teeming with fish and other aquatic life.
- Scenic Mountain Ranges: Hike through dramatic mountain landscapes for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.